Thebuwana

Thebuwana, The Elegant and Charming Colonial House
September 3rd, 2008 by admin

Thebuwana

We all love to take a break off our busy, demanding schedules by immersing ourselves in breathtaking locales like chilly hillsides or the incredible beaches. A gorgeous location situated in the Kalutara district has all the ingredients to add more plus points to your holiday pleasure.

It’s amazing what Colonial House in Thebuwana can provide for those who are on the look out for a wonderful outing.

When you travel past Kalutara from Colombo, come to the Katukurunda junction and take the Matugama route. You will come across this beautiful place called Thebuwana where the climatic condition is just amazing. With rubber estates on one side, tea estates on the other and a ring hilly rocks adding splendour, one cannot miss the place called Colonial House.

Colonial House lies on a 50-acre rubber estate. The two-acre garden with blossoming flowers adds glamour to the vicinity, apart from other attractive factors that make Colonial House so special. A large variety of local and foreign flora and fruits are among the well grown plants that adorn the vast Colonial House compound.

Those visiting the Colonial House cannot miss the swimming pool and the beautiful Kalu Ganga that flows below.

Colonial House is a holiday bungalow that provides eastern and western dishes to suit varied needs of guests. The resort’s owner and his family are residing in England and the whole task of maintaining and looking after it falls on the shoulders of Samantha. His ready support is always available for all those who want to take a break off their busy, demanding schedules.

Colonial House comprises well-maintained huge bed rooms that add to the surrounding serene environment. In addition there are changing rooms and bathrooms. Each room has its own verandah facing the gorgeous outdoor locales. Every room is airconditioned, with television and DVD facilities.

Colonial House has various packages to suit the purses and requirements of its guests. It is an ideal holiday location for those looking for a mountainous, cool climate in a place like Kalutara.

More details could be obtained by corresponding via email-info@thecolonialhouse.co.uk or writing to The Colonial House, PutuPawula Estate, Thebuwana, Kalutara.

web: http://www.thecolonialhouse.co.uk
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Posted in Sri Lanka Eco Tourism No Comments »
Belgium relaxes its travel advisory on Sri Lanka
August 31st, 2008 by admin



Belgium Flag

Photo Credit:benidormone (Flickr)
An earlier travel advisory imposed by the government of Belgium advising visitors to refrain from non-essential travel to Sri Lanka has been revised since yesterday.

The new advisory allows tour operators from Belgium to market Sri Lanka aggressively for the upcoming winter season. The relaxed travel advisory only mentions travel restrictions to the North and the Eastern regions and Yala.

It is hoped that the Belgium travel advisory will result in similar relaxations of travel advisory from other European nations as well.
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Posted in TRAVEL ADVISORIES, Sri Lanka Travel Advisories 1 Comment »
Pettah - Bustling with bargains
August 30th, 2008 by admin

Pettah

By Dinidu de Alwis, Pix by Sanka Vidanagama
Photo Credit : smadya - flickrThink life is boring, and a routine is setting in? Take a break from the usual shopping haunts and do something adventurous. Cross over to the dark side of shopping, where odors are overpowering and bargains are as abundant as dust, and crows.

Pettah, or the area opposite the Fort railway station, can be thought of as one big department store. Whatever one’s heart desires, it can be bought here. Sports fan, or an admirer of “label” foot ware and t-shirts. Look no further. This is a territory where T shirts from brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma sell for just over Rs 400/-. Shoes are available ranging from Rs 1500/- upto a ceiling amount of Rs 3000/-. Want a pair of shades to go with the look? Spend Rs 500/- tops to get a matching pair.

It’s a fruit paradise. Large stocks of bananas, pyramids of apples and oranges, and mountains of grapes sit right beside guavas the size of bricks. Although to be on the safe side, it’s better to wait till you get home and wash the dust off before munching in.

Movie buff? Feel right at home. Street-side shops retail any DVD for a mere Rs 100/-. This is the ground where Spielberg, Tarentino or Chopra would commit instant suicide. Looking for that latest block buster which is not released yet, or that elusive 70’s movie which everybody absolutely recommends you watch? Dig deep enough and spend enough time browsing through the 24-hour shops. Ah yes, 24-hours. See, these are not exactly shops, but small structures which are put up. This means there is no way to actually “close” the shop. So the vendors take turns in manning the shop on a shift basis for 24 hours.

It’s not a place for the faint of heart. But if you’re willing to haggle, and willing to explore, Pettah can provide you with bargains you never even thought of. And hidden under layers of fakes, are originals which can be bought at, well, fake prices.

Keep a bottle of water handy, and it’s advisable not to take a camera. If you do, ask permission from the vendors before taking picture, and most of the time, they would happily oblige. Take cash, but not a lot of it. Be careful how much cash you pull out. And it would be a good idea to have some wet tissues or baby wipes to wipe away the layers of dust.

And don’t forget to go to Shyam Bakers near the Private Bus Stand, and eat the famous Seeni Sambol bun. It’s a must do. Have fun at this explosion of sight, sound and smell. Yes, smell !
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Posted in Colombo 1 Comment »
Beruwala Beach - Softer sell on the golden mile
August 15th, 2008 by admin

Beruwala Beach

Photo credit : smartovski (flickr)

Rory Spowers - The Guardian

‘Our job was always seen in negative terms,” said Siggi. “But now we can feel some dignity in what we do. And we make more money than before, without fighting over it.”

We were sitting in a palm thatch lean-to on the “golden mile” of beach stretching from Beruwela to Bentota on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. To our left, an impeccably clean stretch of sand was given added colour by artistic displays of hats and sarongs hanging from wigwam structures of sticks and driftwood. To our right, a tall green fence separated us from the Riverina Hotel’s swimming pool, where two English families were playing water polo. “One day we hope the fences will come down,” added Sujit Yamasinghe, the young sociologist spearheading the LINC (Learning Involving Nurturing Communities) project which has elevated Siggi from “beach boy” status to “beach operator”, boosted his income and prospects, while simultaneously improving his relations with foreign guests, local people and the management of the Riverina Hotel.

On busy tropical beaches, from Bali to Barbados, the scene is familiar: an almost incessant stream of hawkers, “beach bums” in regulation surf shorts, Bob Marley T-shirts and crowned with dreadlocks, offering everything from massages and sunglasses to boat trips and local tours. Although their exchanges can be friendly and engaging, they are often regarded with suspicion and can become irritatingly persistent.

Having lived the last four years in south Sri Lanka, I know how family trips to the beach can be marred by these interruptions. There are only so many times you can say no to the same toy wooden boat and sarongs.

Until recently, this stretch of Sri Lankan coast, an area badly affected by the 2004 tsunami, was no exception. Hundreds of “beach boys” gathered outside the hotels, hassling their prey on the other side of high green fences. At the Riverina Hotel, the problem had become so severe that tourists rarely ventured to the beach from the hotel compound. Even locals and hotel staff kept their distance, for fear of the friction that might ensue. One hotel operator had likened the informal industry to “a mafia”.

Now, thanks to an initiative implemented by Sri Lanka’s Responsible Tourism Partnership (RTP) and sponsored by the UK Travel Foundation and tour operator Kuoni, the situation has been reversed. Noisy hordes of hustlers, who previously secured their game by pestering the loudest, have been replaced by teams of Beach Operators (BOs), dressed in official T-shirts, their names embossed on the sleeves and seated in the shade under palm frond beach huts. Tourists now come to them, rather than the other way round. Of the 72 originally trained under the scheme, 65 are now operating in teams of four or five. The proceeds from their commissions, sales and tips are then pooled and split equally between the group.

“The first thing we did was replace the term ‘beach boys’ with ‘beach operators’, providing a link between the formal and informal tourism industries,” said Sujit.

And since only one representative from each group needs to be on the beach at one time, you’ll often find just 14 BOs on the golden mile, rather than a swarm of 70 .

This informal industry has a long history and some of those working the beach are continuing a family profession stretching back generations. Many are eager to point out that some local politicians and successful businessmen started their careers by selling trinkets and tours on this strip of beach, while hotel managers accept that the local knowledge and foreign language skills of the BOs are often superior to that of their own staff. All too often however, large hotel developments have ignored the needs of the local community and left many unemployed, thereby creating the sort of tension that evolved at the Riverina.

Now local community activities, ranging from New Year and Independence Day celebrations to cricket matches, integrate foreign guests with hotel staff and the BOs. Unlike two years ago, when hotel staff would hardly dare venture to the beach, the BOs actively promote the Riverina among their contacts. A Community Fund has been established, creating a welfare system that helps pay for funerals and other events that can financially cripple poor families.

The positive results of the LINC project have been systemic, stretching to beach-cleaning and tree-planting programmes to combat erosion, with BOs working alongside hotel employees. The neighbouring Neptune Hotel, a white concrete complex designed by the celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s, has also signed up to the project. “We always had a good rapport with the BOs and are the only hotel not separated from the beach by a fence,” said general manager Samantha Gunaratne. “But after seeing the success of the Riverina pilot project, we invited Sujit to replicate it here and relations have become even better.” The hope is that the model will now be rolled out on other Sri Lankan beaches.

Back at the Riverina, instead of feeling enclosed and intimidated, tourists walked undisturbed to the beach. One or two stopped to chat with the BOs assigned to them, discussing the details of impending excursions to local markets and temples. Gone are the cries for “massage”, “sarong” and “coconut”.

Rory Spowers runs Samakanda “bio-versity” (samakanda.org) where the bungalows cost from £40 per night.

A Year in Green Tea and Tuk-Tuks, Rory Spowers’ book about moving to Sri Lanka, the 2004 tsunami and the creation of Samakanda, is published by Harper Element, priced £8.99.
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Unique blend of SAARC, Sri Lanka, Buddha and LTTE
August 7th, 2008 by admin

By Nav Raj Pokharel

The 15th Summit of South Asian Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that oscillated between YES and NO until last hours of its preparation due to the rancor among political parties of nascent Republic Nepal was finally held successfully amid tight security in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, the host country of the 15th SAARC Summit, not only held the gala despite its many domestic and international challenges, but also showed the world that the country can develop itself as another Singapore in south Asia within few years, once the contentious group of terrorist is effaced from the legendary land.

When the delegates of the SAARC member courtiers were busy in Colombo, debating the issues and challenges facing the South Asian Region, devising a common ground to combat the challenges, journalists from many countries who gathered there to cover the event, were concomitantly keeping their newsy-nose alert to sniff and witness the news related to Liberation of Tamil Tiger Elam ( LTTE) and have the peoples’ real verdict on the issue. And, as a journalist, I too was doing the same thing.

My participation to the event and the visit to the country was the first. I had mixed reaction within myself- a bale of curiosities and trepidation - as I was visiting the legendary country amid peppering news of continued war and violence. My four nights and three days stay in Colombo but made me realize that the news related to government’s offensive attacks on the belligerent side, as disseminated by many news agencies, were but belying.

The LTTE that waged war now nearly 3 decades are capricious. They violated their unilateral announcement of cease-fire and killed dozens of people when the Summit was in progress in Colombo. Sri Lankan government estimates 5 to 10 thousands of Tamil Tiger separatist hiding in Jaffna bastion whom most of Tamil despise for their unreeling subversive activities.

I broached the issues of LTTE with many common people at market area, with the endemic journalists at convention and media centre, both the low and high-ranking Sri Lankan officers at lunch and dinner tables and during our informal and intimate talks. I tried to elicit their true feeling on the issue. Finally, I derived at and construed that Sri Lankan people are already fade up with the seemingly never-ending insurgencies. They detest it. They want peace in their land and peace in their lives.

However, both the country and the government have been withstanding the worst of the disruptive few. Although hapless they seemed, they have not given up hope to have peace restored in the country in near future. More than 90 percent of the population follow Buddhism, more than that size of population are practicing Buddhism in their real lives as well. That was most impressive aspect at the sideline of SAARC I attended.

I felt the aura on their countenance radiated with the realization of wisdom that Buddha had found many years ago, still illusive to many to attain.

The friendliest in their approach and attitudes, the most polite in speech and finesse, the Sri Lankans are the ones who suffered the most from the seditious acts of the secessionists. However, they have taken it as a penance and test to their endurance.

Many of us were lodged at Trans Asia hotel and the venue for the SAARC summit was arranged at Bandaranayke Memorial International Convention Hall-BMICH. The distance was roughly 10 kilometers. Every morning we were shuttled to the centre and back to the hotel for our safety reasons. The security checks we encountered were almost at every kilometer. But I never developed a feeling of fatigue seeing the security posts and their checking procedures. I found the security officials, who were perhaps dog-tired with duty, never lost their temper with us and with the locals. I rather curiously felt the checking as an opportunity to know them closely. They greeted us, and I was dead sure that the smile that covered their countenance was never a forceful effort; it was rather coming out from their inner soul. They would inquire with the local security person who was always at the front seat of the vehicle ready to response to their queries, if any.

I remember detail of all their body postures, cursory look of their eyes, expressions that would come and vanish immediately on their faces because I have passed through such occasions in my own banana republic.

I have developed a concealed feeling that security personnel are not human being. whenever I encountered security personnel in my country during the period of insurgencies, I always heard sharp questions in harsh and terse voice that asked me from where I was coming or going or both, and why I was late in my work. They looked at me as if I was the thief or leader of some gang at large, and as if they were waiting me to arrest. They returned my identity cards after meticulous inspection in such a manner that I would have been at their gunpoint, had I lost the card. Even a forceful smile on their face was a tantamount to irreparable and inexcusable slip-up. I had a different notion about the security personnel. But what I saw and experienced in Sri Lanka in very similar situation to my country bemused me, I should admit I was baffled in the beginning.

I also remember the driver of Rupabahini Television who drove my cameraperson and me back to our hotel after we finished feed at about eight o’clock in the evening on the first day in Colombo, as the shuttle bus arranged for many media persons left us with our work. Taking three–wheeler was risky without any obvious reason to corroborate, we requested the officer on duty at the feeding station and he was more than happy to help us. It was dark and the street looked deserted, as public vehicles were restricted to ply on the major roads of the city. I suddenly felt a jerk with screeching noise of tyres. I suddenly came to alert with a chilling cold running down in my spinal cord. I looked out through the window of the vehicle; nothing was visible in the dark except few lights on the street posts and red traffic light at the road square. With great effort, I asked the driver why the vehicle stopped? The answer suddenly changed my established perspective of law and order situation of my country. He said he is abiding by the traffic light. I inquired what immoral it was to ignore the light at the time when it is dark and street was deserted. He politely replied, “Who will if I don’t.”

Back at the hotel, we were given coordinators to facilitate our requirements and programs schedules. One of the Nepal’s coordinators, Prabhath Rathnayaka from the department of Government Information was another Buddha I met in Sri Lanka. He worked assiduously and relentlessly to cater our media requirements and movements from one venue to another. He gathered related information for us from the mini media centre set up at the hotel. The summit schedule was busy pressing us to meet the timetable, and so was he while supporting us at every minute situation. We had few hours to sleep. However, early in the next morning, he was seen greeting us, as cheerful and agile as he left us last night. He never seemed fatigued and fade up or withered in his job. Just like the Buddha! Calm and placid on every second in his life. And to my surprise so were other officers and security personnel at the hotel. I must admit I met many Buddhas in Sri Lanka. I was wistfully longing to meet more and more Buddha during my short stay there. My bad! I just could not.

Although the ministry of tourism had schedules for the journalist to visit the at various tourist and religious spots of the country, I could not participate in the free tour due to my pressing schedule to return home. I could not see the sea during my short stay in the country despite my irresistible desire to do so. However, people in all stratum of society in Colombo have made my heart dance with delight. I feel contented that I have met many Buddhas in the legendary country of Pundit Ravana.

Courtesy: telegraphnepal.com
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Hotel Vil Uyana - Sigiriya
April 28th, 2008 by admin

Hotel_vil_uyana

Nature, Culture, Luxury… a Lifestyle!

The newest and most ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels, located within 5km of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’-Sigiriya- is the creation of a truly ‘Lifestyle Hotel’. Sigiriya, located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is famous for its rich history and Sri Lankan heritage. Vil Uyana situated within view of Sigiriya rock, on the flatlands that stretch to the west, integrates into an ancient plan - a plan to irrigate, in the tradition of the Sinhala kings.

The introduction of a wetland on reclaimed agricultural lands within the Dry Zone, provides the unique backdrop for this exciting new property. Inspired from local and rural traditions.

A private nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife and a setting of peace and tranquility. The hotel is possibly the first in the world to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve.

This has allowed for the first time in Sri Lanka for rooms to be built over water. Centered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands, designed for leisure; an extension of the ancient practice of planning gardens for pleasure.

A challenge has been overcome, for the conversion of Dry Zone chena lands formed by slash & burn agriculture, to a seasonal wetland (land that is inundated by water for part of the year). The colonization of the new habitats by local fauna and flora has been accelerated by the planting of reed beds and groves of trees.

5 acres of land was used to re-grow paddy using traditional methods of farming and harvesting, providing a new and exciting feature. Rooms have been placed within the paddy fields, thereby giving the guest a unique opportunity of participating in both the farming and harvesting if they wished; yet another first in Sri Lanka! The regeneration of the forested groves create a feeling of ultimate privacy and seclusion in the Forest Lodges, the largest of the Chalets.

The tastefully designed rooms boast space as its hallmark of luxury. Dine in the privacy of your room or ‘under the stars’ or simply relax and pamper yourself at the Island Spa with a range of treatments to choose from.

The many components of the ecosystem will be subject to continuous monitoring. The hotel is unique in building a research facility from inception. Comfortable accommodation will be provided to researchers locally and internationally, overcoming one of the key logistics hurdles to field work. The research center also has a library, a room for laboratory based work and a computer room. The guest will be a participant in the metamorphosis of tourism as a champion of conservation. The environmental awareness will be an important aspect of a new ethos.

As part of Jetwing’s responsibility towards local communities an English teaching program is being held in two Buddhist temples located near Vil Uyana. Namely, Rotawewa and Kimbissa. Unemployed youth now attend these classes where they are trained to read, write and speak English. Halfway through their 6 months training they will receive hotel craft training in a field selected from Hotel Housekeeping, Reception, Restaurant & Bar and Cookery. The objective of the initiative is to make them gainfully employable. Some of them will have the opportunity to join Jetwing while others can look for employment in other companies in Sri Lanka or even overseas.

Whether it is the nature lover in you or the task of ‘finding yourself again’ treat yourself to an experience…come be part of the lifestyle!

This prestigious property is scheduled to be opened in Autumn 2006.

25 Tastefully appointed Chalets set in 3 distinct ‘habitats’:

7 Water Pavilions 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft)

6 Paddy Field Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq.Ft)

2 Marsh Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq. Ft)

10 Forest Lodges 2100 Sq. Ft (Private Pool)

Spread Over 24 Acres of Land

Location:

169 km from Colombo (About a 4 ½ hr drive)

153 km from the International Airport (About a 4 hour drive)
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Posted in Hiking, TOURISM EARTH LUNG, Sigiriya Hotels, Bird Watching, Sri Lanka Eco Tourism, Giritale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla 1 Comment »
a little island with big ambitions
April 27th, 2008 by admin

Sigiriya

Louise Heal, last year’s winner of the IoS/Bradt Travel Writing Competition, assesses this country’s plans to boost eco-friendly tourism

Five hornets’ nests hung down from the cliff. As we reached the plat-eau below, one of the nests began to swarm; a black, irate column buzzing from cliff to ground, a little too close for comfort. “It’s OK,” my guide reassured me. “We can wait until they’ve calmed down.”

We didn’t have to wait long. The hornets returned to their cliffside home and we climbed the final steps to the top of Sigiriya, the fifth-century rock fortress in Sri Lanka’s Matale district. The views made the climb – and the close encounter – worthwhile. The green forests and grasslands here host the Sirigiya Sanctuary and Minneriya National Park, providing visitors with abundant opportunities to observe Sri Lanka’s wide variety of wildlife.

Eco-tourism is being seen as a way forward for Sri Lanka’s tourist industry, post tsunami. Renton de Alwis, chairman of the country’s tourism bureau, announced Sri Lanka’s environmental ambitions at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation conference last October, pledging to balance financial growth with ecological accountability by making the country a carbon-neutral destination. Further details on are due to be released at a meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association this weekend in Bangkok. A 10-year plan to transform Sri Lanka into an “Earth Lung” began shortly after the conference, with a tree-planting initiative that saw enough trees put in the ground to offset the greenhouse gases produced by last autumn’s England cricket tour.

I got a taste of the eco-conscious tourism that could be Sri Lanka’s future at the Vil Uyana, an “eco-luxury” hotel about five kilometres from Sigiriya, where my room was a two-storey villa with a private plunge pool. This hotel’s attraction lies not just in the level of luxury it offers but in its eco-credentials. Five years ago, Vil Uyana was an abandoned agricultural site, before being developed with the aid of, among others, naturalists from the London Wetland Centre. Its aim to conserve the local environment isn’t confined to asking guests to desist from too many towel changes; visitors are expected to separate wet and dry rubbish in bins in the bedrooms and the hotel has a recycling plant for water and sewage.

Guests at Vil Uyana also benefit from the talents of the hotel’s resident naturalist, Nadeera, who I joined on a bird-watching walk around a nearby lake. As we strolled together, grey parakeets flew overhead while we watched coots and moorhens pick their way around the lotus flowers floating on the water.

On another afternoon, Nadeera and I took a bumpy 30-minute jeep drive to Kaudulla National Park for a spot of elephant-watching. We had only been in the park for a short time when we came across our first sighting: a mother with two calves. All three were unbothered by our presence. Not so the lone juvenile male we came across, which indulged in a little chest-beating.

But I didn’t even have to leave the hotel to enjoy the wildlife. From my private pool, I could admire a whole host of birdlife amid the paddy fields and reed ponds. (There is also a crocodile that visits the restaurant pool.) And three of the trees in the grounds are home to thousands of fruit bats.

Peter Bishop of Tourism Concern, a UK-based charity, believes Sri Lanka’s ambitions for carbon neutrality might be achieved, but he thinks the responsibility, ultimately, remains with the individual tourist. “As tourists, we should question whether we are choosing hotels with environmental credentials that benefit local communities, and assess our carbon footprint while in Sri Lanka,” he says.

Destinations such as Vil Uyana can help us make that choice.
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Posted in Sigiriya Hotels, Uncategorized 4 Comments »
Sri Pada, The Place Venerated by All Religeons in Sri Lanka
April 20th, 2008 by admin

Sri Lanka

Picture Credit: Thushil Perera
Imagine pilgrims to Sri Pada – also referred to as Samanala Kanda, the abode of God Saman, and Adam’s Peak – climbing Sri Lanka’s fifth highest mountain (2243 metres) using hand made fire torches. The climb was pretty strenuous, so much so that most devotees used to treat it as their final journey. Often before they embarked on the journey, they indicated how their wealth should be distributed if they failed to return!

Exactly one month after the country gained Independence, electricity was provided to light up the road to Sri Pada. An estimated 70,000 were present to witness the Minister of Public Works Sir John Kotelawala inaugurate the lights. It was a momentous occasion which made the pilgrimage to Sri Pada so convenient.

Sri Pada can be described as the most venerated mountain in the world. It is unique because of it being treated as a sacred place by people of different faiths. As mentioned in the Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, the name Adam’s Peak is derived from the belief by the Muslims that Adam, the first man and prophet landed on one foot on this peak when he was banished from Paradise. To the Hindus the footprint on the peak is that of God Shiva. Certain Christians believe that it was left by Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who is said to have brought the Christian message to the subcontinent.

The peak, however, is worshipped most by the Buddhists who believe that the Buddha visited Sri Pada at the invitation of God Saman, following the visit to Nagadipa and Kelaniya in the eighth year after Enlightenment. He left his footprint on a slab of rock on the peak and for centuries Buddhists have trudged to worship it. Even ancient kings regularly visited Sri Pada.

Sri Pada is one of the sixteen most sacred places of worship (Solosmasthana) to the Buddhists and is ranked number four in the stanza describing the places visited by the Buddha.

On the arduous journey the pilgrims were expected to be on their best behavior during the trip. They went as a group (nade) with a leader (nade gura) guiding them. His word was law and everyone had to obey him to the letter. Certain words and actions were taboo and everyone was warned to guard their tongue. In order to lessen the exhaustion of the climb, the devotees sang verses extolling the virtues of the Triple Gem and those written about the Samanala Kanda. (Incidentally, hordes of butterflies can be seen moving towards the peak during a particular season giving it the name ‘peak of the butterflies’).

December to May is the pilgrim season. Full moon poya in March is the peak of the season. Pilgrims have a choice of two routes – one through Maskeliya when they have to walk about seven kilometres and the other via Ratnapura involving a ten kilometre walk.

Sunrise (íra sevaya) at Sri Pada is a beautiful sight. Most devotees prefer to climb in the night to reach the summit at dawn to watch the spectacle.
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Mangrove splendour - Bentota
April 19th, 2008 by admin

Mangroves in Bentota

By Rosanne Kolemeyer Anderson, Photo Credit: Jen Maree
Reminiscent of love and romance, a river cruise to that perfect hideout is a fun-filled exploration of nature’s splendour: the marvellous mangrove, nestling on the Bentota river in close proximity to one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, the Bentota beach where the sea meets the river is one attraction not to be missed. But going there when there is bright sun is best as the romantic hideout is quite dark and capturing the beauty of it on camera may be unfavorable.

Entering the small cave like entrance of lush green vegetation: this mangrove has been in existence for the past three decades or so, Supun the guide narrated as he barely managed to steer the boat through leisurely: the mangrove thriving in the sheltered bay is being trimmed and kept accessible by the boat houses in Bentota .

An ecosystem with diverse attraction of fascinating flora and fauna embedded in the nutrient rich sediment deposits which continues to withstand severe environmental exposure and the alternating mix of fresh and salty water; the mangrove on the Bentota river is yet another of lassana Sri Lanka’s attractions drawing almost every visitor to the area to make a trip down stream.

The valuable wood produced by the mangrove Supun explained is durable and water resistant while its properties, the bark, the leaves and the flowers are wide and varied.

The mangrove simply looks a beautiful work of art depicting its intricacies in size, length, breadth and colour in the form of twisted bark and bushy clusters spread over a vast area of its terrain; some touching the water, so well grown almost totally hiding the sunlight even at noon blending with the equally spread out exquisite long drooping branches of different length and shades of earthy colour making it a perfect merge of nature’s grandeur and gift to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean: a tourist attraction and indeed a land like no other.
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‘Swiss Residence’: Kandy
April 19th, 2008 by admin

Dalada Maligawa View from Swiss Residence

By Sanath Weerasuriya, Pix Credit Shehal (Flickr),
From the very beginning, Kandy has had a special place for Sri Lanka tourism industry. The majority of holiday travellers visiting Sri Lanka mark Kandy as the top attraction on their tour. It has been a tradition to visit Kandy, as it has a blend of old world charm and the character of its own.

The Swiss Residence Hotel in Kandy is a popular place for travelers coming to the hill capital. Built in a picturesque location and surrounded by the scenic mountains, Swiss Residence is a three star property of Kandyan traditions with a Swiss touch. Standing on a one-acre land at Bahirawakanda, The Swiss Residence has successfully captured a charming blend of European and Kandyan culture in its modern architecture.

Hotel Swiss Residence offers 40 tastefully designed rooms inclusive of one Suite and 14 deluxe rooms. All rooms are with private balconies and a panoramic view of the city of Kandy.‘Our hotel is always bound to serve the wants and needs of the guests. It offers a totally relaxing atmosphere and an enjoyable holiday by the cool mountain breezes. In addition to the demand by overseas travelers, it is also a popular place with Sri Lankan clientele. The atmosphere and the services give Swiss Residenec has an edge over the rest’ said Lalith Ellepola, the Manager of the hotel.

All rooms are equipped with modern facilities that a 5-star hotel offers. The suite features a ‘Jacuzzi’ bath with massage and soothing effect. All other rooms are with modern facilities such as telephone, mini bar, television, safety locker and a modern bathroom.

Most of the interior decor at The Swiss Residence has a typical Kandyan aspect. The woodwork and woodcraft, a common sight in most Kandyan ‘walauwas’ seem to be the theme at the Swiss Residence. An attractive and unusual feature is the hotel’s wooden ceiling. The cuisine plays a major role at the hotel. Executive Chef of the hotel, Terrence Ratnayake said, they offer cuisine around the globe for their guests.

‘Theme nights too are popular here. Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mongolian, Indonesian and Continental culinary are the most popular among the guests’ he said. ‘The Swiss Bar is designed for relaxation or to have a good time with the boys is guaranteed. The cosy atmosphere puts you at home, as you relax and unwind your knots to some gentle melodies with the company of your preferred beverage. The Swiss bar is certainly so much more’ he added.

‘Private dining at the pool side or garden or at an outside location is also possible on request’ he said. The Swiss Banquet Hall caters for all guests necessities. Conferences and seminars can be accommodated in the main hall, which is capable of having 150 pax and the mini conference hall with 50 pax capacity. ‘Space is not an issue, as our hall can comfortably accommodate up to 350 individuals for weddings and other partie’ said Ellepola.

The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool from where guests get a picturesque view of the hotel as well as the surrounding environs. The ‘Blackout’ is the hotel’s discotheque with all modern facilities.‘We do not open the discotheque on a regular basis. It is on request for big groups and for private gigs’ Lalith said.

The hotel being in close proximity to the Dalada Maligawa, Asgiriya Cricket Stadium, Udawatte Kele forest reserve, the holiday makers love to visit these places in a relaxed mood. Also the excursions to Udawatte Kele, Knuckles Range Corbets Gap are popular with adventure tourists. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Sigiriya Rock Climb, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, ‘Victoria Golf Course’ too are popular places of interest and has made the Swiss Residence an idyllic tourist spot.

Indigenous Medical Treatment and Ayurvedha Spa is the latest addition at the hotel.‘It offers various kinds of Ayurvedhic treatment and herbal therapies for hotel guests. It has a specialized doctor and trained therapist at the Centre’ Mr. Ellepola said. The design and planning of this unique hotel has been done by Sarath Bandara Wijesuriya, head of Zurikan Hotels and Travels (Pvt) Ltd. the owning company of Swiss Residence. Sarath is a Sri Lankan expatriate turned Swiss citizen.

The hotel is owned by Sarath and his wife Ruth Wijesuriya and Melani Perera, a long standing member of the hotel has been appointed as a board member of the hotel.
charming blend cool mountain enjoyable holiday holiday travellers hotel executive interior decor jacuzzi bath kandy modern architecture modern bathroom mountain breezes overseas travelers picturesque location residence hotel sri lanka tourism star property world charm
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