ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Wijeratne

A Sri Lankan couple who spent over 20 years in the UK have returned to their homeland and built a holiday cottage for eco-friendly wildlife enthusiasts which is set to rival big-name hoteliers in south-east Sri Lanka.

Designed and built by Mr and Mrs Wijeratne from Colombo, Mayasha is a retreat near Rhuna (Yala) National Park which will attract safari lovers who want to remain a short distance from nature, but also close to a townƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s amenities.

Mayasha is set in open scrubland, with Tissamaharama just 10 minutes away and the Yala entrance 20 minutes in the other direction. With a journey time of just under five hours from the countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s capital, Colombo, owners Ananda and Nedra Wijeratne have spent three years preparing the cottage for visitors who ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-enjoy nature at its most peacefulƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-We initially built it as our second home; a retreat for both of us to get away from the hustle and bustle of Colombo,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ said Mr Wijeratne. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-However, we soon realised that holidaymakers and residents wanted somewhere different to stay when visiting Yala and so thought of making our home available to them.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-With the Kataragama hills in the distance, several local temples, the Indian Ocean and excellent wildlife all around, it is the ideal location as a base for several days while exploring all around or just spending time in the jungle.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚

The private country cottage can accommodate a maximum of six people, with running water, electricity, fans and a television meaning western life is never far away for those who still want a little luxury.

As well as its close proximity to Yala National Park, Uda Walawe National Park is an hour away; giving guests a further option to consider while on holiday. With discounted jeep transport into the jungle also on offer, Mayasha offers the countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s inhabitants and tourists nature-friendly accommodation at affordable prices while still providing everyday necessities.

Mrs Wijeratne added: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-We moved back to Sri Lanka in 2000 after spending 22 years working in the UK. ItƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s a great feeling to have invested in a second home, but then to share it with others who, like ourselves, love animals, wildlife and quiet surroundings.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚

For further information or to make a reservation, visit http://mayashaholidaycottageyala.yolasite.com/.