The magic of paradise island

By Damitha Hemachandra

Paradise will never be lost to Mr. Abeygunawardane, who turned his holiday hideout, all of seven acres at Dodanduwa lagoon, to a paradise hidden in a mangrove forest.
Designed initially to be a second home out of Colombo, with the help of his family, it was turned into an eco village is surrounded by water with a link to the mainland.
Inside, the main living area is built in harmony with the surrounding environment with a courtyard and a sculpture of Alakeshwara as a centrepiece. The gold painted statue surrounded by plant varieties and accompanied by a group of gold fish at the foot provides a simple but unique entrance piece to the living area.
However, the most interesting are the two old canoes converted into dinner tables! According to Mr. Abeygunawardane, these 300-year-old canoes had been in sea shape until they were donated by the owners. Today they are the most interesting items at eco village providing a marine touch.
Curiosities and surprises are never rare at eco village. A part of a whale skull lies at a side providing another puzzle to the eye while a clay finished mini-bar styled with old kitchen utensils adds to the authentic touch.
Yet the best things at eco-village are scattered over the garden like Easter eggs for the curious to find. A houseboat on float on two canoes is the best find of all. Although anchored closer to the shore the houseboat can be anchored in the middle of the lagoon far from civilisation.
The houseboat consists of a cabin enabling overnight stays in the middle of the lagoon while the boat deck is ideal for sunbathing and staring at the endless lagoon.
A short canoe rides around the island can take you to a hermitage at the nearby island while the canoe rides around the island could reveal the hideouts at eco village. Just a turn around the corner reveals a mangrove cave with stone seating and a stone lady to keep one company and then there is a wooden walk of intrigue through the mangrove forest. The walk, constructed through the dense mangrove forest, is a true tribute to Jurassic Park and a challenge to the faint hearted.
Follow the path and go west to find the hidden treasures at eco village. After a clay ambalama, a series of ponds streaming with fish and another sculpture taking a dive, the walk ends at the most unique aquarium of all.
The aquarium and greenhouse is an exclusive exhibition of plants and fish presented in the best way possible. A walk through the aquarium would mean stepping-stones through the fishponds while gold fish and angels glide their way through water plants dancing around in glittering waters beneath you.
Yet all the magic at eco village was not created overnight and is an attempt of a family to create the ideal holiday home. Eco village is also in remembrance of a son who was lost fighting for his country and a love that was snatched not long ago.