A retreat in the mountains

Tucked away on a hillside in the Knuckles mountain range, set on five acres of a former tea estate stands the Sir John Bungalow. A holiday retreat offering stupendous views of the beautiful mountain ranges that surround the area, this bungalow in Riverstone was once the holiday home of Sir John Kotalawela, the third and most illustrious Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, hence the name.

A homely five roomed bungalow which can be booked  either by room basis or in its entirety, Sir John’s Bungalow is the ideal base for anyone wanting to explore Knuckles and the neighbouring areas. A preserve of nature, this area is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers or for tourists who wish to simply rest and relax.

The tastefully appointed bungalow still retains much of its rustic charms of yesteryear. Fireplaces, cast iron bathtubs, teak floors and a huge dining table laden with candleabras add immense character to this bungalow. King sized beds, attached bathrooms with hot water are featured in each bedroom. Committed to providing environmentally sustainable hospitality, the bungalow is carbon neutral and harnesses solar energy for electricity and engages in recycling.

The bungalow also has an expert in flora and fauna who is always at hand to share his knowledge with the residents. If you go between June to September there is a good chance you will see elephants from the nearby Wasgamuwa National Park roaming the estate in search of water and food. Nocturnal visits by leopards and fishing cate are not uncommon. Well situated to observe the myriad of birdlife both migratory and endemic to Sri Lanka the location is an ornithologist’s paradise.

The cuisine served at Sir John’s Bungalow is excellent. Eastern and Western cuisine is served to a high standard by a versatile chef. Using fresh herbs from their home garden and locally sourced vegetables, the food served is both healthy and tastes fresh.

Catering to the adventurous, the Bungalow has several trekking tours which includes a trek along a horse riding trail built by the British. A three hour trek through the village of Ranthkinda in the Knuckles Valley which takes you along terraced paddy fields and waterways with a refreshing river bath and picnic thrown in for good measure is also available. For those who fancy more of a challenge there is a four hour hike through lush mountain forest and a 500m climb to the Manigala Mountain range which you can experience a 360 degree panoramic view of the Knuckles mountain range in all its glory.

Sir John’s Bungalow in its unique and picturesque setting offering sweeping views of an area celebrated for its captivating beauty is a place that certainly warrants a visit.

Reservations: 0773936103
Email: [email protected]

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photos By Manoj Rathnayaka