Travel
 

Passing through Jumbo Valley

by Prasad Abu Bakr

Udawalawa is by now noted for its main attraction; viewing of elephants. All elephant lovers throng there during the dry season (which is fast dawning upon us) to see these most loved animals of our time.

As any traveller will know by now, attractive tourist resorts such as this, naturally becomes a paradise to hotel and restaurant operators of all standards and types. But not all of these places are paradise for people who select to stay or eat at them. Picking the right place to stay is as important as the place you pick to visit, which will add to a perfect getaway for a weekend.

Safari Village Hotel in Udawalawa is one such place which can offer you perfect lodging conditions and food. It is the oldest place in the vicinity, where most holiday makers hoping to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants have taken shelter over the years.

It is an ideal setting to visit the national park which is a mere 10 minutes drive. An abode with 19 comfortable rooms inclusive of three with air conditioning.

All rooms have both hot and cold water, the two restaurants are manned by friendly staff and serves cuisine from both eastern and western menus. Special chinese preparations are also served.

The hotel will organise your safari tour in a four wheel drive Jeep on request and depending on the number of people.

Day tours and picnic lunches by the river bank will be arranged and is also a popular item on the hotel's entertainment itinerary. Udawalawa National Park is situated 180 Kilometres away from Colombo off the Ratnapura/Embilipitiya highway. The drive which takes three hours is a pleasurable one as one drives through mountainous surroundings and offers picturesque views on the way.

Chinese New Year on grand scale at GWR

Elaborate plans have been made by Great Wall Restaurant at Colombo 3, to celebrate the Chinese New Year in great style.

Known as the Year of the Dog, the hotel's expert Chinese Chefs Meng Guang and Siri, have carefully planned and created menus to select from, using the finest Chinese ingredients to accomplish authentic flavours in the cuisine. The celebrations which begins today will go on till the 5th of February.

Guests will be privileged to enjoy the celebrations of China in the restaurant, live via satellite in a fine dining ambience.

"Our experts will prepare Chinese cuisine from any part of China, coupled with the elegance of the restaurant resembling the Great Chinese architectural design," Rastaurant Manager Adrian Gomez said. To commemorate the Chinese New Year cash vouchers will be offered to guests during the festival.

Karachi Biryani in Town

Savour some of the most delicious and authentic Karachi Biryani now in town at a chain of restaurants named "Karachi Biryani" opened at Union Place, Colombo 2, Wellawatte, Kirullapona and Sea Street.

The Biryani is cooked according to a secret Pakistani recipe by expert chefs brought in from Karachi.

The method of cooking is very unique and cooked in pots, in authentic Pakistani style. Over 50 hand-picked Pakistan ingredients are used in the preparation.

At the "Karachi Biryani" restaurants, guests are given the choice on mutton, beef, chicken and special vegetable menues.

"All four restaurants are opened throughout the day.

Take away and special delivery services are offered for guests within the Colombo City limits," said the brainchild of the concept, Chairman/MD CIL group, Janaka Ratnayaka. Ratnayaka boasts of the unique Karachi Biryani offered by his four restaurants being available only in large cities in Pakistan.

"Since we opened our chain of 'Karachi Biryani' restaurants, they have become extremely popular among a cross section of the society due to taste, quality, exclusive flavours, and affordable price range" Ratnayaka said.

His future plans are to open "Karachi Biryani" outlets throughout the country.