Guidebook for Galle, Hanuman Hill House

Welcome Book AYUBOWAN (A widely used local greeting – wishing the recipient a long life) Hi, Welcome to Hanuman Hill House, your idyllic retreat atop Rumassala Hill in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka. This enchanting villa offers you a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modern comfort, making it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Everything you need to know about the property and your booking is included in this welcome book. Please take a few minutes to read through it carefully, as it contains important information. If you have any questions about your stay or are unsure of anything, please don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be happy to help! Sincerely Piers Should you need assistance with anything, please contact me at: Name: Piers Contact Number: Email: Table of Contents - A brief History of the area - Emergency Numbers to Keep on Hand - Our Check-in and Checkout Instructions - Our House Rules - Instructions for Appliances - Login Details and Passwords - Top Attractions and Things to Do (Our Recommendations) - Dining and Nightlife Recommendations - How to Get Around - Additional Info History of Galle and surroundings RUMASSALA – THE MYTHICAL MOUNTAIN OF GALLE In the past, Rumassala was known as Buona Vista, a name that dates back to the colonial period, and most likely a corruption of ‘Buena Vista', or Spanish for ‘pleasant view'. Rumassala Hill offers what are arguably the best coastal views along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The calm waters of Galle Bay provided safe anchorage for numerous ships that plied the Indian Ocean maritime routes, transporting vast quantities of spices, minerals and precious stones. During this period, ships used the southern end of Rumassala known as Watering Point to take in fresh water before setting off on long voyages. Remnants of the old jetty can still be seen today, although it's now used by local children as a diving platform instead of a service point for ships. Both the forests and the ocean around Rumassala are rich in biodiversity. The forest is home to many species of birds, reptiles and mammals including several endemic species, as well as rare medicinal plants. Groups of purple-faced leaf monkeys can be seen playing on the trees while white-bellied sea eagles soar above the water looking for a midday meal. At the base of the cliff and beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are coral and rocky reefs harbouring a wealth of marine biodiversity. Although the reef has been badly affected over the last decade by both human and natural causes it still provides interesting snorkelling for those who care to do a mask, fins and snorkel, and venture out to explore the underwater world. The entire Rumassala area including both the forest and coral reefs is now protected as a sanctuary due to its valuable biodiversity. Rumassala hill and the surrounding area that encompasses Unawatuna are steeped in legends and folklore. According to the Ramayana, the ancient Sanskrit epic, Hanuman the Indian monkey warrior god required several medicinal herbs to treat the wounded in his army during his battle against the demon king Ravana of Sri Lanka. Unable to find the herbs on the Island, Hanuman returned to India and brought back a piece of the Himalayas with the required plants and dropped it at Rumassala. Local villagers attribute this as the source of many rare medicinal plants found in the area to this day. Atop the hill, there is a large glistening Buddhist pagoda popularly known as the peace pagoda, built with the assistance of Japanese monks. At the entrance to the temple, there is a large statue depicting Hanuman. A walk around the peace pagoda provides magnificent views across Galle Bay, with the Galle town and Dutch fort visible on the far side. It's easy to spot sailing yachts out on the water or fishing boats heading out to sea or returning to shore with their day's catch. In a way, it provides a distant but distinct glimpse of Galle and its life. The forested hills in the interior and atop Rumassala, the beach, the fishing boats and the town of Galle with both the past and present, you have all of Galle before your eyes. Emergency Contact Numbers IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL: 110 – Emergency & Rescue Services – Fire Service Department 112 – Police Emergency Services Hot Line – Police Emergency Services NEAREST POLICE STATION: Galle Police Station Wakwella Rd, Galle 80000 NEAREST HOSPITAL: Asiri Hospital AMBULANCE NUMBER: Emergency Ambulance Service Hospital Karapitiya Dial 110 NEW Emergency Ambulance Service: Dial 1990 NEAREST FIRE STATION: Fire Station Galle YOUR PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANY: Company & Company details YOU ARE HERE: Maps Plus code 267R+93 Unawatuna PROPERTY ADDRESS: Hanuman Hill House Danwala, Yaddehimulla Road Unawatuna Checkout Instructions I hope you enjoyed your stay at Hanuman Hill House we’d love to host you again! Please remember that your checkout time is at concludes. Before you check out, may I kindly request that you: on the day your booking - Check you have taken all your belongings, including from the safe. - Show kindness and appreciation to Pushpa, Devika and Titus for their hosting and care Locking up: The villa is staffed 24/7 so there is no need to worry about locking up. A night watchman will stay overnight, located just by the front gate, so there will always be somebody available to you. I wish you safe travels and would love to have you again as my guests! Please leave a review letting me know how your stay was. Villa Rules 1. No smoking inside the property. There are lots of outdoor roofed living for smoking. 2. No parties or events are allowed without prior approval. 4. No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed on the property unannounced. 5. No eating or drinking in the bedrooms. Please enjoy your meals in the dining area, living room and outdoors on the patio. 6. Please dispose of your garbage in suitable trash cans. 7. Please switch off all lights and electrical appliances when you leave the property. 8. Please adhere to check-in and out times, unless otherwise agreed. 9. Respect the Property and employees. 10. Please respect adequate noise levels at reasonable times 11. Please communicate clearly and confirm understanding with Pushpa to avoid misunderstandings 12. Respect local customs and spiritual practices 13. Advised to lock up the villa when you leave the property and inform Pushpa or Nightwatchman of your schedule. Best to share mobile numbers 14. Pool: - Guests are reminded the Pool is a natural rock pool and diving and jumping off or onto rocks is dangerous and can end in injury. - No glass, food or drink in the pool - No unsupervised children 15. The property is surrounded by wildlife and geographical obstacles. Please be aware and tread carefully. 16. Goku, the cat, is there to help you and keep pests at bay. Please care for the animal as he deserves. 17. Please ask Pushpa or Titus to help prepare the BBQ in advance, and always play with fire safely and at your own risk. 18. Inform Pushpa of any breakages to equipment in or around the property. 19. Please sign the Instructions and Appliances Air conditioning: We believe we must all play a part in the protection of the environment; we kindly ask guests to turn off a/c units when leaving the bedrooms to save power. Hot water: The villa is powered predominately by solar power, you will see the solar panels on the rooftop. On the rare occasions Sun has not been shining, there is a marked flip switch by the villa's front door in the fuse box. This can be switched up and the electric heater will heat the water. Please remember to turn it off after use. Valuables: There is an electronic safe in the villa housing bedroom wardrobe with instructions on how to use it. Please make use of these to store your valuables, and remember to collect them before you go. Laundry service: For guest laundry service please speak to Pushpa who will be happy to arrange this for you. For everyday washing, we have this service on the property. For delicate or preferred professional cleaning, it will be sent out to a professional laundry service which will come at an extra charge. Note the villa cannot be held responsible for any damages. Linen: Bed linen will be changed every three nights unless requested otherwise, another simple method in trying to reduce emissions. Cultural sensitivity: Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, with its own culture, traditions and values. When venturing out in public places like the Galle Fort, supermarkets or even walking down the streets, please wear comfortable clothing and keep the beach wear for the beach. Smoking and drinking on the street are prohibited, therefore we encourage our guests to refrain from doing so. These rules are not mandatory, but following them as guidelines will enhance your experience. Transport: Tuk-tuk is the easiest way to get around, if you would like us to arrange one for you, please speak to Pushpa and she will be happy to do so. For longer journeys that require a car or van, please let us know and we will be happy to arrange this for you. Top Attractions and Things to do: • Jungle Beach – Just a ten-minute walk from the villa there are two beautiful beaches known as White Beach and then a little further just before you get to the peace pagoda is Jungle Beach which we recommend. It’s a bit of a steep walk down the mountain through the jungle until it opens up to a beautiful secluded beach, remember to take water, towels etc as there are no restaurants or shops. A little tip is best to avoid weekends as it gets quite busy with local visitors. • Peace pagoda – Just after you pass Jungle Beach you will find the monumental Japanese peace pagoda, built with the assistance of Japanese monks, the stupa is perched on the edge of the cliff offering a magnificent view. • Unawatuna Beach – Just a 10-minute walk or 5-minute cycle, once rated one of the best beaches in the world, some say has now become a little overdeveloped. However still beautiful and a great spot to take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a few cocktails with your feet in the sand. Plenty of bars and restaurants. • Galle Fort– A UNESCO world heritage site, originally built by the Portuguese in the 1500s, later to be occupied by the Dutch and then the British, this old town still holds its original appeal, with colonial architecture and cobbled streets, you can wander for hours, plenty of options for shops and cafes around. • Cycling – Take a tour with idle bikes, through the villages, around the paddy fields and lake. With short rides and lengthier ones, this activity suits all ages. Tours end at Wijaya Beach, a beautiful beach 15 minutes away where you can end the day with a dip in the ocean and beer on the beach. • Surfing – There is a great beginner’s surf spot just a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride away and a few other spots for more advanced surfers just a bit further down the coast. • Whale watching – About 45 minutes away off the coast of Mirissa, is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. The best time of year is from September to March, and whales as well as dolphins and sea turtles are a common sight. Be sure to select an eco-friendly company, both Raja and the Whales and Mirissa water sports are recommended. Ask us for details and we will be happy to assist with arrangements. • Cooking class – Pushpa loves to share her knowledge of the local cuisine, and speak to her to make arrangements. Wasanthas cooking classes just halfway down the hill are highly commended as one of the best local Rice and Curry cooking classes on the South Coast. • Turtle Conservation Projects – Visit the turtle sanctuary in Habaraduwa, around 20 minutes down the coast, these establishments offer refuge for baby turtles before hatching or for those injured in nets or fishing activities. A small entry fee is applicable to contribute. • Tea Estates - Run by a famous Sri Lankan planter and writer Mr. Herman Gunarathne. Handunugoda Tea Estate is located inland from the village of Ahangama. This white-tip tea plantation has an on-site factory with colonial equipment. Get involved in the process; here you will learn how tea is produced. A few places to Eat: In the Fort • Luck fort – 10 different Sri Lankan curries to share between the two. A family-run business located on the next street just behind the gallery – a great Sri Lankan option, great value for money. • Elitas – best seafood in town, casual dining with tables laid out on the cobbled street. • Fort Printers – For a fancy evening out, offers an extensive wine list and fine dining in a beautifully restored building. Unawatuna • Agnus Villa - On the other side of the hill you will find Agnus Villa, a small hotel with the best views of the bay. Check out their rooftop bar Buona Vista Lounge for sundowners • Wasantha’s – Just a 5 minute walk through the Rummassala Hill as you descend down to Unawatuna you will find Wasantha’s rice and curry. Recommend as a great spot to try the local cuisine, they also offer cooking classes. • Kingfisher – The best place on Unwatuna Beach, tucked away in the corner. Great place to spend an afternoon/evening • Wijaya beach – Located just passed Unawatuna – beautiful scenery directly on the beach, a large rock pool for swimming, great food, even better atmosphere. Can’t go wrong. • La Boheme – The best pizza in town with a great atmosphere, check out their newly opened Thai menu upstairs. Note they do delivery as well. • The Hideout – Mexican tacos, a great menu with something for all, nested up at their tastefully done hideout just off the main road in Unawatuna. Others in the area • Coco bay – Located just at the bottom of the hill, dine under the stars right in front of their private beach. Great menu to choose from and a fully stocked bar and wine list. • Indian Hut – Located just at the entrance to the highway, does great Indian food at a very reasonable price. Good for take away nights in.