The Hide @ Kalametiya
If you are searching for seclusion, then The Hide@ Kalametiya certainly lives up to its name. Located in a small village midway between Tangalle and Hambantota, The Hide is a haven of relaxation situated on the fringe of one of the island's most ecologically diverse bird sanctuaries, Kalametiya. Aside from being hidden from the world. The Hide - a 90-year-old carefully restored rural villa - also lives up to its name in another respect by being a great base for bird watching.
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| Source: http://www.srilankanexpeditions.com/accommodation.php?id=75 |
in which the village stands was so ecologically rich stretching 37km from Madula inTangalle along the coastline to Wanduruppa in Ambalantota, the RUK area is made up of brackish lakes and lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, a prehistoric site and scrubland that provide- vital habitats to a great variety of wildlife. As the villagers within this area are most engaged in farming, fishing and tourism, this socially as well as ecologically important.
With all this on its doorstep, The Hide offers visitor a more meaningful travel experience. The Hide was set up after three years of research with the express aim of generating money to support local community projects for example sustainable community owned tourist businesses schools and health care facilities a blind elder’s home and other developmental activities In the RUK area. It is a social enterprise in which profits received from its tourism venture support the local community, Staff are local villagers and though they speak varied amounts of English, their t enthusiasm and warmth Pf welcome will make up for any misunderstandings of language. The Hide wishes for visitors to experience a place, a people, their lifestyle nature and events. You can visit any of the beneficiaries of this social program on your stay.
The Hide sleeps a maximum of six adults and two children in its three suites, two of which Chamara (Ambiance) and Monara (Peacock) - both doubles - are reached from the Hall, while the third Pawana (Wind) - a twin - is located off the meda midula alindaya (back verandah). Each of the air-conditioned suites is characteristically unique and hardly suffers from their proximity to the road. All are clean and spacious with high ceilings and cool concrete floors while equally large attached bathrooms have solar-powered hot water with standing showers and bathtubs. The beds are cosy and plenty of antique furniture provided -including a writing desk, chairs, and a pettagama, a traditional decorated wooden box to safeguard valuables. I was very impressed with the effort that went into the little touches in the room - candles, matches, torch a bell for attention - as well as the 47-page booklet telling you all about the project, its initiation and the caring individuals behind this social entrepreneurship program. It also details much about the RUK area and, as you would expect, lots of information on Kalametiya Sanctuary itself.
The Hide does not operate any tours of their own; rather they support the work of community stakeholders who have the facilities and training. For trips in; the local area - such as to Kalametiya - they recommend that you go with RUKDiya Eco Stop a small community ecotourism venture a short drive away that has trained local guides and well-researched tours, Cookery lessons and overnight stays in the Kalametiya Campsite at the edge of the sanctuary are also promoted by The Hide as further beneficiaries of this social enterprise initiative. All details are given in brochures In the Hall/Library area where other useful information can be found.
Although the meda midula (front verandah) faces onto a grassy lawn overseen by various trees and bushes offering medicinal value, the back verandah, is the main place to relax and unwind U-shaped, the building converges on a lily-strewn pond popular with frogs, dragonflies and insects, whose sounds are especially harmonious at night while the rest of the garden stretches out towards the swimming pool at the far end.
To one side of the building is a vegetable cultivation plot - brimming with chillie plants, bandakka or lady's fingers, curry leaves and ginger. Although the garden is small, it’s landscaping makes up for that. Between the courtyard pond and the swimming pool is a contemplative, hut with a double-sided antique chair, ideal for meditation, relaxation and even early morning yoga. Winding up, over and above .this little structure and into the palm trees above are lush passion fruit vines, displaying vivid spherical fruits that shine in the sun. All fruit-juices you receive on arrival - and during your stay- are incredibly fresh. Produce is bought from local farmers and vendors in the RUK area.