The South coast of Sri Lanka, from the tourist’s point of view, is one of the most beautiful anywhere in the world. Just 190 kilometers from Colombo, not far from the picturesque village of Tangalla, is the "Italian Village"which goes by the name of Eva Lanka Hotel.

It overlooks the dazzling Indian Ocean, encircled by coral reefs in one of the finest natural oases on the silver beach of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by luxury vegetation.

A tropical garden of 30,000 square meters, full of multi coloured unique plants, flowers and centenarian palms, the resort has the easy access to the most magnificent unspoiled beaches, it has been specially designed to ensure any passage of movement for a disabled person.

The Eva Lanka hotel has 23 luxury chalets and six de-luxe rooms with all modern facilities, including split-type air-conditioners, hot and cold water, spacious bathrooms, elegant living rooms, private terrace facing the Indian ocean and international direct dialling facilities.

There is also a gourmet restaurant which caters to the most fastidious, and offers an a-la-carte menu in airconditioned comfort. There is also an open air restaurant, a buffet menu, Italian pizzeria as well as a Patisserie.

`Credit card and foreign currency exchange facilities are available. So also parking facilities, a taxi service, and gift shops. One of the most unusual things offered here is a special vintage car hire service, with chauffeur supplied.

For recreation and entertainment, the Italian village offers a central sea-water pool as well as a Belvedere sea-water pool. A nature pool to relax in water treated by special acquatic plants, flowers, fish and natural organisms. There are also three water-slides at different elevations, and water-polo for those so inclined.

The sea bathing here is quite safe, and there is also scope for deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and windsurfing, with a windsurfing school to help those who need it.

There are also excursions in catamarans and motor boats.

Talassotherapy in seawater pools, is a new innovation at this Italina village. Indoor games and table tennis for those who prefer the indoors and a 1200 meter pathway in the park with comfortable benches to relax, for those who like to be out in the open.

Best of all, with the trend today towards herbal treatments, there is an Ayurveda Centre, fully manned and staffed by those qualified in this aspect of medicine.

Other attractions at this "Italian Village" are day excursions by catamaran and motor boat to the coral reef, batik shops, pottery, wooden, gold and brass ware.

And just six kilometers away is the tallest Buddha statue in a meditating posture.

Eight kilometers away from the hotel is one of the only three blowholes in the world, and this is a sight that no one should miss.

Thirteen kms away is the Ocean turtles asylum, and at Mulkirigala, is an ancient Buddhist temple built on a granite rock.

The Italian Village is also close to the Kalamitia ornithological park, just 20 kilometers distant, and four kms further is Dondra Head, the southern most part of Sri Lanka.

Other attractions include a Nilwala river safari, the Udawalawe elephant park, and a wild life safari to the Yala National park.

Kataragama temple, the Lourdes of the Hindu religion is just 90 kilometers away and there are mini tours organised by the hotel to tea plantations, to Gatambaruwa temple, to tropical rain forests and to Gem mines at Ratnapura, 120 kilometers away.