‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ An oasis in the jungle

Man-made jungle at the Resort

Weerawila is a popular attraction, largely due to the stunning Weerawila Lake. This magnificent lake lies along the A2 highway, commonly known as Galle Road—well beyond not just Galle, but also Hambantota.

Weerawila Lake serves as a central point for several hotels and resorts and is conveniently located near Debarawewa town and Tissamaharama. In addition to the lake itself, nearby attractions include the popular Weerawila bird sanctuary and well-known wildlife parks such as Bundala and Lunugamwehera.

One of the notable accommodations in the area is Lavish Eco Jungle, a jungle-based resort situated just 100 metres from the breathtaking Weerawila Lake. This hotel features a thoughtfully planned man-made forest, home to a variety of trees, fruit plants, hardwood species and even a small lake. It is located in a tranquil village. 

Spanning four and a half acres of jungle and nestled close to the vast, seemingly endless waters of the lake, Lavish Eco Jungle lives up to its name—a genuine jungle resort immersed in untamed nature.

‘This eco-friendly Lavish Eco Jungle resort is one of the favourites among wildlife enthusiasts, who find its wild, natural atmosphere the perfect escape to unwind after a hectic day in Colombo and enjoy the tranquility’ said Nandana Jayawardena, proprietor of the resort.

Nandana and wife Lakmali

A planter-turned-hotelier, Nandana launched this jungle venture in 2016. It was some years ago that he envisioned turning his family property in the Deep South into a thriving man-made forest. Drawing on his experience as a tea planter, Nandana—together with his supportive wife Lakmali, began cultivating and nurturing a wide variety of plants and tree species.

Apart from its cuisine and natural beauty, Lavish Eco Jungle serves as an ideal base for excursions to several popular nearby attractions. These include Bundala National Park, Yala National Park, Palutupana Salterns, Kataragama/Kirivehera, Sithulpawwa, Kalametiya, and Uda Walawe.  Boat trips and fishing tours on the Weerawila Lake are popular excursions with travellers

The result is Lavish Eco Jungle, a lush sanctuary where accommodation is nestled beneath a dense canopy of green, naturally cooling the circuit bungalow and cabanas, even during the hottest parts of the day.

Lavish Eco Jungle boasts a sustainably built circuit bungalow and a cozy cabana, both designed with eco-conscious principles in mind. The circuit bungalow features three well-appointed rooms that can accommodate up to eight guests. These include two triple rooms and one double room, each with a spacious attached bathroom equipped with modern luxury amenities.

The bungalow also includes a comfortable living room, a dining area, and an open verandah, offering a perfect setting to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. A spacious, high-roofed cabana, nestled in a quiet corner of the jungle, is also available and can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. It features an attached bathroom, open verandah, television, fans, and an AC cooler for added comfort.

The rooms are very comfortable and clean. As this is an eco-friendly resort situated close to nature, ‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ is a paradise for birds and even a few wild animals, often seen right at your doorstep. Guests can spot wildlife and birds near their rooms and in the garden areas’ said Nandana.

‘At our resort, guests can also enjoy a virtual green farm tour of our organic home garden’ he added. ‘We provide fresh organic vegetables and fruits, not only from our own garden but also by purchasing from local village farmers, whom we encourage to adopt organic farming practices. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also enhances the economic well-being of the village community’.

Restaurant

Nandana further explained that Lavish Eco Jungle is committed to sustainable energy use, water-saving methods, and maintaining a low impact on the environment and local culture, in line with the resort’s eco-conscious philosophy. The main dining area was carefully constructed without cutting down or damaging any of the surrounding trees. A rare jungle tree stands proudly in the centre of the restaurant, adding a refreshing touch of greenery to the dining experience.

Lavish Eco Jungle offers authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, with a special focus on traditional Southern preperations. The handcrafted menus present guests with a carefully curated selection of harmoniously blended local flavours—ranging from traditional Sri Lankan fare and rare native recipes to international fine dining, all infused with a distinctive Sri Lankan touch. ‘The large garden by the lake, complete with campfire and barbecue facilities, is available for guests with prior notice’ he added.

Apart from its cuisine and natural beauty, Lavish Eco Jungle serves as an ideal base for excursions to several popular nearby attractions. These include Bundala National Park, Yala National Park, Palutupana Salterns, Kataragama/Kirivehera, Sithulpawwa, Kalametiya, and Uda Walawe.  Boat trips and fishing tours on the  Weerawila Lake are popular excursions with travellers. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site and nearby activities such as cycling, village tours and hiking.

The resort is also conveniently close to the Ridiyagama Safari Park and the Bird Research Centre (Bird Island) in Hambantota.

For more details log onto www.lavishecojungle.lk

Pix by courtesy Lavish Eco Jungle

Room rates at Lavish Eco Jungle range from Rs 13500/- A/c double Roomto Rs 11500/- non A/c (FBD). Family rooms FBD Rs 20,000/- to  Rs 21,000/-