‘Fort WindShire’ Living in a ‘Medieval Fortress’

  By Sanath Weerasuriya

‘Fort WindShire’ is an ideal place to explore the surroundings. Excursions could be organised to Horton Plains, Hakgala Gardens and a number of other historical, religious and tourist sites

Nuwara Eliya is experiencing a much needed cooler season amidst a heavy warm atmosphere in Colombo, despite a heavy downpour. In beautiful Nuwara Eliya rains bring not only the true colours of Little England, but the large number of guests too who love to enjoy a taste of an European climate.

A recent addition to the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, ‘Fort WindShire’ reflects the architectural design of the medieval period. The cosy and comfortable ‘Fort WindShire’ is an up-market hotel located in Katumana, off the Scenic View Road in between Nuwara Eliya town and Hakgala.

‘Fort WindShire’, located just five kilometers away from Nuwara Eliya town in the midst of the Hakgala forest reservation, brings to life the image of an ancient palace in the hills designed to mirror the medieval architectural influence. 
The story commences in 2019 where construction of a medieval dream of Lasitha Pathiranage begins a vision of ancient times where iron ruled and castles existed. Thus this was brought to life within the course of the next three years and Fort WindShire opened its doors in March 2021.

‘Though we started our operations in December 2022, the property completed its construction in 2021. Due to the Covid pandemic we were forced to abandon the project for a long time. ‘Fort WindShire’ is now an up and running hotel very popular with Sri Lankan and European guests. Actually we don’t want to call this ‘a hotel’. It reflects the typical medieval period fortress not only with the building, but the entire interior is designed to look like a real Viking fortress’ said Lasitha Pathiranage, the Managing Director of the ‘Fort WindShire’, explaining the real theme of the project.

It is an ideal retreat for those looking for an idyllic cool holiday away from the hustle and the bustle of the city.
The hotel consists of eight well-appointed rooms including Luxury Double Deluxe, Luxury Triple and Super Deluxe suite that opens its views to the Hakgala Mountain Ranges, mystical Seetha Eliya Forest from one side and the mighty Piduruthalagala from the other side. 

‘Our very spacious rooms will evoke a sense of peace in the mind of our guests and is the perfect getaway from all of the city chaos’ added MD Pathiranage.

Tastefully furnished with modern conveniences, ‘Fort WindShire’ retains its old-world charms and comforts, including a medieval theme and  roaring fireplaces in the living and dining rooms. All bedrooms feature king-sized beds, elegant teak floors, and attached bathrooms with hot water showers. Rooms offer minibars, room service, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find coffee makers, free WiFi and safety lockers. 

This Bungalow features a roof top restaurant, concierge services and a garden with barbecue facility and a lounge. 
Guests could enjoy homely and tasty meals prepared by Executive Chef Prabath, Chef Nishshanka and their experienced team.

‘We have the facility to cater to any kind of cuisine including Sri Lankan dishes. Most of the guests set their choice on Sri Lankan meals. For overseas guests we always serve Continental or Western cuisine with an English breakfast. But Western, Italian, Chinese and Indian dishes too are popular with our visitors’ Chef Prabath added. The ‘Fort WindShire’ team is always ready to serve its guests with a Sri Lankan smile in traditional manner’ said Malissa Pathiranage, the Director of the Bungalow. 

‘We are a knitted family that will attend to our guests personally and not statistically. It is our core desire to make our guests have a personalised service. We would love to have you with us, to provide you with a luxurious stay in this blissful misty landscape’ she added.

‘Fort WindShire’ is an ideal place to explore the surroundings. Excursions could be organised to Horton Plains, Hakgala Gardens and a number of other historical, religious and tourist sites from the Hotel on request, the management said.

Seetha Amman Kovil, Sri Baktha Hanuman Kovil, Galway Forest Reserve, Victoria Park,  Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Lovers Leap, Piduruthalagala, Moon Plains, Bomburella Waterfall, tours to Kikiliyamana and Meepilimana Forest Reserve and Ambewela Farm are some of the popular attractions.

The room rates for ‘Fort WindShire’ range from Rs. 18,500/- to Rs. 33,000/-(FBD) for deluxe and Rs 43,000/- for Super deluxe suite.

Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe

Log onto www.fortwindshire.com