Ganesh Gate
About Ganesh Gate
Need to escape civilization for a few days? Experience serene nature without the commotion of town at Ganesh Gate. Newly opened in 2013, this getaway is nestled on three acres of beautiful, secluded beachfront property a mere 250 meters from Whiskey Point, one of the best surf spots on the East coast of Sri Lanka and a popular spot for weekend parties.
Ganesh Gate provides budget travelers with an opportunity to get off the “beaten path”, while remaining close enough to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay for access to the shops and restaurants of either town. The entire property is maintained in an environmentally friendly fashion, with solar power and natural light used as much as possible. The garden provides an opportunity to use ingredients grown on-site in the preparation of meals for guests.
Rooms
Ganesh Gate has four simple cabins, with mud walls on the exterior and traditional whitewash and Sri Lankan decoration on the interior. All rooms are double occupancy, with a private open-air shower and toilet area. Each room allows ocean breezes and natural light to enter while maintaining privacy and comfort.
During the high season, rooms are offered at 1500 rupees, though rates are negotiable for long-term stays.
Restaurant
Our on-site restaurant is near the beach, allowing guests to enjoy their fare with open views of the Indian Ocean. We serve traditional Sri Lankan and Indian food, and can also take requests from guests for additional cuisines. We also serve coffee, beverages, and beer. All dishes and drinks are available at reasonable local rate.
Amenities
The property is very much in its natural state, and building has been integrated with nature as much as possible. Our outdoor shower is set among a grove of trees, and we also have an area for yoga or meditation in the shade. Electricity can be provided a few hours daily by generator for charging of electronics, but we prefer to maintain natural light and energy sources as much as possible. We also provide beachfront lounging areas with natural thatched branch coverage for breaks between sunbathing and swimming. You might spy a wild elephant in the surrounding area, but this is no reason for alarm!
Attractions
Whiskey Point is a very popular area for its surf break, which is one of the best in the area and in the nation. We can provide both surf lessons and board rentals through our partners in Arugam Bay. Friday and Monday night parties at Whiskey Point are a great way to let loose after a day of surfing or touring the area.
There are also many natural attractions in the region, including Pottuvil Lagoon for wildlife safaris. We can conduct safaris with our own Jeep for a rate competitive with local tour operators. Nearby temples and archaeological sites provide a glimpse into Sri Lankan culture and history. We are happy to arrange transportation by tuk tuk or taxi for any area you are interested in visiting at a good price.
Reaching Ganesh Gate
The ride from Pottuvil is 15 minutes (tuk tuk 300r), or 25 minutes (tuk tuk 500r) from Arugam Bay. Follow the road to Whiskey Point and then the signs for our accommodation until you reach our gate.