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TISSAWEWA
REST HOUSE
Sacred City, Anuradhapura
'"A good starting point is the Tissawewa Resthouse within
the Sacred City. The
early colonial-style hotel, now itself a scheduled monument,
is set in a park, full of fine tree. The. trip round the Sacred
City, including the museum, can be done in 4 hours. "
'
The Thorana guide to Ceylon 
From the gateway, you see a lawn, dotted With trees, a long
low colonial building just visible through the foliage. This
is Tissawewa Resthouse.
Step out of your car into the lobby, and a white jacketed
waiter stands by an antique desk and chest to greet you.
Built as 'the Grand Hotel' in 1907, the two storeyed tile
roofed building stands in eleven acres of parkland. You see
around you museum pieces such as a Dutch couch, the quaint
telephone exchange, an antique gramophone, flags of the district,
a massive cabinet rescued from a grand old house, now long
gone.
The wooden stairs lead you to a wide balcony, ideal for reading,
painting, or just contemplating. If you run short of reading
matter, books and post cards are available in the shop. The
waiter will bring it up as you sit sipping the fresh lime-and-soda
for which Tissawewa is famous.
A few guestrooms are air-conditioned but most guests prefer
the natural cooling of the high roof and ceiling fans. The
mosquito nets belling out over twin, double or four-poster
beds add an exotic touch.
Both Sri Lankan and Western food are available - and our chef
specialises in utilising regional fish and vegetable's, if
you indicate interest! Fresh juices and herb soups are a speciality.
Liquor service is not permitted however, due to the hotel's
location in the sacred city.
From a cane easy chair on the balcony, focus on the white
dome of King Dutu Gemunu's Mirisavetiya stupa (shrine) as
you plan your activities for the day.
The gardens at Tissawewa are an arboretum :you Find tropical
hardwoods - camphor trees, ironwood, margosa - as well as
rhesus monkeys and langurs. Watch them sit in solemn conclave,
with their babies gambolling around.
A short walk takes you to the Sacred Bodhi Tree, the Ruvanveli
dagaba, two museums: the lsurumuniya temple and its ancient
bathing ponds. The enormous archaeological site which is Anuradhapura,
is best seen by bicycle however - ask the receptionist to
arrange one for you, and if you wish, a guide and a picnic
lunch. Then return to the resthouse for tea and a nap, a good
book or more sightseeing.
TISSAWEWA RESTHOUSE
Old Town, Anuradhapura,
Tel; 025-22299 Fax:025-22565
E-mail:hotels@quickhaws.com
Web: www.quickahaws.com
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