Travel

The Village Polonnaruwa:

... a 'village' where you can relax within the ancient city limits.
 

BY PRASAD Abu Bakr

ONE can drive for 300 minutes on the most motorable road from Colombo which will lead one to Polonnaruwa and as one passes the ancient sites where kingdoms have existed over thousands of years ago and where the ruins of a heritage lie in scattered abundance one would arrive at the Polonnaruwa canal at the end of the site from where a right turn would lead one to the Cultural Triangle Museum, steering ahead on to the boundary of the Maha Parakrama Samudraya a left turn on it and a 2-minute drive will take you to 'The Village'.

Situated besides the statue of Maha Parakramabahu the king responsible for the building of the tank that still stand in regale splendour adding value to you stay here.

The hotel itself is a 33 room affaire with air conditioning and is over 18 years in operation owned by a former cricketing star Kaushik Amalean. The property is well patronised by tourist and mostly by expats even during the off season which makes up to its 60% occupancy on a round the year basis.

It has many facilities that can keep you indoor bound during evenings in this zone that noted to be mostly dry and humid most of the year.

The swimming pool can cool things off for you to star with after a long hot day's outing, exploring the ancient sites, the museum and may be a safari tour of the Wasgamuwa National Park which borders Polonnaruwa.

Two well stock bars, one inside adjoining the restaurant and the other located outside shaded by an over grown Banyan Tree are ideal watering holes anytime of the day.

The restaurant serves both eastern and western cuisine for all three meals. Special weekend packages are offered to local groups on full or half board basis.

The hotel has a large conference hall and is most sought after by many Colombo based companies for their seminars and other official activities away from the humdrum of the city.

The location is also well patronised individuals who want to have their wedding ceremony away from home for larger gatherings. This is specially popular among the local business community.

Nimal M. E. Alles the hotel's General Manager for over 13 years of his 27-year career in the hotel industry said that they don't discriminate among locals and foreigners 'That is why we are patronised round the year' he said explaining that he and his staff are duty bound to give their best service to anybody who choose to stay with them.

Nimal Alles who began his career at the Hotel Lanka Oberoi (now Colombo Plaza) 27 years ago specialises in the area of Food and Beverages.

During his 13 years at The Village he has been actively involved in the affaires of the Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Association, which has 13 hotels under its umbrella. Alles has been standing as its President elect for the past 4 years.

He is an active member of the Lions Club 306C1 of Polonnaruwa.

International Chefs' Day 2005 at Water's Edge

THE combined creative talent of more than 210 of Sri Lanka's leading culinary experts gathered at the 10th Annual International Chefs Day at the exclusive Waters Edge Golf Club recently.

This event saw the highest number of chef participation in its 10 years history, exceeding 210 personnel.

Initiated and organized by Chefs' Guild and Fonterra Foodservices, there was a strong focus on fun at the event where Sri Lanka's top dance and music band "The Gypsies" provided spectacular entertainment.

Sri Lanka Chefs' Guild President, Tyrell Wasalathanthri, said International Chefs' Day is an annual event much looked forward to by many talented culinary experts to indulge themselves in a night of fun and laughter, and foster greater friendships.

The Chefs' Guild of Sri Lanka is recognised internationally as an Association of Professionals in the culinary field. Its membership has grown rapidly over the years.

The International Chefs' Day 2005, 10th Anniversary was also an opportunity for the main sponsor to unveil a new name, with the change from New Zealand Milk Foodservices to Fonterra Foodservices.

The International Chefs Day 2005 ended on a high note with fantastic song and dance performances. Singing chef Don Sherman performed with The Gypsies to present the best singing for his fellow chefs who danced to their heart's content.

The Flavour of "The Bay Leaf"

THE newest addition to Colombo's collection of good restaurants is "The Bay Leaf". The name is apt since it suggests the subtle flavour of good cuisine, and every dish served at The Bay Leaf is noteworthy.

The restaurant has been created in a grand colonial mansion in Gregory's Road, in the heart of Colombo 7, the city's prestigious residential and diplomatic district.

Judging from its stylish decor and its mouth-watering menu, The Bay Leaf matches its distinguished surroundings as it caters with flair for its discerning clientele.

With roadside parking space by its gates and a driveway up to its portico, the restaurant is fronted by a large lawn, ideal for cocktail parties on balmy evenings.

Entrance from the portico, where a restored ancient hackery is parked proudly, is through the veranda. A blackboard at the door announces the day's specials and a steward is on hand to greet guests.