Enjoy yourself like nobody is watching - with a pool, three bedrooms, on site meals, lounge areas, a dedicated study space, private courtyards, gardens and driveways...all in the middle of a peaceful and natural coconut estate. The space Diklande Estate Bungalow owned by the famous philanthropist, is a 50 acre Coconut, Cinnamon and Pepper estate. He bought this estate in about 1877, from the crown. A bird's sanctuary ~ In the garden, you will see flower peckers, mini vets, the purple-rumped sunbird, woodpeckers, the chloropsis, the black headed oriole and more. A new addition are wild peacocks. The paradise flycatcher (white and brown), and the wood pigeon. * A large open living room overlooks a swimming pool. * Three double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms ( shower area open to the sky). The water comes from a deep well, and you will notice the difference. It is so deliciously cold and pure. * A unique aspect of the plantation bungalow is perhaps the "quiet room" where a guest can retire to, lounge on the low divan, pick up a book from the shelves, or write inspiringly. Sights of interest ~ * A temple where pirith is still chanted without microphones * Irida Pola (Sunday Market) - A peek into the village life where the villages gather, both to buy and sell. * Dambadeniya, one of the Capitals of Lanka, is about 45 minutes away. There you will find the remnants of a palace and a restored temple complex. * Not far away is one of the remaining Ambalama's or travel rests, now perfectly restored. * Drive to Negombo, just 30 minutes away and enjoy the bustling strips with cafes, bars and shops. Lobsters and King Prawns at half the price of a Colombo hotel. Have a chilled beer at the Lords, an English style pub. The Rodeo Bar offers bar snacks, drinks and cocktails. You may like to try the baked crab at Coconut Primitive or the devilled prawn or battered prawn. Fresh and delicious. For those who like to explore Negombo more fully, it has a place in our colonial history. The Portuguese influence remains in the large Catholic Churches, which even today serves the Catholic population of Negombo. * The Dutch canal system, which was used to transport produce, can be seen in Negombo. * Management of a coconut plantation will also be of interest. The Superintendent will explain the daily routine of mulching, fertilizing, ploughing and weeding. Check out an inexpensive irrigation system, so essential in a country where the weather has become unpredictable. The Manager in the bungalow can organise a guided tour of the plantation. * Those visiting the Estate when the picking is in progress, e.g - once in 60 days, will see men with long bamboo poles with curved knives tied at the end cutting the stem of the matured bunch. People wanting a change from hotel life will find Diklande a pleasant surprise. Book this peaceful place for a sense of escape and tranquility. Guest access Guests can use the whole bungalow. Other things to note Please provide us a copy of your passport / NIC to hand over to the manager at the bungalow for security reasons. Thank you!