If you are anything like me, you are a non-golfer and would be extremely intimidated by a place that is predominantly known for its golf. But I am here to tell you that you will have a wonderful time at The Victoria Golf and Country Resort, and here are 17 reasons why: 1. You can play tennis For those of you looking for an adrenaline boost, this is one of the best ways to spend your evening when on holiday. They have a lovely tennis court with a gorgeous backdrop of the Sri Lankan hill country, so you can work up a sweat, and have a good time. 2. Eat ‘Kiri Kos’ to your heart’s content The chef of Victoria Golf and Country Resort prepares specialised menus based on the occupancies and reservations at the resort. So, if you are lucky, you might be able to catch their ‘Kiri Kos’ dish. With the perfect blend of coconut milk and spices, this is just heavenly. 3. Visit the Araliya Deck If you are a nature lover – travelling to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka – this one is for you. Make sure you check out the Araliya Deck. This is a viewpoint located within the premises of the resort, reachable through a 100m trail. The picture perfect sight of the ‘Mahaweli’ and ‘Hulu’ rivers meeting at the feet of the Victoria Dam will make you catch your breath. 4. Waterfall hunting Here’s another one for you green panthers. The resort is located 29km away from the Knuckles mountain treks, and Knuckles is packed with divine waterfalls. The resort arranges trips to these waterfalls upon request for a reasonable price – with transport and lunch. 5. Bird watching Victoria Golf and Country Resort stretches for 517 arches, and the area is inhabited by over 24 unique bird species. So, bird watching is one of the best activities in the area. 6. Enjoy a nice swim with a backdrop of the picturesque golf course Victoria Golf and Country Resort has a pool equipped with a Jacuzzi, easily accessible from the chalets. A few evening laps beside an uplifting view would be the perfect summer fix. 7. Enjoy a luxurious stay in the T6 Villa The T6 Villa is a plush villa built facing the Victoria Dam. Complete with a personal pool, a fully furbished kitchen and three luxurious rooms; this is a terrific place for a getaway. The view from the pool is exquisite. The T6 is Rs. 60,000 per night, and bookings can only be made for the villa as a whole to ensure complete privacy and comfort. This is ideal for families, groups of friends, and writers trying to help the creative juices flowing. 8. Breakfast with a view Victoria Golf and Country Resort offers destination dining upon request. So, feast your eyes as well as your taste buds in a rejuvenating breakfast experience with a tantalising backdrop. 9. High tea The hills and tea are a perfect match, aren’t they? The hotel will organise high tea for you and your loved ones alongside the beautiful golf course, upon request. So nibble on some munchies and sip some hot ginger tea while gazing at the beautiful mountains. 10. Munch on some spring rolls This is no joke; they have the best spring rolls! I had a whole plate of them until I was too stuffed to do anything else. It was totally worth it. 11. Escape from the city hassle and watch the hills Placed amid the splendid hilltops of Digana, complete with a magnificent 18-hole golf course, a ton of majestic trees and greenery everywhere; this is the ideal place to de-stress, connect with nature, escape from your busy city lives, and maybe sit on the warm grass and read a book. 12. Bond with your family Victoria Golf and Country Resort consists of 27 rooms; 10 chalets, cottages and a 3 bedroom villa (the T6). Thus this is one of the best places to travel with your family, spend your time in luxury, do some family activities, and bond as there is nothing like nature to put everyone in a good mood. 13. Honeymoon You already know that this is the ultimate place for honeymooners. Amid the hills, the beautiful lush greens and the serenity; there is no better place to snuggle with the love of your life. 14. Have your wedding Yes, that’s right. Victoria Golf and Country Resort offers destination, outdoor weddings. If you’ve fantasised about saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the prepossessing hill-country of Sri Lanka, this is the place for you. 15. Host your business conferences They offer unique indoor and outdoor event spaces with broadband access. The spaces can host small meetings with groups of 15 to 20 people and exhibitions with about 50 to 100 people. So win your business deals as you savour the splendour of Digana. 16. Team building ‘whoot!’ As it is filled with loads of open spaces and tiny trails, this is one of the best places to host team building activities. 17. Finally, learn some golf Now you may not be a golf player, but if you want, you can try your hand at some golf during your stay here. The Victoria Golf Academy is dedicated to disciplining you in the art of this beautiful game. So buckle up and have a great holiday. Victoria Golf & Country Resort, Digana Facebook: Victoria Golf & Country Resort Tel: 0812 376 371 By Pujanee Galappaththi Photos Krishan Kariyawasam