SET AMONG A PROFUSION OF TROPICAL FOLIAGE,

looks out on to a lake and a multitude of water birds that gather at the waters edge for their daily fishing expedition. Trim little pathways lead to individual and attached cottages.

The main area where the hotel's only restaurant is located, is roomy, breezy and designed to capture the soft breezes that drift among the trees. Martin's Bar (at the lobby) overlooks the pool and offers blissful relaxation. Almost every evening brings its own entertainment in the form of a live band or a cultural show.

The standard rooms provide all the basics needed for a comfortable holiday, with telephone, double beds and attached bathroom. Most rooms look out on the lake - with double rooms, and a few interconnected rooms that offer flexibility when housing a group.

Two cabin style cottages, 'the Silver Lodge' and 'the Kingfisher lodge' set apart from the rest of the hotel, offer special privacy and comfort. The Kingfisher Lodge, a stone's throw from the lake, also offers an undisturbed communion with a community of birds that gather there each morning.

The Village is known for the activities and sports it offers the visitor, most revolving around the lake and pool. Guests come to enjoy fishing, swimming, water polo and boat riding. There is also jogging tracks, rock climbing, tennis and badminton.

An interesting addition is the king-sized chess set, set up in an open space on the lawn where players walk around the pieces before making a move. A stroll around the premises takes you to the mini plant nursery and green house,where indigenous plants are available for sale.

The recently constructed Dambulla cricket stadium is another local attraction for the cricket-minded.