The traditional clay – wall and thatch roof homes of the dry zone have a character all of their own; the open ’pila’ for socializing and sleeping, the semi – cleared home garden which merges with the scrub land and the jungle beyond. The Back of Beyond Gurugoda is an earthy haven to come back to after a safari at Yala, or a day out exploring the ancient sites of Ruhuna. To lie on the open verandah as the moon rises over the invisible ocean, is to live for a while, the romance of the remote dry zone villages.
The cottage has one secure room which sleeps three, an open verandah with two more beds and an open dining area. A single modern toilet and shower area serves the cottage. In keeping with the feel of Yala and the Back of Beyond philosophy, air conditioning and TV are not available in this rustic cottage. Separate driver’s quarters are available.
Custom prepared Sri Lankan and western meals created by the cooks will be served in the dining area. If you plan to spend the day at Yala, they are more than willing to prepare a picnic meal for you to take with you.
The cottage has the perfect location for a visit to Yala but there are many most sites to explore in this part of the island. The beach is just 5 minuts from the propery and is you are a bird enthusiast, the Bundala National Park is just a 40 minute drive away. The remains of the civilization of Ruhana that goes beyond two thousand years is scattered everywhere. Within easy access are the well-known sites of Kirinda (approx 15 min drive), Sithulpahuwa (45 min drive), Tissamaharamaya (20 minute drive) and Kataragama (approx 45 min drive) as well as the lesser visited ones of Yatala (approx 30 min drive), and Thelulla Dagabas (approx 30 min drive).