Next to Cinnamon Lodge 176 kms from Colombo , is its sister hotel Chaaya Village sharing the same sprawling 27 acres of grounds with a stunning frontage to the lake.

Chaaya Village has recently been renovated and the results are delightful as confirmed during a visit of our directors on Friday 27 February 2009.

The outstanding feature of Chaaya Village following its renovation is its unusual and attractive terraced pool, built in a series of shallow terraces with the sun loungers actually in the waters. This is the place to relax after an elephant safari or visit to the ancient ruins of the nearby Ritigala Monastry

Chaaya Village offers standard accommodation in a cluster of 94 cozy air conditioned cottages which seem to have been inspired by the local thatched roof huts.  The paint used is mixed with mud and the result is a façade that is in harmony with nature.

The accommodation that we liked most were the 12 deluxe rooms in air conditioned cottages, linked by a footpath that keeps the lovely lake views in sight. These have full 4 star deluxe luxury of a level found in the Lodge. The rooms are furnished with 4 poster beds, coffee and tea making facilities and flat screen tvs. Remarkable are the open air rain showers in the en-suite bathrooms.

The Kingfisher Lodge is set in a secluded location a few feet away from the lake, this exclusive suite is built several feet above ground level offering an amazing up close and personal view of the glistening waters. It is designed at a height to accommodate the water from the lake that reaches the steps of the private veranda when the lake swells up in the rainy season. A favorite choice of honeymooners, the Kingfisher Lodge offers ultimate comfort in simple understated style.

The public facilities including the terraced pool and the lounge and dining area all front onto the lake. They offer delightful sunsets on the lake.