The Centauria Hotel lies on the edge Chandrika reservoir, close to the small town of Embilipitiya, and just south of the Uda Walawe national park. From here it is a shortish drive to the tranquil south coast and the increasingly flourishing fortress town of Galle.

The Centauria is a simple two-plus star hotel, with 51 rooms, and is valuable for its basic comforts and close proximity to the national park. It has an appealing natural setting, with the Suriya Kanda range rising beyond Chandrika tank, best appreciated from the swimming pool and outside cafe-bar. Although much of it remains bedecked in the olive green so believed of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation, it has quietly upgraded. A reminder of older Sri Lankan times, made more comfortable for modern demands. Accommodation: Fifty rooms are led by four new lakeside cottages, comprising eight rooms in total, with a/c and more modern furnishings, and recommended. All have balconies, kitchen area with fridge, small table and ironing boards. Bathrooms are much superior to the main wing of the hotel. In the main wing, there are 28 standard a/c rooms and 14 'luxury' a/c rooms, so rated because they are more spacious. All have balconies overlooking the lake, satellite TV, phone and en-suite bathrooms with shower (five luxury rooms have a bath).

Old-style bar/restaurant, currency encashment, quiet sitting area, doctor on call, IDD, laundry. There is an Ayurveda centre in a pretty cottage-style building.