Kukuleganga Resort : for Nature lovers

 Kukuleganga Resort: for Nature lovers

Once a little-known remote area, Kukule has recently gained attention due to the Kukule Ganga Hydropower Project. Despite this, the region remains relatively obscure to the broader world. Lately, Kukule Ganga Holiday Resort (KGHR) has become a focal point, though few realize it is part of the larger power project.

For the past two years, the resort has been managed by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), marking their second foray into hospitality. "Our first venture was the Wadduwa Holiday Resort, and this is our second," shared Lieutenant Colonel Bimal Widanage, the resort's CEO.

Colonel Widanage explained that the resort was once a neglected property owned by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). "Due to the presence of the UN Peacekeeping Training Centre in the area, the Army took over and revitalized the project," he added.

Kukule Ganga Holiday Resort originally served as a residence for senior Swedish expatriates and now boasts 64 fully air-conditioned apartments. These range from single to two- and three-bedroom units, each equipped with a spacious living room with a TV, a fully furnished kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms featuring washing machines and dryers. "It’s a luxurious home away from home, with the only difference being that cooking isn’t allowed. The resort can comfortably accommodate over 200 guests at any given time," said Colonel Widanage.

Nestled in the Uskvalley, amidst vast rubber plantations near the Kukule Ganga, the resort is accessible from Agalawatta, just 9 km from Lathpandura Junction on the Matugama-Baduraliya/Kalawan Road. It's also a short two-hour drive from Horana via Bulathsinhala, with a scenic ferry crossing leading directly to the resort.

The resort offers a wide array of amenities, including an international-standard swimming pool, gym, sauna, and indoor games such as tennis, squash, and pool. It also features a large playground, an internet café, and a mini-mall. The main restaurant serves a variety of dishes, with a special focus on Indian, Chinese, and Sri Lankan cuisine, particularly popular on weekends. "We also arrange barbecues and poolside dinners for special occasions and busy weekends," said Captain Vajira Pathrathna, the resort's F&B Manager.

While civilians make up most of the restaurant staff and front-office employees, senior management positions are held by military personnel, including Major Ajith Senadeera, the Manager of Administration, and Second Lieutenant K.G.A. Raveendra, who oversees supply and maintenance.

One of the key attractions of Kukule Ganga Holiday Resort is its stunning natural surroundings, ideal for adventure-based tourism. "My vision is to make this the top destination for adventure tourism in Sri Lanka. The setting here is unmatched, just an hour and a half from the Sinharaja Rainforest and two hours from 'Morning Side,' a fantastic spot for watching the sunrise," Colonel Widanage remarked.