Just relax and take in the scenic beauty

On the banks of the Victoria reservoir a quaint new hotel has taken shape.

Oruthota Chalets caters to nature buffs of all sorts offering scenic location, hikes and nature trails, glorious sunsets across the rippling waters and even tree frogs in the swimming pool.

Situated on part of the Rajawella Estate of yesteryear, it overlooks the Hunnasgiriya and Knuckles mountain ranges.

Just 12 miles from Kandy town, in Digana, Oruthota Chalets even offer guests pick up services from the Kandy railway station.

"We originally set up the chalets to be used as holiday bungalows for staff," Vajira Wijeweera, Managing Director Digana Resorts (Pvt.) Ltd., the owning company of Oruthota Chalets said.

But things took on a different twist when some Thai nationals stayed over at the bungalow and were charmed by its location and unmarred surroundings.

They soon got in touch with the management, with a request to host a conference at this location. The request not only saw a conference room being set up (which can accommodate up to 40 persons), but the hotel also expanded restaurant facilities to accommodate future guests.

Oruthota Chalets now boasts of 12 fully furnished rooms and a swimming pool. The management hopes to add a further eight luxury rooms and tennis court in the near future.

Rooms are decorated with nature in mind using mostly locally available raw materials. Be prepared to see an occasional squirrel or two scampering on the walls.

Early birds are in for a treat. Bird watching is very rewarding here and the best time to engage in it, is the wee hours of the morning. Remember to take your binoculars with you. At day break you can catch a few fishermen ploughing through the water on wooden boats as the mist lifts up with the rising sun.

The hotel grows its own vegetables, and fresh milk, eggs and meat are available from the adjoining farm. Guests can catch the hotel gardener tending his vegetables. He is quite willing to point out and explain each plant and offers helpful advice on growing techniques. There are also a number of cocoa and coffee trees placed around the hotel.

The restaurant situated at a higher elevation, opens up to the garden, the pool and the river. This is ideal for those not too keen on exploring but to just sit, and absorb the scenery.

The hotel is largely patronised by locals, and few foreign guests. However, the management encourages family groups to come and stay over or to simply spend the day.

Since it is situated close to the Pallekale Industrial Park, many investors make Oruthota Chalets their home during a short stay.

The Victoria International Golf Course (which is presently under construction), is situated just half an hour's drive away. "Once the golf course is in operation, we hope to give temporary membership to the golf course to our short-stay guests at the chalet," Mr. Wijeweerasekera said.

The hotel organises day tours to Hunas Falls, Wasgamuwa Sanctuary, Nitre Caves, Knuckles Range, Bambaragala Temple, and Bintenne (Veddha homeland). "Wasgamuwa Sanctuary, Bintenne, Sigirya and Dambulla are just three hours away from the hotel," Resort Manager Ravindra Das said. "We even provide guests with a packed lunch," he said. Guests, who are not too keen on sightseeing tours, can take a trek on little known mountain trails surrounding the hotel. Or simply take a dip in the pool or relax with a juicy book.

"Plans are afoot to acquire land next to the Wasgamuwa Sanctuary. Our guests who visit the sanctuary will be able to use this place as a stop-over to refresh themselves," Managing Director Digana Holiday Resort said. We also hope to add a further 35 rooms in time for the Bradby leg to be played in Pallekale this year, he said.

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