Gangananda

Gangananda is a boutique three-bedroom villa on the shore of Madampe Lake, a broad, tranquil lake just inland from Ambalangoda on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. Set in a lush garden of more than twelve hundred square metres, it trades sea breezes for birdlife, glassy morning water and big sunset reflections, while the beach and Ambalangoda town are only a short ride away. It suits couples travelling together and families of up to six who want privacy, nature and a properly looked-after stay.

The garden runs down to the water’s edge, and the villa has kayaks and canoes for paddling out at dawn or dusk, when monitor lizards and sea eagles are often about, and its own boat for trips around the lake. Above the lawn, an infinity pool almost fourteen metres long with varying depths looks across the water, lined with loungers and shaded in the afternoon. A semi-outdoor terrace with deep sofas is the place for long, slow evenings.

Inside, the open living room, long dining table and well-equipped modern kitchen flow out to the garden, pool and lake through wide openings, under high timber ceilings. The master bedroom has a four-poster king bed, a private terrace and an en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers, and the other two bedrooms have twin beds that can be joined as kings, all air-conditioned with their own bathrooms. Three staff live in a separate service house, with daily housekeeping, a resident cook, breakfast included and a manager on hand to arrange excursions.