Sri Lanka
Location: Sinharaja Rainforest
Set in a pollution-free, tropical atmosphere in Sri Lanka, Rainforest Edge is located on top of a mountain with panoramic views of the surrounding green vegetation and Sinharaja rain forest on one side. At Rainforest Edge you will find unspoiled nature along with adventures through the Sinharaja tropical rainforest.
The Resort itself is set against the backdrop of the Sinharaja rainforest - a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers as there is an abundance of wildlife, including 48 bird species of which 12 species are endemic. The forest covers approximately 11,187 hectares from east to west . The length of the forest is about 21km and the width from North to South is about 3.7km. It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978, as it is representative of the tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989.
Accommodation
Rainforest Edge is the perfect hideout to enjoy your holiday in the traditional Sri Lankan way, with true Sri Lankan hospitality. You will be a part of the family, not just a guest at Rainforest Edge. Rainforest Edge is the perfect place to enjoy the hospitality of the village folk (who have a lifestyle of self sufficiency), in a natural setting ideal for nature lovers.
Eco Policies
Eco-design – A balance between ancient, traditional techniques and a modern comfort is the charm of the eco-friendly rooms which were built with locally-available materials wherever possible. To keep the harmony with nature, rooms are not equipped with televisions or telephones.
Energy - The energy source at this eco-hotel is a unique combination of solar energy, mains electricity lanterns and lamps with Kerosene. You are given the choice of using the light of the electric bulb or the lantern for reading or else to indulge in solar-heated hot water in the showers. Wood is used for Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations.
Conservation - The impact to the environment is minimized wherever possible and guests are educated on environmental conservation by the resident naturalist.
Ecological sustainability - Fruit and vegetables are grown in perfect harmony with nature without adding any pesticides or chemical manure. The use of plastic and other non-biodegradable items is minimized. All soaps, detergents and shampoos are biodegradable. Black and grey waters are treated appropriately and sewage goes through a three-step drainage process. Waste is disposed of using the appropriate mechanisms - plastic, glass and metal are packed and flown to the city, papers are reused and recycled and biodegradable garbage is composted.
Community – 80% of staff members are local folk from the village and interns are given training opportunities. Rainforest Edge are in the practice enclave tourism where the impact of tourism to and from the society is minimized. However Rainforest Edge does arrange nature and ethno botanical treks for guests so that they can see the village life (no tipping, no vendors are entertained during visits to the village).
Facilities
The main restaurant at this eco-friendly hotel is the ideal place to try out traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy dining in the relaxed setting of the open-air restaurant under a thatched roof with spectacular views over the mountains. In the restaurant, you will enjoy a perfect blend of Sri Lankan traditional ethnic dishes and most of the fruit and vegetables are grown and served to you fresh from the organic gardens inside the resort premises.
‘Ambalama’ (ancient resting place for travellers) is available from 7am to 6pm, to enjoy Sri Lankan snacks, tropical fresh fruits, herbal drinks, tea and coffee.
Mountain bikes are available to borrow from the hotel at no extra fee.
Things To See And Do
In and around Rainforest Edge the following activities are available:-
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Jungle trekking and Jogging
- Camping in a thatched tree-house
- Bird watching
- Nature trails
- Jeep safari to Sinharaja Rainforest and Ethno-botanical walking safaris with a naturalist
- Jeep safari to Uda Walawa National Park
- Guided tours and round tours at your request
Room Description
Your accommodation is well designed to suit your needs with en-suite facilities.
Prices & Booking Policies
Currency: US dollar ($)
Prices and inclusions: A double room costs US$228 (approx £114) per room per night with 2 people sharing. For single occupancy of a room, the rate is US$154 (approx £77) per night. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner which will be traditional Sri Lankan meals prepared from organic food. Tropical fresh fruit and fruit juices, along with snacks, herbal drinks and tea or coffee are also included.
Child prices: Children aged 0-4 go free. Children aged 5-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing fee. It is possible to fit 2 adults, 1 child and 1 infant in a cot into a double room.
Extra adult prices: 3 adults in a triple room pay a total of US$302 (approx £151) per room per night.
Special offers: Bookings of 11 nights or more will receive complimentary return airport transfers, 4 spa treatments at the Rainforest Edge Ayurvedic Centre, an excursion to Sinharaja tropical rainforest, a guided tour to Cicilion Tea Factory, a tour of the natural caves at Kalawana, a guided nature trek to a nearby village and a kayak ride at Kukule river. Check-in / Check-out times: Both check-in and check-out time is 12 noon.
Opening dates: Rainforest Edge is open all year round. Bookings are currently being taken until 31st October 2009.
Restrictions: There are no minimum night restrictions.
Deposit: A deposit to the value of 10% of your accommodation booking is required to secure your room. You will be invoiced for this deposit by ecobookers, on behalf of Rainforest Edge. The deposit can be paid with PayPal, debit card or credit card. Your booking will not be fully confirmed until this deposit has been received.
Cancellation policy: In case of cancellation, the 10% booking deposit is non-refundable.
Payment methods: Your bill is payable on arrival in cash or by credit card (Visa / Master Card / AMEX – there is no surcharge).
Getting There And Around
Rainforest Edge is 170 Km from Colombo International Airport and 10 minutes drive to Sinharaja tropical rain forest.
Rainforest Edge can be accessed by car which takes around 4 hours driving from the airport. To visit the Sinharaja forest you will need to hire a 4x4 jeep from the hotel, due to the road conditions. The current cost of jeep hire is US$25.
All other places around the hotel are accessible by car.
