Travel
 

Surani Little Village:

Where ancient culture blends with nature

Lester Jansz explores an eco-paradise where three years ago only wild animals roamed

A four-acre thick jungle at Andangawa, Kimbissa, Habarana where only wild animals roamed three year ago, has now been converted to an eco-paradise named Surani Little village.

The hotel is an ideal base to explore Sri Lanka's world famous heritage sites, Sigiriya, now named as the eighth wonder of the world, Dambulla, Kandulla, Wasgamuwa, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park and other sites of tourist interest, in close proximity to Surani Little Village.

The scenic little village resort has 12-cosy cottages where guests can relax in comfort, enjoying the pleasures of life in a homely atmosphere, created by the very friendly and ever obliging un-interfering staff.

The 12-luxurious A/C and non A/C guest rooms, fully furnished with ensuite bathrooms situated amidst luxuriant surroundings, offer a splendid view of Sri Lanka's heritage sites.

Here you find the ideal getaway from it all, good food, breezy winds and a variety of rare birdlife that is hard to come across.

Guests, both foreign tourists and Sri Lankans could "live like a king" in the heart of nature's bosom at Surani Little village gazing at Lanka's world renowned heritage sites.

Guest rooms are equipped with all modern facilities, including hot/cold water, colour TV, room service, laundry service etc.

The hotel serves a variety of delicious Western, Eastern, and traditional Sri Lankan spicy rice and curry which is very popular among foreign tourists and Sri Lankans travelling to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and other heritage sites.

Executive Chef U. R. Nandasiri, who counts over 12-years experience here and abroad having worked in a large passenger ship for five years, makes every guest titillate his taste bud with his delicious cuisine.

The week-end buffets and BBQs with a wide array of choicest dishes are very popular especially among Sri Lankans who have made Surani Little Village their choice for outings and picnics.

The complex is the brainchild of Mohan Ranaweera, Chairman/Managing Director, Surani Little Village, who selected his family homes for the cottages, "Dammi" (wife), Surani "Kanchana" (daughter) "Surene" (son) "Nipuna" (son) "Sudu" and "Kalu" (sons' pet names).

The marvellous architecture of Surani Little Village is hard work of Sri Lanka's renowned Architect Sagara Kodikara who has made the hotel an Eco-Paradise. The compound has been tastefully landscaped to resemble a beautiful botanical garden.

Mohan Ranaweera paid a tribute to Sagara Kodikara for his marvellous architecture. He also paid a tribute to Simmy Ang, a Singaporean businessman who assisted him in many ways to make his complex a big success.

Ranaweera said that he gets the fullest cooperation and assistance from his young wife Dammika Ranaweera and his children who work round the clock to make Surani Little Village, the most popular eco-paradise and a "Home affair" to both foreign and Sri Lankans.

The Directors of Surani Little Village are Mohan Ranaweera, Chairman/MD, and Ms. Dammika Ranaweera (Director).

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The London Grill - fine dining with new flair and favour

THE gastronomical joys of fine dining is now yours to enjoy at The London Grill, The Colombo Plaza's fine dining restaurant, with a new menu now offering the best of gourmet cuisine for the dedicated bon viveur.

Now open for dinner, The London Grill has a new look and feel, following a recent refurbishment drive, that has enhanced its old world charm with a tasteful blend of modern elegance.

With literally decades of related experience, London Grill's chefs are known to have a pulse on what guests want, from the type of delicacy to the style of its creation.

Be it the innovative starters, soups or the main course items - the bill of fare, represents carefully selected dishes with a truly global influence.

The new menu boasts of appetizing delicacies such as smoked salmon and caviar, terrine of foie gras to the fresh salad of scallops. The soups too offer diversity ranging from the exotic flamed lobster bisque to the cock-a-leekie. There is also a special charcoal grill based menu with a wide variety of juicy Australian steaks and flambe preparations.

Of the main dishes-the traditional lobster thermidor, the breast of duck with honey glazed baby onions or the delicately dished out leg of rabbit with Parma ham, is a popular choice among the lovers of haute cuisine, not to mention those who prefer a meaty spin with a touch of the exotic!

The vegetarians are not forgotten either - with a delectable fare, offering plenty of variety and choice. The finale to the meal-dessert is an experience in itself at the restaurant, and this is one sinful indulgence that is worth giving into.

Located at the ground level of the hotel, The London Grill also has a new look and feel, following a refurbishment drive, that has enhanced its old world charm with a blend of modern elegance.

All this coupled with the exceptional service and ambience at the London Grill makes for a gastronomical dining experience like no other.