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In rural Sri Lanka, a ‘watch-hut’ is adopted as an elevated refuge for the farmer to protect the cultivation overnight. In retrospect ‘The Ark’ is a contemporary style elevated estate bungalow nestled on a raised terrain of a 40 acre estate in Mathugama, 64km to the south of Colombo and just 95km, 2.45hours drive from the Colombo International Airport., where the rubber plantation stops and the jungle begins. It’s unique and elevated sitting allows a breathtaking view of the estate, the valley below and hills beyond, leaving you in lush green seclusion.
Attractions : Rubber plantations, Paddy Fields, Wilderness
What makes ‘The Ark’ unique is, yes it’s acclaimed elevated modern ‘watch-hut’ design, but that’s not all. The entire facility can be reserved for just one touring party, from a couple of nature-loving persons, to a bigger group of up to 6. When you take refuge at this earthly, yet magical eco haven, it is completely yours, until you leave.
Nature trails, Bird watching, trekking, Rain forest exploration, tea plucking and rubber tapping experience, Photography and filming, Fauna & Flora study.
Bordering the tropical Rainforest ‘Sinharaja’, ‘The Ark’ tempts both adventurers and people looking for a relaxing hide-away in a natural paradise. Our 40 acres of private reserve offer various possibilities to discover the magic of wilderness. Enjoy trekking on our reserve, let your mind, body and soul float on top of the mountains in our infinity pool or simply relax on the wooden terrace of the Ark, and perhaps the endangered
Purple-faced leaf monkey will surprise you with a glimpse.
There are no fixed meal times and the terrace or pool - side is ever ready for al fresco dining. The resident chef prepares indigenous favorites and a refreshingly creative range of fusion and authentic local dishes. You will experience the natural and untainted taste of vegetables and fruits from our own plantations and the neighboring villages.
General Information
The Ark is a rustic outdoors bungalow which has three double rooms with attached bathrooms which can accommodate 6 people. Additional 2 camp beds can be provided if required.
The hotel do not serve alcohol at The Ark, but guests are welcome to bring their own. No corkage will be charged.
The Ark also has a pool, TV, DVD player, I-pod docking station, board games. Mobile 3G connectivity is also available.
Rooms are not air-conditioned, but we have fans and protective nets are available if required.
We do not recommend The Ark as suitable lodging for children below 10 years.
Our rates are on FB basis per night. This will include limited servings of juice/ snacks/ soft drinks/ tea or coffee.
Meals are provided on a set menu basis as follows:-
Breakfast - Sri Lankan or English breakfast
Lunch - Sri Lankan
Dinner - Western
 "Hello, We had 2 weeks exploring Sri Lanka and for most of that time Cyril drove for usto various towns, sites of interest. Cyril wsa a very pleasant chauffeur. Always prompt and greeted us with a smile. He was well informed about the sites we visited and pointed out many interesting historical buildings en-route. We had a great 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and Cyril's plesant and helpful nature contributed to this briliant holiday. Thank Cyril Sara and Steve from Birmingham, England" Sara and Steve
 "Dear Cyril, Yes that's the one that we were calling all the time. Her name is Celia and by now she has a little sister. My dear Cyril, of course we can't forget your companion and we are always telling about you when we are talking about our trip to Sri Lanka. I wish you good luck with your company and I hope that you will have whatever you want. I want to tell also that I was very happy when I learned that you are a grandfather now. Best regards, Chris Greece 26/07/2011" Cristos Pravitas - Greece
 "We had a fantastic holiday in Sri Lanka, thanks Cyril Tours, Our driver, Amiila, was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble for him. The places we visited were really interesting and we saw some lovely scenery.I would definitely recommend your company to other people. Emma - UK 2010 December " Emma Patterson
 "We are an older couple celebrating a lot of years of marriage (and hiking) in Sri Lanka in February this year, for two weeks, and three days in the Maldives. Although we love to drive, we chose to go with a driver-guide, after planning the trip completely independently. (It turned out he might help us in the planning and selection of hotels, we own). The main advantage is reaching the sites, some of which are tired, refreshed after someone else used to bad roads, with bad signage - If you are i..." Sam
 "Thank you so much Cyril for guiding us around your beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time which was made particularly special by your professionalism, enthusiasm and friendliness. We wish you all the best in the future. Warm regards from, Aonghus O'Keefee and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland " Aonghus and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland
 "Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
 "We had an excellent and memorable trip and all credits to Cyril. In-depth knowledge about the places, roads and history and culture. From the airport assistance - Food, accommodation provided and the vehicle was excellent. Very matured and patient, We being on safe hands. Thanks for making it a memorable experience for all of us. " Aubry De Souza and group from Dubai
 "We came for a wedding and then embarked on an amazing holiday. Cyril show us magnificent sights and scenery of Sri Lanka. To do the country just we need to return with more time. Many of the sites we visited just made us want to know more about them, even though Cyril was a fountain of knowledge. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Cyril and his excellent company, and it was so nice to go home a guardian angel looking after us. He is consistently courteous & good humored and now fe..." Andy Powell UK
 "CyrilWe are now back at home after the lovely time with you in Sri Lanka, andvisiting Hong Kong.Thank you for driving for us while we were in Sri Lanka.In particular, we appreciated - your smooth, calm and efficient driving through varied traffic conditions - your calmness when things did not go quite as expected - your being available at all times of day - I'm remembering our late arrival at the airport, and our late departure - your information about all sorts of ..." Cliff Hooker and Jean from Australia
 "We would like to say thank you very much Mr. Cyril for the excellent 7 night tour of Sri Lanka you provided us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and the itinerary you arranged. The four hotels (Earls Regency, Amaya Lake, Heritance Kandalama and the Colombo Hilton) were excellent and thoroughly deserved their 5 stars. Your driving skills was excellent. Also very friendly, calm, helpful, and courteous and always prompts. Sri Lanka is a lovely country and the people were very friendly. ..." Suresh and Prashanth