Jayawardane’s BUNGALOW in Mandaram Nuwara
Mandaram Nuwara', ‘Elamulla', ‘Kabaragala' are not very known names in the travel journeys through Nuwara Eliya Hills. Manadaram Nuwara is an isolated, mysteriously beautiful hamlet located in the foothills of Piduruthalagala on the North-western slope of the Piduruthalagala Mountain range in Nuwara Eliya District. As its name reveals, ‘Mandaram Nuwara', the gloomiest corner in Sri Lanka covered by tallest mountain ranges and the forest shadows for 24 x 365, is probably one of the best locations for adventurous travels. Bordering the Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve, this beautiful tiny farming village is bounded on the west by Piduruthalagala and on the east by the Balagolla mountain ranges. Due to its geographical position, it is a unique place that has never seen the very first rays of the sun or the last rays because of its mountain-locked location.
The basin-like place seems to be wrapped up in clouds and can be reached via Kandy from the road leading to Walapane, passing Rikillagaskada, turning right just before the town of Padiyapelalla or can be reachable from Nuwara Eliya via Kandapola, Alakolawewa and Mathurata. The road in the hilly territory turns and coils its way to this enchanting destination treating visitors’ eyes along the way.
On the way to Mandaram Nuwara travellers can see a fairly small waterfall which is the second drop of the much larger ‘Athinni Vatuna Ella’, situated within the village. The ‘Kolapathana Ella’ and ‘Kabaragala Ella’ are two of the newly found excursions and trekking paradise for all adventure lovers.
Accommodation seems to be the biggest problem for travellers, yet few home stays are available, apart from the recently opened old factory turned a resort. ‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow and Farm’ operated close to the Kabaragala Ella is the popular choice for travellers to the Mandaram Nuwara.
‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow and Farm’ is situated in a serene setting of the middle of large organic farmlands in Mandaram Nuwara with a picturesque Piduruthalagala mountain range as back drop. ‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow retreat is one of the most scenic properties, located in the village probably the most unexplored destination Sri Lanka could offer.
‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow’, which was opened just seven months ago in April, 2019 after the extensive renovation, offers three luxury rooms, overlooking the splendour of its own farm and waterfall and the virgin forest surrounded by the village.
‘This is my ancestral heritage bungalow, which is well over 50 years old and it has been refurbished and transformed into a modern luxury home-stay, now available to indulge Lanka’s latest unspoilt location. We are the best home-stay in Mandaram Nuwara’ said Krish Jayawadane, the proprietor of the Bungalow.
The property is an authentic Sri Lankan structured traditional house with three accommodation units with double bunker beds each, offering comfortable stay for eight pax.
Fixed with traditional German beer garden wooden furniture in the back yard, ‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow’ offers an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast in a beautiful setting of the garden with a view that spans over the mountain range to create a unique tranquillity.
The caretaker -Chef Saman Priyantha offers a range of Sri Lankan cuisine to its visitors. He is capable of preparing authentic dishes from this ancient village and any Western and Continental delicacies according to guest’s choice.
Especially, the retreat is an unmatchable hideout from the rest of the world for a total relaxation and yet with the basic luxuries one could possibly expect from a small homer-stay unit.
‘The visitors can now experience an unforgettable holiday by participating in various activities apart from absolute relaxing. We have two waterfalls, close by and a natural pond for total private bathing. A three to two hour trek across the estate to Habaragala Forest is a unique hike’ Krish explained.
‘Like other hotels and resorts, we do not have any set times for meals. Breakfast, lunch or dinner at guests owns time and our man Saman is ready with guest’s time frame. It is lazy living at ‘Jayawardane’s Bungalow and Farm’ Krish added.
Apart from Water fall tour, private bathing, hiking and trekking excursions, bird watching and jungle safaris can be arrange on request. Wild boar, leopards, wild frogs, braking deer and varieties of birds can be encountered at this unrefined nature.
Camping at the edge of the forest is a real adventure. Mandaram Nuwara village extend up to some elevation on the mountains from the valley.
‘Travellers are allowed to climb all the way up to the boarder of the village high up in Piduruthalagala range and we help to set up their camp site in this heavenly place. It is close to the ‘Kolapathana Ella’ at one of the far ends of the village’ Krish said.
Due to its geographical position, Mandaram Nuwara is a unique place that has never seen the very first rays of the sun or the last rays because of its mountain locked location
For more details call 0772262000, 070227200 or log onto facebook.com/jayawardane’s Bungalow and Farm