THIS HOTEL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE FIFTH-CENTURY SIGIRIYA

rock fortress - one of Asia's major archaeological sites. Being at the center of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, this is a good base for visiting the villages and cities famed for their prehistoric and historic archaeological treasures.

The rooms are arranged in discrete rows along tree-covered courtyards. Simple and gracious, the unpretentious establishment lets nature work its charm on you. All rooms are the same: air conditioned, comfortable and inviting, in a homely fashion.

The lovely open restaurant and the lobby lead to the swimming pool in the garden (with baby pool). From here you get a direct and open view of the great rock.

You can visit Dambulla, Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa on day-trips. You can also hire a bicycle from the hotel and tour through the surrounding farming villages on your own or take the hotel's village tour. The hotel offers two safaris, one on elephant back to nearby jungles, and the other on jeep to the Minneriya National Park. Near the hotel lobby you will find a detailed map of elephant sightings.

Meals are either à la carte, set menu or buffet, with a vegetarian menu on request. Sometimes a traditional Sri Lankan dinner is served in a courtyard designed as a typical village. Sometimes too there's a barbecue in a jungle patch beside the pool. Both these places have raised thatched platforms where musicians play traditional instruments during dinner. In the evenings there's a multi-media presentation in the lobby about the Rock, wild life and tourism in Sri Lanka.

If you need to unwind after a long day-trip, the hotel's ayurvedic massage and steam bath, supervised by a qualified doctor, could be just the thing.