Location: : Tissawewa Rest House was built in colonial style by the British in 1907, as The Grand Hotel. This two-storeyed, tiled-roofed building stands in 11 acres of tree-lined parkland, conveniently situated on the edge of the ruined city of Anuradhapura - capital of the Sinhala kingdom from the 3rd century BC to around the 11th century. A short walk takes you to the Sacred Bodhi Tree, museums, temples and ancient bathing ponds. The enormous archaeological site of Anuradhapura, is best explored by bicycle.

Accommodation: : Now a listed building, Tissawewa Rest House stands in what used to be the Royal Pleasure Gardens of the old capital - and, in this leisurely, natural retreat, birds sing and monkeys solemnly wander. The Tissawewa Rest House may lack the more luxurious and ambitious facilities of modern hotels, but its restful and cultured ambience is carefully preserved and will appeal to the thoughtful traveller. Rooms possess attached bathrooms, antique furnishings including four-poster beds, swirling overhead fans, and rice chests. The outdoor scene can be contemplated from cane chairs on private balconies or verendahs.

Facilities: 25 individual rooms, some with a/c. The restaurant offers a choice of Sri Lankan, Eastern, and Western cuisine. Herb soups are a speciality. Laundry, doctor on call, bicycles for hire, foreign currency encashment, TV lounge. Note: No alcohol licence.

Services: Post, Whirlpool, Pool, Barber, Laundry, Medical, Travel Desk, Concierge Desk, Currency Exchange, Express Check-In, Express Check-Out, Front Desk-24 Hours, Guest Laundromat, Luggage Storage, Wake up service.