Ekho Safari Hotel

Introduction

Ekho Safari, refurbished and rebranded, is now easily the best traditional hotel in Tissamaharama.  Previously known as Tissamaharama Resort, which was a basic guesthouse, the hotel has been transformed into a stylish four-star hotel. The 50 rooms are stylishly designed and all have spectacular lake views. Ekho Safari is owned by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation which also owns several guesthouses and hotels across the island including the Galle Face Hotel and the Regency in Colombo and the Queens in Kandy. The Hotels Corporation has now switched from government to private ownership, a change which has brought upgrades to several of their properties island-wide.

Accommodation

There are 47 Deluxe or Deluxe Lake View rooms and three spacious suites. The Deluxe Rooms overlook the pool. The Deluxe Lake rooms have private balconies with views of the lake. Three spacious suites have the best views of Tissa lake and en-suite dining facilities. Room interiors are decorated in warm shades of brown. Standard in-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, double bed, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soft chairs and sofas, tea/coffee facility, mini-bar, and safety locker. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w rain showers. Upon request, additional single beds are provided in the suites.

Facilities

The main restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the swimming pool and lake beyond. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, Indian, and Western cuisine is served here. Ceylon Hotels Corporation properties are well known for serving tasty Sri Lankan rice and curries and Ekho Safari holds up this tradition. The bar serves a range of alcoholic beverages. Other hotel facilities include wifi internet, travel desk, room service, laundry service, swimming pool set amidst lush tropical gardens, and boat rides on the Tissa Lake. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting the numerous species of birds that inhabit the small island just in front of the hotel.

Why We Like It

The balcony rooms give you the best experience at this mid-range hotel overlooking Tissa lake

Location

Ekho Safari occupies a scenic position on the banks of the ancient Tissa Wewa (reservoir). Minutes from Tissamaharama town, this is a convenient base from which to explore Tissa’s ancient cultural heritage, the jungle shrine of Kataragama, Yala National Park and the Bundala bird sanctuary. Tissamaharama can be accessed via the south coast or from the highlands, or hop on board the sea plane which now lands on the Tissa Lake.