Sri Lanka Hotel Guide

Sri Lanka’s Contributions to the World Heritage 1

Perseverance of Theravada Buddhism
“From its inception, the Tipitaka, the universal and sacred scriptures of the Buddhasasana [Sinhala: Buddhist doctrine], and Pali, its sublime language, enlightened the Asian civilization. It is through the Tipitaka and the bearers of the Tipitaka that both South Asia and Southeast Asia learned to read and write, found peace and prosperity, and developed cultural and friendly ties among civilized countries of the world.”
Don Percy Mahendra Rajapakse aka Prince Diyasena, the Hero of Modern Sri Lanka at the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Colombo on March 6, B.E. 2549 (2006)

1st century BC
While the hoards of painted barbarians were still fighting the two legions of Julius Caesar at the beachhead (modern Wilmer) on the coast of Kent (55 BC) of England, Sinhalese of Sri Lanka had already emerged a civilized and highly literate nation.
The epitome of Theravada Buddhism, the Pali canon called Tipitaka (3 books) was committed to writing by 500 Buddhist monks on processed and polished Ola palm leaves in Pali language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language of north Indian origin, related to Old Indo-Aryan Vedic and Sanskrit dialects, at Aluvihara Temple in Matale, close to Kandy during 88 -76 BC, under the patronage of Sinhalese King Vattagamini Abbaya (Valagambahu) [108 BC, 89-76 BC] , the builder of Golden Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
Until then the words of Buddha (6th century BC), the most profound religion ever, had been handed down by means of committing to memory and oral recitations for generations.
5th century AD
The most significant contribution in translation and dissemination of Theravada Buddhism was made by Indian Buddhist scholar named Buddhaghosa (Pali: Voice of Buddha), who arrived in Sri Lanka Holidays Anuradhapura in the 5th century AD. Buddhaghosa settled down to peruse his studies on an enormous volume of commentarial texts that had been assembled and preserved by the monks of the Mahavihara at Sri Lanka HolidaysSacred City of Anuradhapura, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Buddhaghosa, a panel of the murals at Kelaniya Temple, Sri Lanka

While Tripitaka was preserved in Pali language (a literary form of the vernacular which the Buddha used in his discourses), the commentaries elucidating it were produced in Sri Lanka in Sinhala language. Having studied the text in its entirety, the indomitable Buddhist scholar sought permission to synthesize the assembled Sinhalese-language commentaries into an all encompassing, encapsulating single commentary composed in Pali language.
Taken aback with Buddhaghosa’s request, the Sinhalese Buddhist monks at Aluvihara put the Indian scholar to the test: he was assigned the task of elaborating the doctrine regarding two verses of the suttas (discourses). The result was an unparalleled classic: Visuddhimagga (Pali: Path of Purification), a comprehensive manual of Theravada Buddhism that is still read and studied today.
The Sinhalese Buddhist monks at Mahavihara, Anuradhpura, having reviewed the works of Buddhagosha and pleased to no ends, acceded to his request and provided him with the entire mass of their Sinhalese commentaries.

12th century AD
In the 12th century, during the glorious reign of King Parakramabahu the Great, the Sinhalese Buddhist monk Sariputta added his own interpretations imbued with literal accuracy as well as essential meaning to the works of Buddhaghosa enhancing the reputation of Theravada traditions of Sri Lanka throughout Southeast Asia.

20th century AD
2500th anniversary of the final extinction (end of the cycle of birth, death and rebirth-cause and result) of Shakyamuni Gauthama Buddha fell in the Vesak (May) month of the 1956 AD. In commemoration of Buddha Jayanthi, Myanmar rose to the occasion to host the sixth Buddhist Convention (Chatta Sangayana) in Myanmar, to recite the Pali Tripitaka (The Buddhist Canon).
Buddhists all-over the world drew up programs to contribute to the celebrate Buddha Jayanthi. Sri Lanka, the custodian of pure Theravada Buddhism in the world launched the literary project of translating Tripitaka Pali language into Sinhala language. Sri Lanka Holidays provides you the opportunity to visit Aluvihare rock temple, where the Tripitaka was first committed to writing.

Perseverance of an unparalleled Historical Chronicle of Sri Lanka: Mahavamsa
“One of the greatest contributions of the Sinhalese people to the cultural development of South & South East Asia & to world literature is the creation of a historic literature. It is well-known that on the Indian sub continent before the invasion of the Islamic conquerors virtually no historic literature had developed. Sri Lanka tells a different story. In the Dipavamsa & Mahavamsa & in various other Sinhalese texts, we are given an account of the political & cultural history of the island from earliest times until the present time’
(Wilhelm Geiger- His Life & Works, Heinz Bechert, 2nd ed., 69)

The Sinhalese of Sri Lanka are adorned with the unrivaled distinction of being in possession of uninterrupted chronicled history of theirs exceeding monumental 2550 years, which commenced with the arrival of Prince Vijaya from Bengal, East India in 543 BC. No nation in the world, inclusive of India and China, has a historical chronicle comparable to Mahavamsa. The Mahawamsa is written in Pali-the lingua franca of the Theravada Buddhist world at different times in Sri Lanka’s history by a succession of learned and pious Buddhist monks beginning with Mahanama Maha Thera (sixth century AD). Buddhist scholar Mahanama Maha Thera is believed to be an uncle of King Dhathusena, whose flamboyant son Kashaypa (479-497 AD), who reigned in great splendor and aspired to be god king, is credited with the glory of Sri Lanka Holidays Lion Rock Citadel of Sigiriya.
Today, Mahanama seems a man ahead of his time: definitely he must have valued to no ends propagating the cause of fledging Aryan Sinhalese nation to the world. His medium of publicity was the language of Pali: his eye was focused on a wider readership, at least South-East Asia; he opted to make matters easier for would be touring scholars of the caliber of Buddhgohsa who had, first of all, to be proficient in Sinhala language to translate Sinhalese commentaries on the epitome of Theravada Buddhism, the Pali canon called Tipitaka (3 books) into Pali.
The first part of Mahavamsa narrates the era spanning the reign of 54 rulers of Sri Lanka from King Vijaya (543-505 BC) to King Mahasena (273-301 AD). The second part of Mahavamsa named Chulavamsa narrates the era spanning the reign of 111 rulers beginning with King Sirimeghavanna (302-330 AD) to the last King of Lanka Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe (1798-1815 AD).
It is believed Mahanama Maha Thera made use of Dipavamsa, a historical chronicle written a couple of centuries before and Sinhala-Attha-katha-Mahavamsa, composed in Sinhala from various earlier sources, which included Purana-style genealogies & lineages of the Buddhist order. Author of commentaries upon Mahavamsa called Mahavamsa Tika that was written between 1000 AD & 1100 AD is not known. Since Mahavamsa Tika contains information not found in Mahavamsa or Deepavamsa, it is believed that the author of Tika had access to Mahavamsa Attha-katha. From his narrations, it could be deduced that author of commentaries (tika) also supposed Mahavamsa Attha-katha to be known to his readers & accessible to all.

Authenticity of history of Sri Lanka chronicled in Mahavamsa is amply borne out by archaeological, epigraphical and numismatic evidence which corroborates supplements and clarifies the wealth of information recorded in it. The Aryan civilization in Sri Lanka, at least two centuries before the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (Third century BC) and emergence of learned Buddhist monks as historiographers, had already taken to record the dynastic history of the then fledging island nation of the Sinhalese. If such stuff is for the scholars and serious readers of archeology and history, we can make it much easier to the Tourists at Sri Lanka Holidays.

Ruins, renovated and restored monuments, thousands of restored ancient irrigation networks that consists of man-made rainwater reservoirs of epic scale, stupendous Buddhist stupas (dagobas) at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (cultural of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and numerous other cultural sites throughout the island bear tangible and living testimony to the records of Mahavamsa. Visits to Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwan Weli Seya) and The Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudraya) rainwater reservoir of Sri Lanka Holidays alone would give credence to your satisfaction as to the veracity of Mahavamsa.

Construction of The Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudraya) Quote Chulavamsa.
To put away the sufferings of famine from living creatures that most excellent of men hand many tanks and canals made in diverse places. By damming up the Karaganga river by a great barrier between the hills and bringing its mighty flood of waters hither by means of vast canal called the Akasaganga river, the Ruler created that king of reservoirs continually filled with water and known by the name of Parakama Samudra in which there was an island resplendent with a superb royal palace and which was like to a second ocean. He also built the great Parakrama Samudra with a sluice of a hundred cubits, and which was made fast by stone construction.
Unquote Chulamvamsa, being the more recent part of the Mahavamsa. Translated from Pali to English by Dr. Wilhelm Geiger, 1929, London. The hills referred above are Sri Lanka Holidays Central Highlands.

Construction of Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwan Weli Seya) Quote Mahavamsa.
When the resources were thus obtained he commenced the work for the Great Thupa as the Visakha constellation appeared on the full-moon day of the month of Vesakha (April-May). Having got the pillar removed, the ruler of the earth had the site of the thupa there dug to a depth of seven cubits so as to make it firm in various ways. He who knew the advantages and disadvantages, had round stones brought there by warriors and had them broken with hammers; then for the sake of firmness of the site, he had the crushed stones stamped by elephants with feet covered in leather.
The clay at the place where the celestial river descends-being ever drenched-is fine all around there for thirty yojans; on account of its fineness, it is called ‘butter-clay.’ Arahant samaneras brought clay from there. He had clay spread there over the layer of stone. The lord over the clay, rough plaster over it, quartz over that, network of iron over it and, above that, fragrant marumba brought by samaneras from the Himalayas.
Unquote “The great chronicle of Sri Lanka Mahavamsa chapters one to thirty seven. An annotated new translation with prolegomena” by Dr. Ananada W. P. Guruge. 2005, Colombo.

The identification of the most inspiring and stirring appeal to eschew war and violence
Mahavamsa’s comprehensive account resulted in identification of Devanam Piadassi narrated in the edicts and pillar inscriptions of Mauryan Emperor Asoka of India. The identification of great missionaries whose relics were found enshrined in the stupas of Sanchi Sonari of India could never have been made without the information recorded in Mahavamsa on the missions sent out to propagate Buddhism in the reign of Emperor Asoka. Edict attributed to Emperor Asoka are of no mean contribution to the world heritage and the future of the world: the most inspiring and stirring appeal to eschew war and violence ever by a king was made in the Kalinga Edict of Asoka the Great.
In the year 1815, the last king and the island nation was betrayed by king’s own ministers in Kandy led by Pilimathalawwe, to the heinous and hypocritical invader, the British ending the 2357 years of sovereignty of Lanka. The Kandyan nobles disinherited the tradition of the heroic lion-hearted kings of Sri Lanka who repulsed intermittent invasions from Southern India at Anuradahapura and Polonnaruwa of north central plains and then repulsed the Portuguese and Dutch at Sitawake and Kandy for 2357 years.

The modern extension (period: 1815- 1948 AD) at its best is disappointing; at worst is incompetent.
Each chapter of Mahavamsa ends with stating the objective for the compilation of the historical narrative: “for the serene joy and emotion of the pious”. In 2003, Mahawamsa was extended by a few modern historians to include the period from1815 AD to 1948 AD, the year of independence from the British. The modern extension brings about dismay and disappointment at the act of omission and commission contrary to the serene joy and emotion that was intended by the succession of its previous authors.

An acknowledgement
Some of the content above owe much to the narrations by Dr. Ananda P. Guruge:  The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka, Mahavamsa. Chapters one to thirty seven. An Annotated New Translation with Prolegomena. ISBN 955-20-8963-8

Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka
Irrigation in Sri Lanka has been practiced for a period of more than 2500 years. It is believed that our ancestors had acquired the technology of Irrigation from the ancient irrigation systems which existed in Babylonia, Mesopotamia, the Indus valley and China since 4000 BC. The massive irrigation systems built by our ancient kings freed our people from the need for the country to depend on external sources for the purpose of feeding her people. Unfortunately after this illustrious period from 500 BC to 1200 AD, due to invasions, disease and other unknown reasons, the irrigation system in the country went into disuse and the glorious hydraulic civilization collapsed.

A wood carving of the ruined valve pit of ancient Kantalai Reservoir

During the colonial period, British Governors realizing the great potential in the ancient irrigation works, a separate department distinct from the former Public Works Department to handle irrigation works, was established in 1900.

Having restored Minneriya, Kala Wewa, Parakrama Samudra, Nachchcduwa, Kantalai and many other major works inclusive of almost all the important ancient tanks and anicuts during the first 50 years of its existence, the Department undertook the construction of the Gal Oya Project. Even today Gal Oya can be considered as the biggest reservoir  so far constructed by the irrigation Department or any other organization in the country. Its service to the nation during first 50 years to the nation was celebrated last year. The Rajangana Reservoir Project is one of the most successful irrigation projects in the country today. Inginimitiya, Kirundi Oya and Neelabemma are some of the entirely new projects recently undertaken by the Department and successfully completed.

Nachchaduwa ancient reservoir

The irrigation Department played a unique role in planning of the Uda Walawe and Samanala wewa reservoirs and the preparation of the master plan and early implementation of the gigantic Mahaweli development programme. Having realized the social and political changes taking place in the society, the Department shifted its emphasis towards farmer organizations, institutional development and integrated management of irrigation schemes during the latter part of the century.

Parakrama Samudra Sea of Parakrama ancient irrigation reservoir, Polonnaruwa

Today, after enjoying the benefits of the contributions made by the Department over the last 100 years, I have no doubt that it can play a vital role in the area of water resources planning and development in view of the anticipated changes in the global climate and economy in the future.
The efforts and capabilities of the staff of the Irrigation Department can be judged from the nature and quality of this publication. In addition it has to be emphasized that this publication will be a testimony to the great heritage of record keeping, which is an essential feature in the education process of the younger generation. This publication also transfers the vast experience gathered by our engineers and scientists during the 20th century to the 21st century.
15th May, 2000, W. P. Jinadasa, Director General of Irrigation

Above is reproduced herein by kind courtsey of Director General of Irrigation in Sri Lanka. The text is an excerpt off the Forward written by W. P. Jinadasa, Director General of Irrigation in Sri Lanka to the centenary commemoration volume [1900-2000]. ISBN 955-8431-00-1. During your Sri Lanka Holidays do not fail to visit the ancient irrigation reservoirs of Minneriya  at Sri Lanka Holidays close to Polonnaruwa, Kala Wewa close to Dambulla and Parakrama Samudra at  Sri Lanka Holidays Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arhath Mahinda

Sri Lanka Holidays is pleased to commence this glossary with Arhath Mahinda for his epoch-making contribution made to the flourishing Aryan Sinhalese civilization in the kingdom of Lanka [as Sri Lanka was then called], which had made Anuradhapura the capital city.
The recitation of the doctrine of Buddhism by 1000 Buddhist monks at the Third Buddhist Council at Asokarama monastery in Pataliputra [modern-day Patna], called in by the great Mauryan Emperor Asoka or Ashoka [304–232 BC], also known as Ashoka the Great of the Maurya Dynasty, resulted in Thera Moggaliputta Tissa having the non-Theravadan beliefs [Mahasanghika, most probably the forerunner of Mahayana Buddhism] refuted point by point. It was the establishment of Sthaviravada [Sanskrit: the Way of the Elders, today known as Theravada] that adhered closely to the teachings and rules of the Pali Canon.

Following the monumental event, Thera Moggaliputta Tissa, at the behest of the great emperor assigned nine illustrious Buddhist monks to head delegations to neighboring kingdoms for the establishment of the Faith. Arhath Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka was assigned for dissemination of faith in the resplendent island of Lanka.
Arhath Mahinda accompanied by his disciples the Thera Itthiya, Uttiya, Sambala and Bhaddasala, Samanera [yet to be ordained to the Buddhist order] Sumana and laymen Banduka or Bhandu having arrived in Lanka took King Devanampiya Tissa [307-266 BC] on a deer hunt by surprise at Missaka Mountain or Sri Lanka Holidays Mihintale, as called today, located 12km east of Anuradhapura.

Arhath Mahinda meets King Devanampiya Tissa at Mihintale: a wall painting at Kelaniya Royal Temple

“Recluses we are, O great king, disciples of the king of the Dhamma [1]. Out of compassion for you alone have we come here from Jambudipa [2]”
Mahavamsa, Dr. Ananda W. P. Guruge’s translation, 1989, ISBN 955-20-8963-8

Having introduced himself, Arhath Mahinda had King Davanampiyatissa tested with a quiz, most probably the first recorded quiz in the history of the world: the riddle of the Mango tree. Following is the riddle dialogue sans the answers by King Devanampiya Tissa. Print this page, write your answers and visit or at least click Mihintale to check your answers. Don’t cheat.

Arahat Mahinda: “What name does this tree bear, O king?”
King Devanampiya Tissa: “This tree is called a Mango.”
Arhat Mahinda: “Is there yet another Mango besides this?”
King Devanampiya Tissa:
Arhat Mahinda: “And are there yet other trees besides this mango & the other mangoes?”
King Devanampiya Tissa:
Arhat Mahinda: “And are there, besides the other mangoes & those trees which are not mangoes, yet other trees?”
King Devanampiya Tissa:
Arhat Mahinda: “Thou hast a shrewd wit, O ruler of men!”
Arhat Mahinda: “Hast thou kinsfolk, O king?”
King Devanampiya Tissa: “There are many,sir.”
Arhat Mahinda: “And are there also some, O king, who are not kinsfolk of thine?”
King Devanampiya Tissa:
Arhat Mahinda: “Is there yet any one besides the kinsfolk & the others?”
King Devanampiya Tissa:
Arhat Mahinda: “Good! Thou hast a shrewd wit, O ruler of men!”
It was only following the quiz, the first sermon on Buddhism was delivered: a Buddhist discourse called “Chullahaththipadopama Sutta”, the simile of the elephant. At the end of the sermon King Devanpiya Tissa and forty thousand Sinhalese embraced Buddhism.
“Is an arama allowed to the brotherhood, sir?”
“It is allowed.”
Mahavamsa, Dr. Wilhelm Geiger’s translation, 1912, ISBN: 955-8540-83-8

The king having embraced Buddhism donated the Mahameghawanna gardens at Anuradhapura to Arahath Mahinda. Mahavihara monastery at Mahameghawanna gardens become the centre of Theravada Buddhism. In the time to come glorious Anuradhapura became the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. [Click to read on Anuradhapura]

Quote Rajavaliya
Mihindu Thera [3] also caused the right collarbone relic of our Buddha to be brought from the world of Sakra and enshrined it in the Thuparama which had been built for that purpose. Also a quantity of about a bowlful of relics that were in the possession of king Dharmasoska was brought and Dagabas were built at a distance of each gavua [4] including the Tissamahavihara [5]. The king also requested to be brought the Southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi against which Buddha had placed his back from Dambadiva. Thereupon a line was marked round the branch with a golden brush in vermilion. The branch severed itself as if cut with a saw and rising to the sky through supernatural power, arrived in this Sri Lanka. It thus arrived at the place in which the Bodhi trees of the three former Buddhas [6] as well, had been planted. It was received into a golden pot on that spot and the Bodhi was planted. That king Devanampiya Tissa caused drip-ledges to be cut in sixty eight caves around Mihintale rock and in those were settled the great community of monks headed by Thera Mihindu. King Devanipatis [7] made great offerings and acquiring much merit reigned forty years righteously and departed to the world of Devas.
Unquote Rajavaliya [Sinhala: genealogy of kings] translation by A.V. Suraweera ISBN 955-599-210-X

[1] Dhamma (Pali) or Dharma (Sanskrit): the path to supreme enlightenment
[2] Jambudipa : Indian subcontinent
[3] Arhath Mahinda was also known by Mihindu Thera
[4] Gavua: 4 miles
[5] Tissamahavihara is a Buddhist temple
[6] According to the historical narrations, three former Buddhas, i.e. Kakusanda, Konagama, Kasyapa of the current eon known as Mahabadra kalpa had visited to Sri Lanka prior to Gautama Buddha. Each of these Buddha attained supreme enlightenment while meditating in the shelter of trees.
[7] King Devanipatis is another name for King Devanampiya Tissa

Location of Ulagalla Walawwa, Anuradhapura
Ulagalla Walawwa Resort is located in the heart of Sri Lanka Holidays Cultural Triangle at Thirappane (off Dambulla– Anuradhapura road), 23 kilometres south of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura north-central plains of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Holidays Sustainable tourism (Green i.e., eco) credentials of  Ulagalla Walawwa Resort:
The solar farm which provides125KVA, i.e. 50% of their energy requirements when the resort is in full operation. While the hotel is built on already utilized land nearly a 1000 (root balled) trees were planted in the property. The Ulagalla Resort at Anuradhapura has been awarded the LEEDv2009®-NC: SILVER (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This is the first boutique hotel in Sri Lanka to receive the LEED certification, recognizing Ulagalla Resort’s commitment to sustainable development.

Ulagalla Walawwa, Anuradhapura

Setting of Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura
20 luxurious chalets are built on eight rectangular man-made earth mounds (ten feet high and sloped at 45 degrees) so that panoramic views of water bodies and luxuriant woodlands are brought to the tourists over the high embankments surrounding the restored ancient irrigation reservoirs of Ulagalla and Wannanmaduwa. The chalets are accessed by an earthen ramp. The total area of the eco-friendly hotel and its garden spread 52 acres.

Ulagalla Walawwa, Anuradhapura

Architectural concept of Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura
Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, a Sri Lanka Holidays Boutique Hotel is built with a walauwa (Sinhala: manor house) being set up as the central feature. Walauwa is the Sinhalese name given to a feudal or colonial manor house in Sri Lanka built by native headmen as well as the feudal lords of the late medieval era and the Portuguese (1505- 1658), Dutch (1658-1796) and British colonial era ( 1796-1948) of Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka). Ulagalla Walawwa manor house built in the year 1885 is restored and rehabilitated, maintaining most of its original design elements to house the resort’s reception area.

Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura. Road

Privacy and solitude at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort
The chalets of Ulagalla Walawwa Resort are placed across 58 acres of natural woodlands in a such a way as to assure ultimate privacy and solitude assure to all the Sri Lanka Holidays tourists.

Architectural features of Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura

Ulagalla Walawwa, Cultural Triangle

The old mansion house
The enclosing walls of the original closed courtyards of Ulagalla Walawwa have been removed thereby merging the indoor with outdoors. In the absence of the walls, the roofs are held by steel columns camouflaged in wooden casings.

The new chalets
The roofs of chalets are made of welded steel. Once again the steel is encased in hollow wooden beams. From the floor to the ceiling are the glass walls that bring about spectacular views of reservoirs, paddy fields and luxuriant woodlands. The glass walls are protected from heat and rain by the making the eaves, that projects from the roofs, wide and low.

Ulagalla Walawwa Resort’s targeted clientele
The luxury boutique hotels targets high-end exclusive Sri Lanka Holidays tourists.

Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle

Accommodation at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura
All 20 luxurious chalets at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort are set up with a living room area, a bedroom, dressing area, bathroom and individual plunge pool and private terrace The whole 800 sq. ft of chalet is elegantly furnished and state-of –the-art amenities.

Ulagalla Resort, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

In-room Facilities at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura
All Chalets at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort, Anuradhapura are well furnished and equipped with all modern conveniences:
Air-conditioning, overhead fan, electronic safe, IDD, Wi-Fi, minibar, tea/coffee facility, cable TV- 42” LCD, DVD player, music and DVD library, hair dryer, his and her bathrobe and slippers, 24 hour room service, and two bicycles for each chalet to explore the estate.
Baby cots and high chairs, and babysitting service with prior notice.
The butler assigned to each chalet to ensure all the guests are serviced at all times.

Ulagalla Boutique Hotel, Anuradhapura

In-house facilities at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort
Fitness center, business center, indoor games, billiards, souvenir shop, laundry service, and doctor on call
Swimming pool: 30 meter swimming pool by the old mansion house

Wellness at Ulagalla Walawwa
The spa at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort is so well hidden by the wattle walls and lush foliage, so well screened from the world outside, it brings in the feeling of being in underground. A slow flowing waterfall that cascades over the roof of the spa meet the pools below dotted with floating water lilies.
The expert spa therapist at the Ayurvedic spa of the boutique hotel is ready to avail himself for a range of treatments: from simple massage or beauty treatment to a full course of therapeutic treatments.

Ulagalla Walawaa Luxury Resort-

Dining facilities at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort
Ulagalla Walawwa Resort serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and an international a la carte menu. No matter it is haute cuisine, spicy rice and curry or a simple salad, the kitchen of Ulagalla Walawwa Resort prepared all dishes from the vegetables and fruits from the garden and farm to the hotel. Most of the fruits and vegetables are grown in the farm garden of the hotel. The rice served is from the paddy threshed from the own fields of rice cultivation. The rest is from the surrounding farms and gardens.
While there are not fixed timings for main meals, the guest are free to have their meals any hour of the day or night: the kitchen is open round the clock.
Meals are served at in the privacy of your own chalet and on the terrace overlooking the reservoir as well as in Ulagalla’s fine dining restaurant.
Ulagalla resort welcomes children and has special children’s menus.

Ulagalla-Resort- 23km south of Anuradhapura

Recreational facilities at Ulagalla Walawwa Resort
Ulagalla Walawwa Resort has set up a range of recreational facilities:
Ulagalla Walawwa Resort has its own riding stables so that Sri Lanka Holidays tourists may enjoy horse riding in the surrounding.
Archery, kayaking, nature trails and bird watching with the in-house naturalist.

Ulagalla Walawwa, Sri Lanka Holidays

Excursions
Exploring the surroundings Ulagalla Walawwa Resort on horseback.
Go bird watching or kayaking on the Ulagalla reservoir.
Touring UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura, home to vast irrigation reservoirs, colossal stupas, Buddhist temples and restored ruins of ancient buildings
Touring Mihintale, Aukana, Tantirimale, Ritigala and Yapahuwa. All these Sri Lanka Holidays cultural attractions are located in less than one and a half hour’s drive away from Ulagalla Walawwa Resort.
Safari tour Wilpattu National Park which is home to elephants, sloth bear and leopard. Wilpattu National Park is only about one hour’s drive away.

Location
Tissa Wewa Rest House is located at Anuradhapura 206km from Colomboin the north central dry plains of  Sri Lanka.

Tissawewa Rest House, Anuradhapura

Tissawewa Rest House Dry Zone Garden

Setting
Located with grand views of the ancient renovated Tissa Wewa Rainwater Reservoir and ancient renovated Mirisavatiya Dagaba, Tissa Wewa Rest House, a two-storied, tiled-roofed building, a budget Sri Lanka Hotel stands in 11 acres of wooded parkland of north central dry plains (the ancient kingdom of reservoirs) of  Sri Lanka. The waters of the ancient rainwater reservoir fan gentle breeze into Tissa Wewa Rest House to ease the effects of hot and dry climate of Anuradhapura.

Ancient Splendor Vs. Colonial Mediocrity
Tissa Wewa Rest House or The Grand Hotel, as it was known in the British Colonial era at once brings in a bewildering contradiction and contrast: the building is simply another remnant of the British Colonial administration in Ceylon; yet it is located in the ancient Sinhalese Royal Pleasure Gardens of the Anuradhapura, the greatest monastic city (438 BC – 845 AD) of the ancient world.
The British rediscovered the lost city; renovated some of the cultural monuments; rebuilt the some of the ancient rainwater reservoir; and then thrust the mediocre colonial architecture into midst of the stupendous ancient edifices of the ancient city.