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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
 "Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver
 "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
 "2nd to 15th November 2016 Dear Cyril, Thank you for arranging our first visit to your beautiful country. We had a very enjoyable, comfortable, safe, interesting and memorable holiday. All the accommodations you provided were very clean and comfortable and we will always remember the welcome, we felt when the smiling staff cheerfully looked after us and our every need. The itinerary you arranged was just right for us and made even better with the care you took whilst driving your very c..." Satwant and Doug from Australia
 "11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK
 "We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia
 "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
 "(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
 " Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
 "We highly appreciated Cyril as our chauffeur guide. We can easily speak with him about any subject. We learnt a lot about Sri Lanka' s culture, history and way of life. He arrange everything we asked. In the airport on arrval his welcome is marvelous. His English language is superb and very clear. His knowledge and expanation about the sites are unique. More than the all he is very friendly and punctual. We will recommend him all the people who willing to come to Sri Lanka." COMBE MARTIAL AND WILD EMMANUEL FROM FRANCE
 "Dear Cyril, Thank you very much for wonderful holiday. Your attention to detail and care of your clients is extraordinary. We certainly hope to cross paths again and we will recommonding you to all of our friends and to family too. Many thanks again. Paul nad Machelle Brisbane, Australia. Visited during 10/10/2012 - 26/10/2012" Mr. Paul and Mrs. Machelle from Australia