Back of Beyond - Pidurangala Sri Lanka

Customer Rating
  • General
    71
    71%
  • Food
    83
    83%
  • Service
    74
    74%
  • Room
    81
    81%
  • Location
    74
    74%
Average Score - 7 Reviews
76.6
76.6%
Ratings based on real traveller reviews in past 2 years
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Back of Beyond - Pidurangala
Bicycle hire   Eco friendly  
Location
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Back of Beyond is a rustic eco-retreat at the foot of the towering Pidurangala rock and is walking distance to the historic Sigiriya rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated on the same gravel road that leads to the Sigirya rock, just beyond the moats of the Sigiriya fortress. The Cultural Triangle sites of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are 1.5 hours away and the historic Dambulla cave temple is just 30 minutes drive. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about four hours.
Introduction
Enter through a small clearing in the jungle thicket and you arrive at the doorstep of Back of Beyond. Surrender yourself to nature and the humbling feeling of living in the surrounds where history dates back to the 5th century AD. This nature retreat is situated on four acres of wilderness inhabited by over 100 species of birds, deer and sambur. The Sri Lankan owners, who are ardent nature lovers, have cleared the bare minimum of the wilderness for purposes of this nature retreat. Two wonderfully designed eco-friendly dwellings provide comfortable accommodation. A/c, phones and TV are not available here by choice. Instead, guests are encouraged to experience simple rural living. Set off on an early morning jungle trek to the Pidurangala rock which has an ancient history linked to that of the Sigirya rock fortress. It is believed that King Kasyapa, who is linked to the legend of Sigirya, built a forest monastery for Buddhist monks in Pidurangala. Ancient ruins still remain at the base of the rock including a 45 ft reclining Buddha statue and several caves.
Photo Gallery
Accommodation
There are two sizeable dwellings -- Wellang and Weera -- each with their own living, dining and sleeping areas. Accommodation is in rooms or separate cottages, designed with an ethnic feel and furnished with single or double beds fitted with mosquito netting. The attached bathrooms have open air h/w showers. All rooms are cooled by overhead fans.

Wellang: This is a spacious dwelling with a living and dining area and three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. One bedroom has a loft and can be used as a family room. Up to six adults and two children can be accommodated here. Wellang is only given out to one party at a time, ensuring complete privacy.

Weera: Weera has a living and dining area and three separate cottages – Shama, Iora & Malkoha. The living area has a loft and library. The three cottages are well designed with attached bathrooms and private verandas that let you experience surrounding nature. Each cottage can accommodate two adults and one has a day bed for an additional person. Weera can be rented per cottage.
Facilities
Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries are served here cooked with fresh vegetables and produce purchased from the village market. A BBQ is organised on some nights. Meals times are flexible. The staff consists of a manager / naturalist, chef and caretaker.
Excursions
Back of Beyond is a birders’ paradise with over 100 species of birds including several endemics. Spotted deer, sambur, and even the occasional wild elephant can be spotted in these jungles, if you’re lucky. Take an early morning jungle trek up Pidurangala rock accompanied by the naturalist. Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a ten minute walk down the road. Built in the 5C AD by king Kasyapa as a fortress-palace, Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. Worthy of being called the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriya astounds many with its staggering ancient engineering on and around the cliff face and sweeping views from the summit. Visit the recently opened Sigiriya archeological museum situated nearby. The Cultural Triangle sites of Dambulla, Ritigala, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are all within 1-2 hours drive. At Minneriya National Park, wild elephant can be seen on the shores of the lake, with herds at their largest in the dryest season in August/September.
Important note on prices : Red Dot prices include all government taxes and service charges. Some properties and websites exclude these charges from their direct quotes, which adds 24-26 per cent to your bill, so please check carefully before booking. Red Dot also guarantees to beat any lower published prices from other agents. Some property owners also request that we do not display our prices online. Please ask us for a quote - and tell us if we do not offer the best value.
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