Wapi, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

Perched on the banks of the Yodakandiya reservoir, about ten minutes from Tissamaharama town, the Wapi Bungalow offers a quiet retreat surrounded by natural landscapes and open water. The property overlooks the lake and is positioned within easy reach of some of the most celebrated national parks and pilgrimage sites in southern Sri Lanka.

The bungalow is located in the village of Yodakandiya, approximately 3 km from Tissamaharama town. The town itself is accessible via the Colombo–Galle–Hambantota main motorway, and lies 264 km from Colombo. From Tissamaharama, guests turn onto the Kirinda road and travel 3 km to the Yodakandiya junction, then take the Situlpawa road for about 100 metres past the Devananda Maha Viharaya, before turning left and continuing 200 metres to the bungalow.

Accommodation

Wapi Bungalow accommodates up to twelve persons. Three air-conditioned guestrooms on the ground floor sleep six guests, while a sleeping deck on the upper floor provides space for a further six. All three bathrooms are finished in modern designs with hot and cold water, and linen is provided for daily use. Open-air showers offer guests a closer encounter with the surrounding natural environment.

Facilities

A large sitting area faces directly onto the lake, and a spacious garden filled with indigenous trees extends down to the water's edge. An in-house cook is available to prepare meals to guests' preferences, and both a caretaker and drivers' quarters are provided on the property. Within the garden itself, guests can observe birds and butterflies, take leisurely walks along the bund of the tank, or swim in the lake.

Excursions

A wide range of excursions is available within approximately 30 minutes of the bungalow. Nearby highlights include Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, boat rides on Tissa Lake, the Kataragama shrine — locally renowned and visited by devotees throughout the year — the Kirinda Beach and Temple, and the Four Stupas at Tissamaharama itself.

Further afield, guests can explore the Situlpawa Temple, Lunugamvehera National Park, Uda Walawe National Park, and the Maha Ravana Lighthouse. The coastal main road en route to Tissamaharama also passes a succession of beaches where various water sports can be enjoyed.