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OverviewRanweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. Located only 18 km from Colombo’s International Airport, Ranweli is the perfect base to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.Ranweli’s architecture blends with the unique and rich natural environment. The serene and idyllic location has been fully utilized in the layout of the land, featuring indigenous flora and fauna, bordering the wide sandy beach on one side, the river on the other.The land was originally a coconut plantation surrounded by wetlands, mainly mangroves. In conceptualizing Ranweli, the architects used the spacing of the rows of the coconut trees (called the coconut grid by agriculturists) as the discipline for the design. The bungalows, central areas and facilities were built with minimum removal of coconut trees. For each bungalow only one tree was removed and the tree trunks used as pillars in the construction.The connecting walkways open out into beautifully tended palm gardens leading to the heart of the resort. Architecturally and aesthetically the construction and furnishings of the village blend western standards of comfort and convenience with the traditions of indigenous Sri Lankan culture.Enjoy a relaxing holiday in the scenic and tranquil surroundings or engage in numerous eco-friendly activities and sports both land and water based. If you wish to explore the flora & fauna in our extensive garden and its environs, Ranweli has many options of guided tours offering valuable insights to the sights and sounds that surround you. Part of Sri Lanka’s bird friendly hotel network, Ranweli has a wealth of bird species for the novice to the keen birder. Also available are a number of cultural trips further afield in which you could also participate.Restaurants & BarsRanweli’s restaurant, offers a delicious buffet and a-la -carte Sri Lankan and International cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available on request and during all buffets.In addition to the main restaurant, an outside Pavilion Bar by the swimming pool, constructed with eco-friendly and biodegradable material, provides snacks and beverages. This is a favorite meeting point of guests to enjoy the ambiance and sunset. Also, a small fruit stall, called Palathuru Masse, located next to the main bar, offering fresh fruit, juices and herbal drinks of medicinal value.Whenever possible, fresh produce is procured from the local community. We also have our own organic vegetable plots.AccommodationRanweli offers bungalow-type accommodation constructed with local building materials, in a unique ethnic style resembling a typical Sri Lankan village.The 72 individual bungalows (sea view) and 12 river view rooms nestle within a forested environment and provide comfortable accommodation. The bungalows offer privacy and an excellent view of the sea and/or river – an exotic tropical setting for a peaceful holiday.All rooms are air conditioned, with private bathrooms that are sunlit from an open court and with solar powered hot showers to provide ventilation and natural lighting, substantially conserving energy. Rooms are also equipped with a sitting area, ceiling fans and telephone.The interior décor includes terracotta pots, brass lamps, artefacts produced by local craftsmen, and hand-made local fabric.WeddingsIf you are looking for a tropical, exotic and unique wedding, Ranweli will be delighted to organise a typical Sri Lankan wedding ceremony for you and members of your party.In a typical Ranweli wedding, the bride is ferried on a raft across the river to meet the groom, after which a group of traditional dancers and drummers will guide them to the Poruwa, a raised platform on which the bridal couple stands for the ‘nuptial’ ceremony. While the couple is standing on the Poruwa, blessings are invoked on them by the chanting of stanzas.Elephants are synonymous with Sri Lanka’s culture and history, and have been used in pageants for centuries. On descending from the Poruwa, the couple has the option to take a ride on a majestically dressed elephant in the Ranweli gardens before joining the wedding banquet.At twilight, the honeymooning couple will enjoy a night cruise in placid magical surroundings along the river under a starry sky. While cruising, a 4-course gourmet meal specially prepared will be served, accompanied a bottle of champagne. A personal butler will be in attendance.Wedding Package
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