Plantation Hotel Kitulgala refurbished

PLANTATION Hotel at Kitulgala is planning a major refurbishment drive to meet the growing demand from both their local and foreign clients. The management would be investing Rs. 10 million from their profits for this project.

The first phase of the refurbishment has been completed with the opening of the new reception hall overlooking the Kelani river. This reception hall would cater to 250 and already many weddings and functions have been hosted.

CEO Plantation Group of Hotels Ltd, Sudath Kotinkumbura said that they would be refurbishing their rooms. "The management is also planning to construct five additional rooms to meet the growing weekend demand," he said.

He said that the property placed in an unique setting over looking the location where the award winning film 'Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed maintains a 100 percent occupancy during weekends.

In addition the hotel would also introduce a Car museum early next year. "Over 10 cars used by Dr. Anton Jayasuriya will be exhibited," he said.

The property was built over 100 years ago by a planter and converted to a hotel eight years ago also has a buffet market.

In addition the hotel also offers white water rafting which is a major attraction. The three rapid white-water courses go through one of the most panoramic views of the rain forest along the Kelani river. In addition nature walks and a bird watching trip too are offered.

Plantation Group of Hotels Ltd also own and operate Royal River Resort, a luxury hotel with a pool in Kitulgala and Hotel Haus Chandra and Boat Haus Cafe in Mount Lavinia.

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Thotalagala Tea bungalow opens

THE Thotalagala Tea Plantation Bungalow has completed its refurbishment and overall maintenance.

This exclusive, colonial Tea Plantation Bungalow is situated in Haputale, in the central tea growing district of Sri Lanka surrounded by the famous tea garden in the world "The Dambetenna Estate", originally founded by Sir Thomas Lipton, which is known as the renowned Lipton Tea Gardens.

The bungalow is in an elevation of about 4500 ft. above sea level where the climate is crisp and cooling throughout the year, and is better known as a popular health resort. The management have invested around Rs. 6 million for the project.

This resplendent bungalow has 7 bedrooms, which has now been repainted and renewed with antique wooden furniture.

Three rooms have a fireplace, with an impressive smoking room and an exclusive sitting room with a fireplace, along with a dinning area and verandah.

There are four toilets, with elegant fixtures, showers, bath tubs, with hot and cold water, along with an additional toilet. To add to the splendour there is a fresh water swimming pool in the garden, wherein the water is taken from the mountain spring.

The Bungalow has a separate drivers quarters along with a well manicured garden with terraced lawns and colourful plants, where you could spot several species of birds as the Pita Rathmalle jungle is close.

A well trained butler and cook is there to take care of your meals, with Sri Lankan and western cuisine.

The Bungalow is close to the renowned sight seeing places such as:- The Lipton Tea Garden and Lipton seat, Adisham (A Franciscan Seminary) Worlds End and Horton Plains, Bakers Water Falls and Elgin Water Falls (near the northern slopes of Horton Plains)

The quaint Sherwood Tea Plantation Bungalow, also in Haputale has four well furnished bedrooms and three toilets. This bungalow commenced operations recently after being refurbished.

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Special election package from McLarens Group

THE World Travel Centre (WTC) incollaboration with McLarens Group has teamed up to introduce a special election holiday package to create maximum interest and excitement among travellers.

Under this new package, travellers including individuals as well as families can enjoy a relaxation having a fun in a cool and calm environment after the vote for the candidate of their choice.

A spokesman of the WTC said this is good option for them to stay in a hassle free environment by checking in at one of the McLarens Groups' hotels which are located in the sea side and the upcountry.

Palm Village in Uswetakeiyawa, Emerald Bay in Bentota and the Topaz in Kandy will offer services under this package.

"McLarens Group' is equipped with all amenities such as spacious rooms with TV's, so that you may watch the election results being telecast, swimming pools, pleasant and enticing environment.

The package invites the guest to spend two nights/ three days (November 17 to 19) in one of these hotels, where they can have all the fun and frolic. Transport from Colombo to hotel and back is included," he said.

Pick-up time from Colombo is 2 p.m. at the WTC office at Colombo. The group will return to Colombo on November 19 evening.

WTC, the innovative travel company, has experience in successfully organising special tours including adventure activities, nature lovers' activities such as forest visiting, misty hills and sandy beaches and heritage tours.

It has also organised special tours for the Cricket loving public to witness the One-Day Internationals played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium and a special tour to witness the Esala Perahera in Kandy. (IR)