Hotel Tea Garden On an evergreen tea plantation

LESTER Jansz

WATAWALA: Tea Garden Hotel built in the heart of Watawala on a 50-acre tea estate on the Colombo-Nuwara Eliya highway is a holiday maker's paradise.

Just a 15-minute's drive from Hatton and a 10-minute's drive from Ginigathhena, the hotel is in close proximity to Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls - Devon and St. Clair. The hotel is also in close proximity to two unique locations - the old British hill resort of Nuwara Eliya and the holy mountain Sri Pada.

Standing on a beautifully landscaped garden, surrounded by tea plantations, the Tea Garden Hotel has three mega sized bedrooms, 10 cabana type rooms and three middle class rooms all with modern facilities.

All rooms are equipped with hot/cold water, well-polished floor, colonial type fire places, telephone, room service and other facilities needed for a peaceful holiday.

The plus point of Tea Garden Hotel is that the Colombo-Badulla Udarata Menike train and other up-country trains run adjacent to the hotel, and at night tourists enjoy a panoramic view of the lit up "Yakada Yaka", which makes the hotel an ideal location for train-spotters.

Managing Director of Hotel Tea Garden is leading hotelier K. Sukumar who also runs the "Peak Rest" at Hatton. Nihal Wethasinghe, the General Manager of Hotel Tea Garden said that the hotel's lobby floor and fireplaces are done with Rangoon teak.

"Mountain Bungalow", also run by the Tea Garden complex is situated at the top of a beautiful mountain. The bungalow is of a modern type and has three bungalows with polished wood floors and attached bath with each room equipped with a small fireplace.

"The Hakgala botanical garden, World's End, Sri Pada, Belihul Oya, the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala, the Peradeniya botanical gardens and Castlereigh reservoir are some of the destinations for day trips from Hotel Tea Garden while the hotel will arrange guide and transport facilities on request," General Manager Nihal Wethasinghe said.

Special Avurudu at Deer Park

HABARANA: An attractive 25% discount for Sri Lankans and Resident Expatriates to experience the Deer Park Hotel with an additional 15% discount on Spa treatments is just a reason to rush over this Avurudu season. Deer Park Hotel is the Ideal destination to combine adventure and exploration with a refreshing dose of Indulgence.

Colours of Aagsana is a boutique collection of small Hotels in exotic destinations. Situated amid lush tropical flora, encircled by three national wild life parks, Deer Park Hotel is one such beautiful contemporary hotel that boasts 77 luxurious cottages which effortlessly blend vibrant colours with Asian craft.

Many of the spacious cottages feature unique open air garden bathrooms and outdoor showers are carefully architectured to minimize the removal of the surrounding forest.

"Relax and rejuvenate" is the mantra that emanates from every aspect of the property. From the scenic three tiered swimming pool to the renowned Angsana Spa, the concept of luxurious living merges with that of ecological harmony.

Drawing expertise from Banyan Tree, Angsana Spa's refreshing blend of treatments place special emphasis on the use of natural ingredients such as native flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and plants. It is based on the use of aromatherapy, the therapeutic sense of touch, and a fusion of techniques from the East and West to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit.

Wild elephant, sloth bears and crocodiles are just some of the majestic animals you might encounter on a jeep safari at Minneriya-Giritale National Park, while some 160 species of birds make the Park a veritable birdwatchers' paradise.

Experience the Elephant Drive, a jeep safari from the Mahout Adventure Club that brings you on a 4-hour excursion. The Mahout Adventure Club is an exciting new adventure concept, exclusive to Deer Park Hotel that takes guests on tailor-made adventures involving wild life, culture and heritage of Sri Lanka.

Elephant Reach for a memorable holiday

KIRINDA: The Elephant Reach located on Yala Junction, Kirinda is within the reach of Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks as well as the Bundala and Kumana Bird Sanctuaries.

There are 21 comfortable chalets including air condition, with hot and cold water, a spacious swimming pool, recreation facilities and safari jeeps with trackers, a business centre with IDD and Internet facilities are some of the special attractions.

Elephant Reach is a jumbo opportunity for anyone who wants to experience something different and a memorable holiday.

'Easter Family Affair' at Deli Market

COLOMBO: When you think of Easter - you think of Easter eggs, chocolates and Easter fare. The Deli Market has all this on offer at the World Trade Center.

Easter Sunday celebrations at the Deli market is for the whole family with special Easter deals to enjoy. There's also Easter chocolate Eggs and other favourites at the Food Life counter for take-away.

Also Rudy the Bear, Easter goodies and fun activities for all to have a good time! The program includes the Easter Family Egg Hunt at 2.00 p.m. At the Kids Activity counter there's Easter Egg colouring, and an Easter craft which you can give as a gift.

'Kids Go Free' and Easter at its best at Cinnamon Grand

COLOMBO: To make the vacation break a great family experience at no extra cost The Cinnamon Grand is offering a special 'Kids Go Free' day deal from April 7th - 16th as part of the hotel's promise of holiday indulgence.

That means, a family of four-two adults, and two kids can enjoy the deal, at just the price for two! The offer is on for all kiddies below 12 and entails free use of the swimming pool and free lunch at the hotel's family restaurant the Taprobane, absolutely free!

Also get into the Easter spirit with the entire family as the hotel offers you Easter indulgence at its best on April 16th. The Taprobane, will offer a sumptuous buffet with traditional favourites with over 70 dishes to savour and many other Easter treats for the kids.

There's also a special Easter egg hunt as well as other activities planned out for the day. Don't forget to check out the special tree house built especially for the kids, overlooking the beautiful Tao waterway.