Sri Lanka - OutboundHolidays

The Eco-Friendly Deer Park Hotel, Sri Lanka

(by Maureen Perera) Set within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and nestling on the banks of the scenic Giritale reservoir is the Deer Park Hotel, which as it name suggests is a location of serenity with an ambience for unwinding one’s stressed condition.

It is situated not far from Polonnaruwa. The immediate overall impression one gets on alighting on the scene is an eco-friendly atmosphere. But the vital element of the hospitality trade, customer care, aided by modern luxury creature comfort facilities, is conspicuous.

However, the concept of the hotel complex design is unique. It is the ingenuity of conserving the environment without contaminating or destroying the natural resources of the surroundings. One gets the feeling of the splendour of the jungle fastness isolation, yet not missing out on five-star amenities.

The hotel complex is owned and managed by Jinasena Management Service (Pvt.) Ltd. It consists of 88 pretty cottages, with all modern amenities under a canopy of tropical trees and birdsong in the air. In fact, Deer Park is a present day Shangrila – a veritable jungle hideout, surrounded by a wealth of natural resources – three wild life parks with elephants, leopards and deer roaming at leisure and an abundance of bird life.

The eco-friendly Deer Park Hotel is not far from the ruins of the fabled cities of ancient Sri Lanka – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. It also must be stressed that the 88 deluxe cottages are equipped with 5-star conveniences.

What is more there is also a presidential suite with its own swimming pool. Hotel facilities include a spectacular 3-tier swimming pool resembling a jungle pond encased in verdant vegetation, three streams, four natural ponds, a gymnasium and fitness centre, basketball court, volleyball court, squash court, sauna centre, a business conference centre, coffee shop and lounge, four well-stocked bars and a doctor on a 24- hour call.

The service provided is top class and taking into account all other facilities. Deer Park Hotel provides, Green Globe, UK – an hotel evaluator company – presented it with the prestigious Golden Globe award.

The men behind the scenes which make this eco-friendly hotel resort tick are Chairman/Managing Director, Jinasena Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd., Dr. Nihal Jinasena and Director/General Manager of both Deer Park Hotel and the Royal Lotus, Ravi Gooneratne, both of whom have been exposed to immense international hoteliering.

They have given Sri Lanka hoteliering a new dimension and perspective by bringing the eco-system of the Dry Zone in all its freshness and ‘feel’ into their concept of the hospitality trade.

Deer Park then meets the needs of the present generation of gearing a refreshing holiday jaunt without losing the basic creature comforts of modern living

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Arugambay Beach Resort, Sri Lanka

(Text by BEVERLEY JANSZ) The sunny golden beaches of Arugambay in Sri Lanka’s East Coast, which was almost devoid of tourists for the last 20 years due to the ethnic conflict, has come alive again. It is back to sun, sea and sand for both foreign and local tourists in their numbers in the wake of the Government’s peace initiative.

Chairman, Arugambay Beach Resort, Dr. Param sothi, who built the resort over 20 years ago, but was unable to even visit it for over 10 years due to the ethnic war, was all smiles and showed signs of relief.

The resort has already begun operations, and a massive refurbishment is under way to cater to the influx of tourists to Arugambay. ‘I am certain that the sunny golden beaches of Arugambay will soon be another ‘Hikkaduwa’ Dr. Sothi said with much relief.

In addition to the beautiful beach, Arugambay Beach Resort offers tourists a host of attractions. Arugambay combines several features of tourist interest but was left unnoticed by the tourist and travel trade for almost 20 years and tourist guide and travel magazines have sadly almost forgotten Arugambay, one of the three popular East Coast beach resort destinations in Sri Lanka, others being Trincomalee and Pasikudah.

With the cessation of hostilities following the demise of the LTTE, new interest and enthusiasm are very evident in re-discovering the East Coast, particularly Arugambay. Hotels, resorts and restaurants are coming up everywhere in the area. Tourists both foreign and local began flowing in large numbers for which the resort village was unprepared.

Arugambay Beach Resort is only a two hours drive from the cool climes of the Bandarawela mountains and is 1 1/2 k.m. from Pottuvil town on the road to Panama, overlooking the sea. The resort offers 10 guest rooms in chalet type bungalows. This unique family resort in cooled by the lush vegetation surrounding it and the cool breeze from the sea.

The chalets are cozy, comfortable, roomy, airy, well furnished with tiled bathroom and elegant fittings. The guest rooms have spacious verendahs overlooking the garden and the Arugambay beach. The resort has a few cabanas too.

The service is homely. The food delicious, offering the catch of the day from the Arugambay beach, seafood, fish, prawns, crabs, cuttle fish and tiger prawns make up the mouth watering menu in addition to the usual Western and Eastern cuisine. Guests are also offered pure curd made of fresh milk available in plenty at Arugambay.

Arugambay Beach Resort offers a host of tourist attractions. It lies midway between two popular National Parks, Lahugala National Park and Kumana Bird Sanctuary, which is the eastern border of Yala National Park. Lahugala is only 13 k.m. and Kumana Bird Sanctuary is only 23 k.m. from Arugambay Beach Resort.

A host of heritage sites and ruins dating back to the 5th century are in close proximity to the resort.

They are Magul Maha Viharaya (also known as Ruhunu Maha Viharaya, Mudu Maha Viharaya and Dudumbi Gala Hermitage, the Oakande Rock and Hindu temple, which is said to be the spot where Sindbad the Sailor ended up after a ship wreck, as stated by Richard Boyle in a historical article.

One of the main attractions for tourists visiting Arugambay Beach Resort, is the herds of 20 to 50 elephants seen at the Lahugala tank, Sasthri Veli, on the Panama Road and also on the road to Okanda and Kumana, on the way to the resort.

There is a range of special packages for Sri Lankans and expatriates, for picnics family and company outings for which the resort offers a host of facilities, including delicious seafood.

Arugambay Beach Resort is managed and marketed by Orient Hotel, Bandarawela which has embarked on a scheme to market and manage a number of resorts in Bandarawela and Arugambay under the Orient umbrella, General Manager Orient Hotel, Bandarawela, Rewatha Hettiarachchi said.

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New Look for Kosgoda Beach Resort

The fully refurbished Kosgoda Beach Resort is now being marketed and managed by Sanath Kumarasinghe. Mr Kumarasinghe who has over 30 years experience in the hotel trade was also the Director / GM of this property from1988 to 1990.

Kosgoda Beach Resort is just 80 km from Colombo in a sprawling tropical garden where the lagoon meet the sea in beautiful Kosgoda area. The resort which has masterly designed one executive suite, 14 deluxe, 27 luxury villas are each provided with air conditioning, Jacuzzis, open air bathrooms, mini bar, cable TV, tea coffee making facilities.

The Villas are spacious and tastefully decorated all the villas are overlooking either the ocean or the lagoon. The open air bathroom has sunken stone stove bath, the latest in massage shower systems. A butler service is available on request to the duplex villas, at an extra charge.

The ayurvedic spa is hosted in the colonial house with professional expert therapists. The resort operates three Restaurants, which overlook tastefully designed swimming pool. The main bar, offers international branded cocktails and other service too.

Cool air wafts in from the ocean, and across the shallow pond which surround the lobby area. The many contoured swimming pool is a favourite place for guest to while away their morning hours.

Guests can spend the time with Nature and Eco Environment. The Resort has a nice bio diversity setup in the region. Apart from the sun and sand tourist can enjoy the Nature and adventure such as nature exploration, bird watching, turtle watching , Soft skills adventure and Water sports.

Turtle watching is most enthralling activity can be at night, when you visit the beach near the hotel to watch marine turtle comes on shore to lay their eggs. It’s also possible to sometimes see the naturally hatched hatchling come out of the sand and wobble along towards the shore, a sight seen to be seen usually around twilight.

Many guests come here spend several days, and usually don’t want to leave the Resort. The guest find relaxation and rest come naturally, when they are here.

The hotel has set up a marketing / sales office in Colombo in order to service the Sri Lankan clientele even better. For inquires could call either the Hotel on 0912264848 or the corporate office on 0117202905.

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Sri Lanka’s famous monkeys do it again!

The toque macaques of Polonnaruwa, who shot to fame through many internationally acclaimed documentaries, are part of the longest-running study of primates in the world. Kumudini Hettiarachchi reports.

Jr, Sirima and Hema are just a few of the 4,000, with no two having the same name. They are named after politicians, famous people, family and friends. Two brothers are called Ponnam and Peruma, after Cyril Ponnamperuma, the founding head of the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS).

Who are they? They are the toque macaques (Macaca sinica) who roam the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Ceylon, with whom any visitor to the area is familiar. For they are part of the landscape, gambolling across the pleasure gardens of the kings, with the babies clinging on to their mothers’ under-bellies or peering inquisitively at the human intruders, while perched on a pillar centuries old.

Conceding that it is inevitable to have favourites, top primatologist Dr. Wolfgang Dittus, better known as ‘Wanduru Mahattaya’ (Monkey Gentleman) mentions ‘Not so’, a male which was “not so strong or not so weak”, ‘Hema’, a red-faced female, ‘Stumpy’, a male with a short tail and ‘Saf’, a young female whose entire life he and his team have followed from youth to breeding age and on to old age. “One was even called Lal, after a former girlfriend,” he adds smilingly and when asked whether Jr was a wily one, quickly replies that he was an “innocent fellow who died young”.

And what’s special about these simian cousins of ours in Polonnaruwa is that they are part of the longest-running study of primates in the world being carried out by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, America.

The study is being conducted by Dr. Dittus, Research Biologist for the Smithsonian Institution and Senior Visiting Scientist of the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, along with a local team headed by Sunil Gunathilake who has been with the programme for 20 years.

These are also the very same monkeys who have shot to fame through many international film documentaries on Discovery Channel, BBC Natural History World and Animal Planet. The latest is ‘Dark Days in Monkey City’ (2009) produced for Animal Planet while some of the others are ‘Temple Troop’, winner of 12 international awards (1997) and ‘Life of Mammals: Social Climbers’ with David Attenborough (2002) both for BBC Natural World.

‘Dark Days in Monkey City’ is about many troops of macaques who fight for dominance in Polonnaruwa. Using the semi-animated graphic-novel visual, it is like ‘300’ and ‘Sin City’, says Dr. Dittus.

Having spent his childhood in Germany where he was born and getting his first degree from McGill University in Canada, Dr. Dittus, who was looking to do a study on primates, was the last person to join the Primate Biology Programme (PBP) of the Smithsonian.

Nobody wanted to do the macaques, he says, when asked why he decided to spend the better part of his life here in Sri Lanka studying these monkeys, “because ‘my fellows’ are considered ugly compared to other good-looking types such as the grey langur”. The macaque is endemic to Sri Lanka and is known locally as rilawa.

By the time he joined the PBP, Dr. Dittus was already heavily involved in studying animal communications such as the development of song in birds. “But communication among primates is more complex and the macaques are socially very active.”

It was way back in 1968 that he set up base in Polonnaruwa to study the troops of macaques which rule the ruins there, observing them, identifying them as individuals and taking meticulous notes on their behaviour.

There are around 1,000 at a given time, he says, explaining that he gained his Ph.D from the University of Maryland in America, on the research he did on the ecology and behaviour of macaques, which found that the monkeys’ reproduction and survival (evolutionary fitness) was influenced by their social behaviour.

The macaques live in social matriarchal groups in a certain area, feeding on natural vegetation such as fruit and flowers. Males leave the “mother family” on reaching puberty to find a mate from another troop, according to Dr. Dittus who has numerous publications on a wide range of subjects to his credit.

“There is a genetic-imprinting that prevents inbreeding among macaques even if there is an opportunity to do so. They avoid mating with close relatives because any ancestral macaque with such a predisposition would have been handicapped with few descendants. Thus incest behaviour has been eliminated by natural or genetic selection,” he says.

Although the original mission of the PBP was basic science, it has now developed along three fronts: science, conservation and education. The research includes behaviour, ecology, demography, population genetics, epidemiology, physiology, and comparative socio-ecology among three sympatric (species sharing the same habitat) primate species, says Dr. Dittus.

Apart from the Smithsonian Institution, IFS and the University of Peradeniya (Veterinary Faculty) and a number of international collaborations have been involved in the research, The Sunday Times understands.

As the research is carried out where threats to nature conservation loom large, the PBP has become involved in conservation by establishing the NGO, Association for the Conservation of Primate Diversity to mobilize local leaders in business, education and science, he says.

“We have promoted and participated in film documentaries on the premise that the public will conserve only that which they love, and love only that which they understand,” Dr. Dittus explains. “This has brought the wonders of primate social life into the living rooms of millions of viewers around the globe. We have also got some of them dubbed in Sinhala and telecast on Rupavahini for the home audience,” he says seeking the support of a corporate to do the same with the series ‘Dark Days in Monkey City’.

Stressing that although primates are the focus, the principles and biological phenomena enlightened by these studies have a relevance among vertebrates, especially mammals, Dr. Dittus’s hope is to write up all the data collected, spanning 40 years of research.

Some firsts of PBP

1968-2008: World’s longest continuous study among vertebrates, of animal population dynamics, under a varying environment.
1977: Discovery of the role of behaviour as the major factor governing mortality and hence the growth (and density) of primate populations and their age-sex compositions.
1988: Showed that macaques use referential vocal signals to communicate about the quality, quantity, and distribution of food resources in the environment.
1993-2007: Discovered that dengue fever is an epizootic disease in non-human primates of the Sri Lankan dry zone and that human encroachment of wild areas results in the introduction of human diseases to wild primate populations (e.g., toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidosis).

Monkey camp

Small groups of schoolchildren studying science can now go to “monkey camp” at Polonnaruwa, for a reasonable fee, not only to learn about primates but also about plants, with a few lessons on history thrown in courtesy of the Association for the Conservation of Primate Diversity.

Source: SundayTimes.lk

Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Negombo, Sri Lanka

DELUXE BEACH RESORT | 102 A/C ROOMS | 2 FAMILY SUITES

In a lush tropical garden set out in the vicinity of a golden stretch of the Negombo shoreline, the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel offers exquisite service and accommodation with spectacular sea views from their large private terraces.

The Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel is located 12 km [15 minutes drive] from the Colombo International airport and only 43 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Besides being close to the country’s only international airport, the hotel is also in close proximity to all local conveniences.

ACCOMMODATION

Bright and airy, the rooms at Jetwing Blue Oceanic offer comfort and privacy coupled with fantastic views of the Indian Ocean. All rooms are well appointed with modern amenities and all the comforts of home.

The total numbers of guest rooms are 106 and include 2 family suites. Room Area – 27 sq. meters. Bathroom area – 6 sq. meters

Room Facilities: Central air-conditioning with individual temperature controls – Electric Power – 220 to 240v – Ceiling Fans – IDD Telephone – Mini Bar – Bath & Shower – Hot & Cold water – Piped music – Multi Channel Televisions – Piped music – Room Safes

CUISINE

The dining at Blue Oceanic is far better than the hotels star rating suggests, absolutely five star cuisine coupled with superb service is evident in all the hotels outlets.

Main restaurant – Continental, western, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Sri Lanka buffet with themed evenings – Seafood restaurant: Outrigger – Center point bar & Grill, the pool bar – Pizza counter at Center Point Bar & Grill – Lobby Bar

FACILITIES

Foreign exchange encashment – Hair & Beauty salon at Blue Oceanic – All major Credit cards accepted – IDD telephone facilities – Facsimile – E-mail and Internet services – Ayurvedic treatment programmes at Ayurveda Niwasa – Doctor on call – Car Rental Services – Parking facilities – Kiddies corner – Laundry/Dry cleaning – Baby sitter on request – Baby cots on request – Hotel shop – Gem & Jewellery shop – 10% discount on Food & Beverages at any other Jetwing Hotel in Negombo and vies-versa – Daily Housekeeping – Hair dryer on request – Post Office

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Fully equipped Gymnasium – Swimming pool – Tennis Court at The Beach [Flood lit] – Squash Court – Table Tennis – Beach games – Boat rides – Scuba diving during winter – cycling – Boat & Catamaran tours – Volley ball [flood lit] – Evening programmes with live entertainment [Live bands, Magic shows, Fire limbo. etc] – Karaoke Music at Checkers’ bar – Live DJ at the Center Point every Friday and Saturday.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 30 minutes

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Ranweli Holiday Village, Negombo, Sri Lanka

ECO FRIENDLY RESORT | 84 A/C BUNGALOWS

Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. Located only 18 km from Colombo’s International Airport, Ranweli is the perfect base to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday in the scenic and tranquil surroundings or engage in numerous eco-friendly activities and sports both land and water based. If you wish to explore the flora & fauna in our extensive garden and its environs, Ranweli has many options of guided tours offering valuable insights to the sights and sounds that surround you. Part of Sri Lanka’s bird friendly hotel network, Ranweli has a wealth of bird species for the novice to the keen birder. Also available are a number of cultural trips further a field in which you could also participate.

Ranweli’s architecture blends with the unique and rich natural environment. The serene and idyllic location has been fully utilized in the layout of the land, featuring indigenous flora and fauna, bordering the wide sandy beach on one side, the river on the other.

The land was originally a coconut plantation surrounded by wetlands, mainly mangroves. In conceptualizing Ranweli, the architects used the spacing of the rows of the coconut trees (called the coconut grid by agriculturists) as the discipline for the design. The bungalows, central areas and facilities were built with minimum removal of coconut trees. For each bungalow only one tree was removed and the tree trunks used as pillars in the construction.

The connecting walkways open out into beautifully tended palm gardens leading to the heart of the resort. Architecturally and aesthetically the construction and furnishings of the village blend western standards of comfort and convenience with the traditions of indigenous Sri Lankan culture.

ACCOMMODATION

Ranweli offers bungalow-type accommodation constructed with local building materials, in a unique ethnic style resembling a typical Sri Lankan village.

The 72 individual bungalows (sea view) and 12 river view rooms nestle within a forested environment and provide comfortable accommodation. The bungalows offer privacy and an excellent view of the sea and/or river – an exotic tropical setting for a peaceful holiday.

All rooms are air conditioned, with private bathrooms that are sunlit from an open court and with solar powered hot showers to provide ventilation and natural lighting, substantially conserving energy. Rooms are also equipped with a sitting area, ceiling fans and telephone.

The interior décor includes terracotta pots, brass lamps, artefacts produced by local craftsmen, and hand-woven local cotton fabric.

CUISINE

Ranweli’s restaurant, offers a delicious buffet and a-la -carte Sri Lankan and International cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available on request and during all buffets.

In addition to the main restaurant, an outside Pavilion Bar by the swimming pool, constructed with eco-friendly and biodegradable material, provides snacks and beverages. This is a favourite meeting point of guests to enjoy the ambiance and sunset. Also, a small fruit stall, called Palathuru Masse, located next to the main bar, offering fresh fruit, juices and herbal drinks of medicinal value.

Whenever possible, fresh produce is procured from the local community. We also have our own organic vegetable plots.

Special diets to accompany your ayurveda treatments can also be arranged.

FACILITIES

To sustain the tranquillity and ambiance of the property, Ranweli offers only soft-impact sport and games facilities to our guests. There is a small local charge for some activities.

Indoor: squash, darts, carom, chess, pool billiards and table tennis
Outdoor: tennis, beach volleyball, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycle hire
Water sports: canoeing, paddle boating, river cruises, river fishing

Shops

Eco Shop: Selected quality hand crafted eco friendly products and herbal cosmetics are available, including pottery, terra cotta items, wall hangings, hand bags, purses made of reed ware & rush and many other artefacts made of local material by our craftsmen using skills passed down from generation to generation for centuries.

Hotel Shop: Sundry items for guests, toiletries, books, postcards etc…

Jewellery Shops: A selection of precious and semi-precious stone jewellery.

Evening Entertainment

Every night we offer some live entertainment:

Cultural show / Sri Lankan Dance
Live band
Calypso band
Magic show
Oriental Band

BIRD WATCHING

Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundant avifauna with 229 resident and 197 migrant species making a total of 426. With 24 endemic species, Sri Lanka has one of the world’s highest numbers of endemic bird species.

Ranweli itself is located in a coast wetland estuary amidst mangroves, contributing to a large diversity of over one hundred thirty (130) bird species. Bird watching on the river and mangroves by boat is offered as a specialised facility to guests. A three-hour tour, accompanied by an interpreter, has been developed with the assistance of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), an affiliate of Bird Life International (an international bird conservation organization).

CYCLING

Two exotic tours on bicycles through lush countryside are available, providing an opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and historical sites, including many local Catholic churches and Buddhist temples. The tour is accompanied by a member of the staff, so there is also an opportunity to interact with the local community in the villages. A route map with descriptions of the sites to be visited is provided to the participants.

Tour 1: 16 km/2 hours
Tour 2: 26 km/4 hours

RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the waterways by kayak or motor boat in the environs of Ranweli and explore the unique ecosystem of the mangrove community. Discover the numerous indigenous aquatic and terrestrial plants. Enjoy a green wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

Observe water monitors (Varanus salvator) swimming lazily in the waterways or lying on a branch of a tree along the river sunbathing, as well as a variety of bird and insect life, such as butterflies and dragonflies.

This fascinating and tranquil tour will last approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, guests often choose to take a canoe and explore the waterways by themselves.

UNIQUE NATURE TOUR

Anaivilundawa – Wildlife Sanctuary and International RAMSAR Site

Located only one hour from Ranweli, is a man made wetland constructed in the 12th Century AD and is located on the western migratory route of birds. This is a sanctuary of wetlands with prolific bird life in beautiful surroundings. The vegetation of the site is a forest of the low country dry zone, which is very scenic. In addition to birds, other interesting fauna which can be sighted here, such as:

Mammals: mouse deer, hare, mongoose, squirrels, wild cats [such as civets], wild boar and fruit bats.
Reptiles/amphibians: land monitors, water monitors, lizards, geckoes, skinks, and tortoises.

There are over 100 species of birds in this site. However, of special interest are species [Spoonbills, Ibises, Darters, Harriers, species of Bee-eaters, and the Jungle Fowl, which is an endemic species – the national bird of Sri Lanka] that are not found in Ranweli and its environs.

Sinharaja Rainforest Biosphere Reserve

1 or 2 day tours to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last significant undisturbed stretch of rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage site are arranged on special request.

UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS

Panduwasnuwara & Yapahuwa

This 1-day tour will take you to Panduwasnuwara, one of the ancient Royal Capitals of Sri Lanka, which is only a one-hour drive from Ranweli. This impressive sprawling (50 acre), moated and walled ‘sleeping city’, some of it still unexcavated, was an expertly planned and well laid out metropolis with a stately palace, royal audience hall, store houses, granaries, monastic complexes, shrines, bath houses, toilets and ponds. Beautifully proportioned platforms, terraces, pavements and doorways enhance its architecture, handsome stone sculptures and carvings adorn it and rock inscriptions record its events and happenings.

After your visit to Panduwasnuwara you will be taken to Yapahuwa, a citadel built on a huge rock boulder in the style of the 5th Century Sigiriya rock fortress. Well defended with double ramparts and moats, Yapahuwa holds many delights for sightseeing. These include the remains of the King’s Palace, royal audience hall and other stately structures, shrines and baths.

YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT

Ranweli Village also offers unique yoga and meditation retreats. Please check with us for select packages. These are generally tailored and come in variations of 7, 14 and 21day packages.

Products & Services: Birding, butterfly watching, nature walks, cycling/habitat tours, fishing in the lagoon and river, demonstration of ethnic indigenous crafts and skills, sports – tennis, squash, archery, table tennis, pool billiards, volleyball, wave board, boogie board, paddle boating and canoeing. Vegetarian meals are provided during buffets and on request. Tours to cultural & heritage sites are also available.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International [12miles]

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Ceylon Tea Trails wins two TripAdvisor travellers choice awards…

Ceylon Tea Trails has won two of the coveted 2009 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in two categories – Best Hidden Gems, Asia & Best All-Inclusive, World according to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Middle East Office.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel community on the web, with more than 32m visitors every month, 9m members and 20m reviews and opinions generated monthly by actual travelers who cover more than 300,000 hotels in 30,000 destinations worldwide. TripAdvisor is an operating company of Expedia Inc. of USA, the world’s largest internet based Travel Company.

Unlike other hotel awards programs, the ‘Choice Awards’ are based on an analysis of real, unbiased reviews and opinions by actual guests. A typical rave review of Tea Trails at tripadvisor.com says: ‘If you stay in one place when in Sri Lanka, make sure this is it!’ Ceylon Tea Trails comprises four colonial tea planters’ bungalows, set among lush Ceylon tea estates, and infused with a new and decidedly gourmet vibe. Each villa, built between 1890 and 1939, offers a taste of colonial living thanks to butler service & authentic period furnishings. Castlereagh and Summerville bungalows have lakefront positions, while Norwood has the best pool, with panoramic views. Tientsin is the most traditional colonial.

‘Sri Lanka has all the necessary ingredients to make it an attractive destination for travellers seeking somewhere new and different, yet offering facilities of the highest international standards combined with the unique charm and adventure of a tropical paradise, an exotic destination with an old-world charm, said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

‘Ceylon Tea Trails is a prime example of the top quality hotels and excellent facilities available in the island nation and the property deserves this accolade because it offers facilities to rival the best in the world,’ Ms. Al Mansoori remarked.

Ms. Al Mansoori noted that in addition to the Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka has several city hotels and beachfront properties and a number of boutique hotels to cope with the tourist demand. Most hotels in Sri Lanka offer superb amenities for holidaymakers, whether they are seeking an active outdoor vacation or simply looking for complete relaxation in comfortable surroundings.

Opened by the tea company Dilmah, the resort teaches visitors everything they need to know about the perfect brew. Guests are absorbed into life on a working tea estate, whilst revelling in five-star luxury.

Tea Trails must now rank as the resort that has received the most accolades of any resort in Sri Lanka by the International press in such a short time. Accolades include Best destination in the world to ‘pop the question to your partner’, Wow Traveller Magazine; ‘Top 10 hotels in the world for tea lovers’, Luxury Traveller Magazine, UK; ‘Top Five Colonial Holidays in the World’ and ‘Five Best Tea Plantation Hotels in the World’, both by The Independent newspaper UK; Hot List of best new hotels in the World for 2006, Conde Nast Traveller Magazine; ‘Top 10 Tours to Whet your Whistle’, Belfast Telegraph and, ‘Winter Getaways – 20 Great Destinations’, Travel + Leisure, Australia.

Guests at Tea Trails have included celebrities, writers, nobility, descendents of British tea planters and discerning Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka offers diversity within easy reach in a small island. Among the many epithets showered upon this tiny island include Serendipity, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma and Pearl of the Indian Ocean to name a few and none comes even close to articulate the true beauty and old world charm of Sri Lanka.

Tourists from around the world visit Sri Lanka every year in search of a perfect holiday ranging from nature, culture, adventure, education, healing and spiritual discovery to connecting with roots or simply to watch a cricket match.

Source: AMEInfo

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Elephant Corridor Hotel, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 21 SUITES

Leave your worldly cares behind. Breathe the spirit of wilderness. Rejuvenate yourself, in the tranquil surrounds of thousands of acres of jungle beside the lake, against the backdrop of the breathtaking Kandalama hills, with its all-suite accommodation concept – Elephant Corridor.

The Elephant Corridor Hotel is amongst the most luxuriously appointed small boutique hotel in the region. Boasting all kinds of ultra modern amenities and facilities the hotel’s an oasis of comfort ensuring an unforgettable stay for her guests.

The Hotel is located approximately 4hrs from the airport, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle with many amazing historical and religious sites and numerous wildlife sanctuaries dotting the surrounding countryside, the hotel itself faces the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, a 2000 year old citadel in the sky.

ACCOMMODATION

All 21 suites are finely decorated and designed to offer superior comfort. Each room is fully air-conditioned with modern in-room amenities and en-suite services. All rooms afford panoramic views of the jungle plains and beyond.

Each of the suites at Elephant Corridor has its own private plunge pool in the bedroom itself. A unique spa concept offers the latest spa treatments to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

Room type: 6 Deluxe Suites – 8 Super Deluxe Suites – 4 Romantic Suites – 2 Royal Suites – 1 Presidential Villa

Facilities: Air conditioning – Mini bar – Private bathroom / Ensuite – Telephone – Television

CUISINE

Ambrosia Restaurant offers delicious cuisine in a romantic ambience – ‘Ebony and Ivory’ jungle bar and ‘Fables and Tales’ Library bar provide a global variety of cuisine and refreshments. Everything is absolutely five stars.

Products & Services: 21 luxury air-conditioned suites – Banquet facilities – Cocktail bar – Conference facilities – Landscaped Garden – Gymnasium – Lounge – Restaurant – Sauna – Spa – Swimming pool – Terrace – Travel desk – 24-hour security – foreign exchange and concierge service.

Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International

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Wild elephant population rising in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population has shown a marked increase over the last 10 years.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that there were 1,099 elephants in the North Western Province in 1993 and the number has increased to twice as many in 2004.

The minister said, “there are 450 elephants in Udawalawe National Park and there are an estimated 1,500 elephants living outside the Wilpattu National Park as result of terrorist activities that take place in the Park,” he said.

Minister said that steps would be taken to put up Elephant Transit Homes (Ath Asaru Sevana) near Yaan Oya and Thabbowa forest.

The present Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe will be made an Elephant Conservation Zone, he said. Commenting on the elephant mortality rate in Sri Lanka, Ranawaka said there were 189 elephant deaths in 2007, of them 110 were caused by humans.

Fifty four elephants had reportedly died up to May this year. The highest number of elephant deaths have been reported from the North Central Province, he said.

Chamikara WEERASINGHE writes for DailyNews.lk

The Beach, Jetwing Beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka

75 LUXURY ROOMS | 3 LUXURY SUITES

The Jetwing Beach, Negombo, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, lies nestled among the palm trees, along a beautiful sun-drenched beach in the coastal town of Negombo. It takes one to an ultramarine world of colourful interiors where each of the rooms open on to large private balconies, or terrace which looks out to the Indian Ocean.

The hotels architecture is truly impressive and also inspiring, it’s beach, it’s cool, it’s calm and it’s a temple of chic – A harmonious blend of soft colours and rich, dark woods, this place lives and breaths luxury.

Your cares will be swept away by the cool breezes that blow through its open spaces. Apart from its spectacular setting amidst windswept palms and sun bronzed beach. The Hotel’s spa features a comfortable lounge to relax in, a Jacuzzi, steam room and special treatment rooms with a choice of air-conditioned environments for treatment. The luxury and romance of this idyllic location forms the perfect backdrop for honeymoons too.

ACCOMMODATION

Jetwing Beach Resort offers 75 spacious, luxury rooms with minimalist interiors and 3 luxury suites with a large open court yard with rain shower and Jacuzzi.

Room with cement flooring and dark teak furniture, individual air conditioning, telephone and IDD facility, hair dryer, magnifying shaving mirror, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, safety locker, cable TV, CD/DVD Player, In -room dining, slippers and bath robes.

CUISINE

‘The Sands’, for all day dining; ‘Black Coral’, the fine dining restaurant, offering an exciting a la carte menu; ‘Al Fresco’ dining on the terrace; The Centre Point, a beach restaurant offering great pizzas and other snacks and Terrace Bar

ACTIVITIES

‘Water sports, kite surfing, fishing, a village walk, Anawilundawa bird watching tour including a train ride, a boat ride with breakfast through the Dutch canal or experience the marsh and narrowing water ways of Muthurajawela with a boat ride. You could also take a safari through the jungles of the Wilpatthu National Park or perhaps tour the many ancient Roman Catholic churches in the area.

Experience ‘Signature Dining’ – A romantic Rama & Sitha spa and dining experience, in-room dining for couples. Beach Bar-Be-Que for a couple or small group.

Experiences within the hotel: Learn to cook hot and spicy sea food dishes and other Sri Lankan specialities, tea tasting ceremony of J

etwing Teas, Signature Dining, Exotic Weddings and parties.

FACILITIES

2 Restaurants (à la carte, buffet and signature dining)
3 Bars including pool bar
2 Swimming pools
Gym (fully equipped)
Tennis & Squash courts
shops
Spa and Ayurvedic centre
Watersports centre offering Deep sea fishing, Boat rides, Catamaran sailing,
Body boarding
Kayaking
Babysitting service available
Evening entertainment programmes.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 20 minutes

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