Victoria Golf and Country Resort beyond golfing Vacation

15 August 2013 11:06 am Views - 4211

If somebody asks me what would be the best tourist location in Kandy District, I never hesitate to name Victoria Dam, The reservoir and the surrounding valley makes it one of the most beautiful locations in the hills of Kandy District.

This valley is the destination for three of the top sports in the world- Golf, cricket and rugby.

Pallekele Cricket Stadium and Trinity's famous rugby grounds in Pallekele are in close proximity to this picturesque Rajawelle-Victoria Valley. Northern and Western edges of the Reservoir bordering Victoria Gold Link make the Victoria Golf Course number one in South Asia and one of the top 100 golf courses in the world.

Victoria Golf & Country Resort (VGCR) offers a feast for the senses. Wander down fairways lined by majestic mara trees, just as two or three white egrets swoop across the landscape; absorb the fragrance of magnificently flowering shrubs, take an evening swim in the resort's infinity pool with unparalleled views of mountains and flowing landscapes.

The infinity swimming pool is just a two minute walk from the clubhouse.

‘It has a spectacular views over the golf course, it is the ideal place to spend the day soaking up some rays or go for a relaxing swim after a round of golf' said Neroy Marso, the new General Manager of the Resort, taking over the duty from outgoing GM Errol Johnson.

VGCR started in 1997 on a 500 acre beautifully landscaped property. The main feature of the project is par 73 - 6945 yards golf course on 220 acres, designed by famous golf designer Donald Steel.

‘Designed and maintained to USGA specification the golf course is a must play for any golf lover' Mr. Marso added.

The Araliya restaurant can accommodate up to 80pax.

Victoria Golfing destination offers ten a/c private chalets with all facilities and 17 villas managed by the VGRC.

‘Seventeen Villas on different levels of the land, has 3 to 5 bedrooms and one six bedroom villa for family vacations, which we promote as vacation beyond golfing' said Dhanushika Medagoda, Manager Golf Marketing and Events of VGCR.

The Victoria Chalets are twin bedrooms overlooking the 17th Tee. They offer unparalleled views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and are ideal for golfers and families alike. Located at the heart of the resort, these ten chalets are within a minute's walk of the clubhouse, tennis court and swimming pool.

Tamarind Lodge is one of the most beautiful villas on the VGCR. Perched on a hill overlooking the Victoria Reservoir, this villa provides the most stunning views of the water below.

‘The 6 bedrooms (3 double, 3 twin) can be booked individually or as a block, each one has an en suite bathroom with open air shower and private balcony' Dhanushika said.

The infinity pool is breath taking and has a specially designed ‘jumping pad' which gives a thrill to all - a BBQ and outside seating area are found by the pool. An ‘Embassy' trained housekeeping couple live on site and are renowned for their choice of menus to suit all nationalities; breakfast and dinner are served in the villa.

The new ten Villas are now under construction and is ready to be in operation by December.

Apart from golfing, Victoria Saddle Club offers a full riding service for beginners and experienced riders. Mountain biking, quad biking and Water Sports Centre by the Mahaweli waters are some of the new projects in the pipeline for VGCR.

‘We got cleared to set up a boating dock and soon will be starting this water sports centre. This is the very first time since Mahaweli project commenced that they allowed boating on Victoria Waters. Apart from that, trekking and camping will be setup in the property,' explained GM Marso.

Excursions from the resort are popular with the visitors. Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya Temple, Climbing Pettigala Rock, Hulu Ganga and teldeniya are some of the popular excursions on the cards.