Water’s Edge ,
Anuradhapura
On the shores of the Tissawewa, set in a large tree-filled garden, is a small elegantly simple bungalow that reflects the serenity of the Great ancient Stupas (Ruwanweli, Jetawanaramaya and Mirisawetiya) that can be seen, day and night, across the water.
To most Sri Lankans a visit to Anuradhapura is a pilgrimage, inspiring but crowded. To visitors to Sri Lanka it’s an ‘ancient city’ with a surfeit of incredible stupas and exquisite stone carvings. But to really experience Anuradhapura is to discover its well hidden tranquil spaces, which led us to return as often as possible for endless exploration and inspiration.
Back of Beyond – Water’s Edge bungalow is one of those well hidden tranquil places. Barely a few minutes’ drive from the famous ancient sites this bungalow was designed and cared for as a family holiday home, and is now open to you with all its serenity and comfort.
“
We had a lovely stay! We enjoyed the great view of the lake and the great food. The staff was excellent! Really kind and they looked very well after us. Thank you very much! ! ”
- Victoria + Mark , Germany , March 2015
Location :
Pothanagama, bordering TissaWewa Lake , Anuradhapura. 3 km to Anuradhapura City
Travelling from Colombo :
Approximately 4 hour drive from Colombo on 210 km of excellent highway, 0.5 km of village road
Accommodation:
3 rooms for a maximum of 8 adults. All rooms have attached toilets with hot water showers. Separate driver’s quarters are available at a nominal rate.
Dining:
Custom prepared Sri Lankan and western meals will be served in the dining area. Tea, coffee and drinking water is provided free of charge. Alcohol will not be provided in our premises but guests have the liberty to bring in their own.
Staff:
Includes cook and house-keeper.
Activities and excursions:
Nature rambles, bird watching in the neighborhood along the Yodha Ela and the Tissawewa lake side. Excursions to Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Wilpattu National Park.
FACILITIES AND SPECIAL NOTES
In brief, we offer :
- 3 bedrooms with attached modern toilets
- Hot and cold water
- Linen, towels, tissue rolls, soap and shampoo
- Mosquito nets
- Fan cooled rooms
- In-house cook and Sri Lankan and western menu options.
- We do not serve alcohol but permit our guests to consume their own at the premises.
- Separate Driver’s quarters available on request, at a nominal fee
We care deeply for our natural and social environment, we try to our best to ‘touch gently’ (see our policy statement), so please bear with us as,
- We do not sell bottled water
- Rooms do not have electric air conditioning
- No TV and other noise generating entertainment
- No swimming pool
(there are plenty of varied activities to fill your stay so we guarantee you will not miss the TV or the pool.)
You are welcome to :
- Request for tea, coffee and safe drinking water
- Use our home library
- Use our Wi-fi in the lobby
ACCOMMODATION
The elegant open plan bungalow has 3 rooms for a maximum of 8 adults. The large rooms are tastefully furnished and have spacious attached toilets with hot water showers. One room leads directly off the dining area and is particularly good for children and elderly visitors. Two rooms are slightly detached from the open lounge and provide maximum privacy for our guests. In keeping with our philosophy of minimizing energy usage all our bedrooms have fans rather than air conditioning.
“
Seeing the stupas framed within the bending, swaying luscious fronds, water waves creating gentle breezes. Cacophony of bulbuls, bee-eaters and the dancing prancing peacocks…. The ultimate definition of peace and tranquility. We must have done many meritorious deeds to share this amazing place with you. Thank you. Thank you and thank you.
P.S Fabulous food and service.
”
- McLean, USA, January 2012
DINING
The dining and living area opens out to the 2 acre park full of indigenous trees, and a small paddy field which we cultivate if the rain gods cooperate! The garden rolls down to the Tissawewa lake overlooking the 3 ancient stupas in one breath taking view –a very rare photo opportunity to take back with you! Too often though, we forget our cameras as we sit on the open verandah and soak the serenity into our mind and body.As the day ends and darkness takes over from light, the three Great Stupas gently remain – glowing in the delicate light that keeps them with us though out the night. For those who rise early, the magic continues…the dawn is milky white as the night’s dew rises from the TissaWewa enveloping the stupas across the great waters. To sit quietly on the steps, watch the dawn breaking and hear the distant echo of temple drums…no words. Only an experience.
“
Thank you for the night we spent here and hospitality! The dinner was EX-CE-LLENT!! We felt like we were in the core of the beautiful nature, thanks to the surroundings and the view. Thanks again.
”
- Laura, Pascol, and Mortien , 3 French adventurers , August 2015
FACILITIES AND SPECIAL NOTES
In brief, we offer :
- 3 bedrooms with attached modern toilets
- Hot and cold water
- Linen, towels, tissue rolls, soap and shampoo
- Mosquito nets
- Fan cooled rooms
- In-house cook and Sri Lankan and western menu options.
- We do not serve alcohol but permit our guests to consume their own at the premises.
- Separate Driver’s quarters available on request, at a nominal fee
We care deeply for our natural and social environment, we try to our best to ‘touch gently’ (see our policy statement), so please bear with us as,
- We do not sell bottled water
- Rooms do not have electric air conditioning
- No TV and other noise generating entertainment
- No swimming pool
(there are plenty of varied activities to fill your stay so we guarantee you will not miss the TV or the pool.)
You are welcome to :
- Request for tea, coffee and safe drinking water
- Use our home library
- Use our Wi-fi in the lobby
A few minutes out of the bungalow gate and along the red earth village road brings you to the bund of the Tissa wewa, one of the great irrigation lakes of the ancient city. The walk along the bund at dawn or dusk with the stupas across the water, birds and village life around, is a treat in itself. Most major sites (Ruwanweliseya, Mirisawetiya, Abhayagiriya, Jetawanaramaya, Thuparama, Isurumuniya, Vessagiriya, etc.) are easily accessible from the Waters Edge bungalow, whereas Mihintale and Tantrimale are around a 30 minute drive from the bungalow.
Strung along the base of the lake bund are the mystic monastic caves of Vessagiriya, Isurumuniya so famous for its ‘lovers’, and magical royal garden of RanmasuUyana. To explore these sites, particularly Vessagiriya and RanmasuUyana at your own pace by foot is an experience not easily forgotten.Move further along the lake and you walk directly into the heart of the “ancient city” with its towering Stupas.
If you are a birder, the Jaya Ganga flowing behind the bungalow offers excellent sightings. Over 80 species of birds have been sighted along the water and the garden of the Bungalow. With over 60 species of trees the compound itself is a haven for birds.
“
Thank you for your very kind hospitality, the excellent food and all the other care you provided us. We loved the tranquility and all the birds. Thank you and take care.
”
- Simon & Marja, Gouda,Holland, December 2013
For day trips out of town, the Bungalow is 45 minutes from ancient Mihintale and the wildlife reserve Wilpattu National Park, and the little visited ruins of Hasthakutchchi. Driving a little further, you reach Tantrimale with its rock carved statues.
