Graten Golf Villa A touch of golf in a country setting

8 November 2023 10:17 am Views - 200

Ingiriya, the deepest eastern point in Kalutara District is customarily not a popular tourist destination. Popularly known for traditional rubber plantations, Maputugala in Ingiriya region has emerge as a new tourism draw of late. With the launch of Graten Golf Villa in Maputugala, tourism has come to settle in a once sleepy hamlet.  
Graten Estate in Maputugala, Ingiriya is an age old traditional rubber estate. Like everywhere else, this beautiful village too, has become a victim of the so called development and urbanisation. Popular Graten Estate has now shrunk to a few acres of land, while a part of the estate has been dedicated to a Golf Villa featuring a 9-hole mini golf course. 

 Slipped into this rural setting in Maputugala, with infinite fertile rubber and paddy fields from one side, creating an eye catching green backdrop with misty mountains from the North, Graten Golf Villa is just one and a half hours drive away from Colombo. It consists of six luxury rooms – two triples and four doubles and a restaurant with a capacity up to 25 pax and BBQ facility with open verandah for chilling out.   
The Golf Villa opened for business in March, 2019 just a few weeks prior to the Easter attack and the pandemic. Graten Golf Villa is the brain child of businessman Hector Pietersz, who is a proficient golfer himself. ‘I started this as a recreational project for my family and for my close associates. But later we have developed it as a Golf Villa catering to family travellers. Apart from the adventure type travellers visiting the property, our main concern is the family traveller’ said Hector Pietersz.
A beautiful swimming pool shaded by Kadju Puhulang tree by the golf course offer 24x7 dining/ playing options for golf lovers he explained. The six rooms have been named with birds names including ‘Korawakka’, Pilihuduwa’, ‘Kottoruwa’, ‘Salalihiniya’, ‘Kobeyiya’ and Monara. 

‘We are a strict nature reserve and high sound music, noise or night activities that disturb the peaceful environment and the neighbours are not permitted. If you want to party, please do not visit Graten’ Hector appealed.     
Graten Golf Villa was built with a view of providing comfort and adventure to travellers, who want to be away from Colombo yet be within a short drive. All six rooms at the Villa offer all modern facilities and comfortable ambience to its guests. In addition to the mini-bar and complementary tea/coffee making facilities, the rooms also come with A/C, free Wi-Fi and en- suite bathrooms with all modern amenities. The other attraction is the pool table and soft games.
‘One of the most outstanding highlights of the resort is the authentic mud house built for special grade goats from Himalayan region for milking’ Pietersz added. The Villa offers the best of Sri Lankan cuisine and a wide range of other culinary experiences from around the world. Enjoy local and international cuisine at the in-house restaurant. 
‘In-room dining options are not possible as we do not have room service. We always encourage guests to experience the meals while enjoying the surrounding environment. Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine is our main offer. Even guests can provide provisions of their choice for cooking’ Hector said.

The Resort include a BBQ area in the garden and ample parking facilities as well as an open ground space for corporate events, outdoor training programmes and small night functions with bonfire. 
Graten Golf Villa offers much to be explored in and around its boundaries with the slopes running through a never ending arena of forestry. The popular excursions are Naachchimale (30 minutes drive), Dombagahakanda ancient monastery (twenty minutes drive) and Paravie Thota situated a mere ten minute drive from the property offering a haven of nature to bathe in the fresh-water streams. 
Paahiyangala cave temple too, is a popular attraction and the villa arranges these excursions with a guide on request.
Guests have the opportunity to go boating in the ‘Kalu Ganga’ also located nearby. Tea plucking and rubber tapping activities may be tried in the nearby plantations and offer an insightful experience for interested travellers.