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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, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda 08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout
 "We are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel
 "Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my family and it was very nice and I wish to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy -thanks a lot for every thing and I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman
 "Cyril Tours is a very good agency. Because we did use it from 01st of March to 14 March 2013. From the start till end of our emails, he has (Mr.Cyril) given all required details. Also he send us very detailed itinerary with pictures. Actually no need guide after go through it.Cyril Tours is not a big agency. He was a guide in Sri Lanka more than 26 years. Many clients recommend him to their friends and to relatives who want to visit Sri Lanka.They asked from him to travel, that is why he be..." John and Mary from Canada
 "We had a great time on last 10 days in on our honeymoon in beautiful Sri Lanka. Thank you very much for the stories, the explanations, driving, tips, care and always with a smile. Big thanks for you Cyril. We had an amazing honeymoon in this beautiful island! and you are the best guide and friend that we could have here!!! We will sure tell our friends and family about the trip and you!!! We will stay in touch and may be one day meet you again. Oded & Carol Israel 10 Oct 2014" Naim & Coral Fisher from Israel
 "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
 "Excellent tour guide Cyril is a great tour guide and is very knowledgeable. He made our entire trip super comfortable. His vehicles are clean and well maintained. He is also very flexible if changes are needed. Definitely recommend!" Berenice Coelho
 "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
 "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