GURUBEULA LEISURE
Living with nature and giving back to nature
Morawaka, on the foot hill of ‘Morawak Kanda' and by the waters of Nilwala Ganga in the Northern tip of the Southern Province, is one of the promising tourism destinations in the Matara District. Gurubeula Estate in Nayamulla, an ancient remote village, just 3 kilometres off Morawaka along the Deniyaya road, is the pioneering hub for ‘agro–tourism' in the district. Adding glamour to this unrevealed calm and quiet place, where the rhythm of typical Sri Lankan village style continues, ‘Gurubeula Leisure' is a blessing in disguise for true nature lovers. Located on the foothill of Morawak Kanda mountain range, which is the border for the magnificent
‘Singharaja Rainforest', Gurubeula Estate is 28 acres of fertile land in the ecological wet zone comprises a natural water swimming pool, century old living bungalow, nurseries of rare species of flora, organic farms, a forest plantation with a range of rainforest trees, tea and rubber plantation and free range animal farms.
With a legacy and history spanning more than a century, the Gurubeula Estate and Bungalow is the real answer to Lanka’s
emerging ‘Agro Tourism’ concept. Gurubeula Estate has seen four generations of proud owners whose gentle and caring touch has carefully maintained the Estate and the Bungalow, while being nurtured by nature. ‘Gurubeula plays a great role in being an example for future generations on living as one with nature. Various species of ferns, other endemic plants, birds, insects, aquatic flora and fauna endemic to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan wet zone can be observed around this area’ said Sathis Abeywickrama, the proprietor of the Gurubeula Estate popularly known as ‘Gurubeula Leisure’ and the grandson of late D.H Abeywickrama. ‘Gurubeula Leisure’ comprises the Estate, old Bungalow and the new wing with all modern facilities. The seven-room Bungalow with ‘meda midula’ at the estate showcases traditional Sri Lankan –Dutch architectural grandeur and values.although the bungalow itself is not open for walk-in visitors, the
‘Gurubeula Leisure…as you wish’ (Sithsuwa Gimanhala),
the modern structure by the main road offers star class accommodation and cuisine mingled with the same nature-centric values of the estate.
Apart from the quaint traditional century old Bungalow, Gurubeula Leisure has two luxury rooms in the new block, built to overlook fertile paddy-fields of the Estate and the Morawak Kanda and a state of the art conference hall for 70 pax.
‘Accommodation at Gurubeula Leisure boasts luxuries to make our guests feel at home with all modern amenities to suit your personal needs. The view from guests’ room overlooks lush paddy-fields and the Morwaka Mountain as the back drop. View would take your worries of everyday mundane life away and replace with a sense of serenity and peace’ assured Sathis.
All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including satellite TV, mini fridge, A/C, hot water, free Wifi and complimentary tea/ coffee making facilities’.
Aware that health starts from the inside,
‘Gurubeula Leisure’ prepares its cuisine with care. Guests can sample delicious fruit juices and oven fresh bakery items at the juice and snack bar, or enjoy a meal made of garden-fresh organic vegetables from the property’s farm. ‘Guests can enjoy a wide variety of dishes from our menu of Sri Lankan and International cuisine free of artificial preservatives and flavour enhancing agents. At ‘Gurubeula
Lesisure ..as You Wish’, only the freshest ingredients from local organic farmed sources are used. Animal sourced food products are all sourced from free range farms utilising humane animal husbandry within them’ said Krishan Madushanka,
Manager Gurubeula Leisure. ‘In keeping with its authenticity, celebration of culture and immersion in the island’s southern heritage, visitors can experience authentic Sri Lankan meals’ added Krishan. ‘The star quality rooms at ‘Sithsuwa Gimanhala’ are ideal for explorers, travellers and tourists who just want a taste of Southern comfort and hospitality.
We also welcome authors, researchers and other long stay visitors who just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city’ added Sathis.
The Abeywickrama family has always lived as one with nature and fostered qualities that empowered sustainable living and agriculture. While five acres of the estate is cultivated, the rest is cultivated forest land and organic farm boasting over 3500 wood trees such as Ebony, Kumbuk, Nandun, Mahogany, Satinwood etc.
‘‘Giving back to nature’ is our motto. Over a period of 20 years, we have planted a wide variety of timber and forest trees where other estates have simply given the land over for plantations.
This is vital for us as it goes hand in hand with our work ethic: Living as one with nature. This planted forest has provided a bio-dome for wetland birds and a wide variety of other fauna which call Gurubeula Estate their home’ said Padmalal, the General Manger with 25 years of experience in forestry, farming and animal husbandry at Gurubeula.
Gurubeula Estate employs over 75 individuals in their staff who live within the area. Their CSR projects provide scholarships for children within the village so that they gain access to better education.
‘Gurubeula Estate is open for field visits and tours for school children and university students so that they can learn the art of living as one with nature. All are welcome to contact Gurubeula
Estate to get information regarding sustainable organic farming and animal husbandry’ added
GM Lal. Gurubeula Estate can be booked for ‘Green Tours’ where interested groups can witness biological diversity and sustainable farming techniques that go hand in hand with nature. Apart from the ‘Gurubeula Estate
Experience’, guests can explore Morawak Kanda, Singharaja forest, Gonagala, sliding rock in Nilwala Ganga in Deniyaya (Patana). Getabaruwa Temple tour, visit to Maduwanwala Walawwa, Duli Ella, Hathmale Ella, Brahmana Ella are some of the popular excursions.
Gurubeula Estate and Bungalow is the real answer to Lanka's emerging 'Agro Tourism' concept. It plays a great role in being an example for future generations on living as one with nature
The rates at the Gurubeula range from Rs. 7500/- (BBD) plus Rs 2500/- per person with conference facilities. Estate tours cost Rs 1000/per person.
For more details call 0777587541, 0772642641, 0777362698, 0412 282297 or log onto www.gurubeula.lk