Kumbuk River:

A unique landmark on the tourism map

There's nothing quite like it in the world of eco-tourism. It will soon emerge as a landmark for Lankan tourism. Not just because it is a haven for the holiday-maker or nature lover. Nor for its exclusivity that only welcomes a single party to own over 14 acres of nature and luxury in an eco context, during their stay. But for one defining physical attribute that will spread its fame worldwide.

Here you'll find a 40ft tall elephant and those who can afford to stay here will actually get to sleep in its belly. KumbukRiver - eco extraordinaire is probably the world's largest elephant-like edifice.

KumbukRiver is located on the edge of Yala wildlife sanctuary, bordering the lively Kumbukkan Oya running through the sleepy hamlet of Dambeyaya in the gem-rich Okkampitiya, just 9kms from Buttala. The eco-lodge's website www.kumbukriver.com showcases the eco-haven's uniqueness. This is elephant country. Where peacocks herald the day and elephants roam the nights.

Where the world stands still enchanted by the mystic waters of Kumbukkan Oya, where greenery greets you in every direction.

KumbukRiver is strictly for nature-lovers, for those who cherish participatory tourism. Here, fantasies come true while you become one with nature. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of an eco haven or explore the untamed wilds. What you can do here is itself a discovery.

Inside is a picture of luxury inviting the beholder to a holiday he'll remember as a dream he never wants to wake up from. One must remember, however, that merciful luxuries in an eco-lodge should never be compared to that of glittering 5-star resorts. The eco-lodge is full of characteristics that will make architects proud and astounded when they hear that all of it is the handy-work of talented village folk. Here is eco-tourism at its magical best.

The resort's plunge pool just underneath the raised trunk of the elephant itself is unique. It's covered with Kumbuk that is said to offer therapeutic value - from a kind of rare wood that can stay submerged in water for a century remaining strong and healthy. Kumbukkan trees adorned the long-trek of the river, nourishing a bio-rich river reserve turning it into a sanctuary for visitors.

KumbukRiver is an associate company of the maverick ad agency. The 7th Frontier and the project's head Dinesh Watawana believes this new eco haven would have a special place on the tourism map. "It is unique in every sense and lives up to the label of 'eco-tourism'.

It's all about village talent, village resources and the village's future", the award winning journalist and ad man who makes his entry into tourism, says.

The most incredible part of the story is, such a complex architectural plan was executed purely through local talent, mostly unemployed youth. "A design of this nature has never been attempted, especially considering the entire resort was built by using eco-friendly raw material.", Watawana says.

The resort was built within 9 months. Visitors to this eco haven will be afforded the opportunity to learn and participate in wildlife and bio-diversity conservation, as well, as rural upliftment. Partnering KumbukRiver in this quest is the GeoExplore Foundation, an international watchdog on bio-diversity with all research and implementation programmes coming under the purview of an internationally-renowned scientist.

"The investment made and the support structure in place to make it a truly international eco sanctuary could have allowed us to make it a multiple complex entertaining more visitors.

But instead, we took the bold step of focusing all the resources on entertaining just one client at a time, making it the most exclusive up-market eco resort in Sri Lanka.

The one party could be from a single person seeking solitude up to 10", says Watawana. "We will be very strict on who gets to go there. We want individuals and families who love the environment. We want it to be a place only few can boast of going - we want it to turn into a status symbol. The thought is fine because we know, in turn, we can help the environment and help the villagers", says Watawana.

He throws out a word of caution. "Don't expect what you expect from a luxury resort. Come expecting the wild and then you'll be pleasantly surprised," he says.