Flameback Eco Lodge

Situated on the banks of the evergreen Weerawila lake, the charming eco lodges’ rustic appeal is complimented by their modern conveniences. The privately located eco tents allow guests to be in close contact with the great outdoors without sacrificing the element of comfort and luxury. The Deluxe Luxury Lodge features a private deck with a beautiful view of the lake, a king sized bed and a private toilet and shower. This room offers you the utmost luxury while still keeping you on the fringe of nature.

Situated on the banks of the evergreen Weerawila lake, the charming eco lodges’ rustic appeal is complimented by their modern conveniences. The privately located eco tents allow guests to be in close contact with the great outdoors without sacrificing the element of comfort and luxury. The Honeymoon Suite features a king sized bed, a private lounge area, a deck with a beautiful view, and a private plunge pool with a jacuzzi. This room is perfect for a couple, giving you places to enjoy a romantic moment before stepping out into the beautiful surroundings.

The in-house restaurant, Skylark, stands on a raised platform extending to a wooden deck that has an incredible view of the lake. Skylark offers a delicious fusion of international and traditional cuisine promising you a fine dining experience under the stars. From typical western or authentic Sri Lankan breakfast, to a steak or a tasty Asian fusion, this restaurant has a range of dishes that you’re sure to enjoy.

If you want a more intimate dining experience, you have the choice to dine on the spacious deck of your lodge where your bed is only a few steps away to collapse onto after you eat your fill.

If you want a completely unique experience you can, upon request, take a trip into the surrounding village to enjoy a freshly made Sri Lankan meal with a family in their home within the local community. They extend their hospitality and in return you help by making a contribution to the local community. This experience is like no other and is sure to leave you with an unforgettable memory.

You can indulge in a freshly made authentic Sri Lankan meal prepared by a local village expert at the traditional mud house by the lake

Take part in an exciting session of preparing local food under the guidance of Flameback Lodge’s Head Chef and a local village expert. Learn to identify local spices and herbs and then enjoy your efforts in an authentic meal.

Try out your talents with a talented local palmyrah weaving artisan to weave an authentic handi-craft which you will get to take home as a souvenir.

The ‘Junior Naturalist’ programme is an opportunity for the youth to partake in activities around the hotel and lake surroundings with the in-house naturalist to guide them on the importance of conserving nature, sustainable tourism practices and bird spotting. ‘A Junior Naturalist certificate’ is awarded at the end of the programme to encourage the future generation to appreciate the importance of protecting Mother earth!

Flameback Eco Lodge is a heaven for endemic bird species. With Flameback’s expert Naturalist, discover some of the rarest birds around. As well as the surrounding areas, you will go on an excursion within the Weerawila bird sanctuary where our naturalist will show you what to look for while regaling you with noteworthy facts and stories from the bush-hikes.

For a more relaxing activity, why not take a catamaran ride alongside a local fisherman? Meander along the calm waters of the Weerawila Lake with the swish of oars and sounds of birds as your only company. Dawn is the ideal time to experience this spectacular excursion with the sun sparkling on the water’s surface.

Go for a bike ride in the local village and experience the local sights, foods, and sounds of the village folk; the simplicity of their humble lifestyle that is artistic, hard-working, and touching. Try a local drink such as thambili, wood apple, or watermelon while you witness local pottery making, chena farming and Palmeyrah weaving. This experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Accompanied by our naturalist, take the 10 minutes safari jeep drive to the Debarawewa lake and  experience an ecosystem with dense woodlands and crystal clear waterways alongside the lake to enjoy the scenery.  Arm yourself with a set of binoculars, as you spot Black-headed ibis, Crested Serpents, Eagles, Rosy Starlings, Large Egrets and Red-wattled Lapwings.

10 minute drive

There are four national parks that you can visit from Flameback Lodge that are a 15-45 minute drive. Each one has numerous species of birds and fish as well as beautiful flora to look at. Depending which one you visit, there’s also the chance to see elephants,  buffalo, spotted deer, leopards, and so much more!

Bundala National Park – 15 Minutes drive

Lunugamwehera National Park – 30 Minutes drive

Yala National Park- the wildlife excursion – 35 Minutes drive

Udawalawe National Park – Elephant Safari – 45 Minutes drive

Known as the most holy city in Sri Lanka, drawing a resolute population of Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Veddah people, Kataragama is the city full of life and incessant lights. Sacred to a local deity often identified with the resident god; lord Skandha, the city boasts of the most outlandish of legends with magic floats in clouds of incense with its history dating back to the 2nd century BC.

 30 Minutes drive

With a spellbinding collection of flora, fauna, foliage and cacti, the Hambantota Botanical Garden stands on a 300-acre entirely utilized land. It was constructed by a Sri Lankan with the futuristic intent in conserving the beautiful mass of biome from being extinct.

 30 Minutes drive

The Ridiyagama park is the first ever open safari park in Sri Lanka. Be prepared to see lions, tigers, and leopards, kangaroos, buffalos, ostriched and many other species of animals from the comfort and safety of a coach or Safari Jeep with a running commentary from a Sarai guide.

 45 Minutes drive

Rekawa Turtle Watch, located on a beachfront territory just a few kilometers east of the town of Tangalle is a hatchery and sanctuary for five species of turtles. They come ashore to lay their eggs and groups are led to nest sites to witness the amazing creatures.

 1 Hour drive

If you’re up for a longer drive, you can go to Mirissa and see whales in the Indian Ocean. Blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales, as well as a few types of dolphins are some of the amazing creatures you can see on this tour.

 2.5 Hours drive

Flameback Eco Lodge works very closely with the community. Locals will host guests for an authentic meal in their home, and professionals in their craft offer workshops and demonstrations in the hotel. Flameback sources much of the food and products used at the lodge from local farmers. Laundry bags, candles, portraits, and other merchandise available at the Lodge’s entrance house gallery are crafted by talented locals enabling them to earn and income from tourism. As well as that, Flameback hoped to further work locally with a development programme in the vicinity of the eco lodge where they will host English classes for the youth to give them confidence and aptitude in their careers.

Flameback Eco Lodge works collaboratively with the local community and accredited state authorities to minimise environmental issues in the area. They maintain a clean environment in preserving the banks of the Weerawila lake.

There is a well constructed sewage treatment plant which runs all week to ensure that waste-water is treated so it can be reused for gardening

The way that the Eco Lodges are built ensures that natural light was used where possible using windows to achieve this. Every light-bulb is an energy conserving LED!

The Lodge is made of steel and wood, using boulders from the area as foundations. The hotel’s menus, stationary and ceramic ware are all locally made with wood, recycled material and clay. Plastic products are not used for any guest or housekeeping amenities, instead using recycled paper and glass products.