Travel

Olu Ella Inn to introduce white water rafting

Hiran H. Senewiratne in Yatiyantota

White water rafting is to be introduced to Olu Ella in the Yatiyantota area. The eco-friendly Olu Ella Inn has taken a lead in this and would be investing Rs. 3 million for this purpose.

Manager of the hotel located in Dombepola, Yatiyantota N.K.W. Naragala said they decided to introduce this concept mainly to attract both local and foreign guests. "The popular white water rafting stretch of river in Kitulgala is now getting too contested and many adventure sports lovers also wan't to explore new destinations," he said.

The partner of the hotel, N.K. Samaraweera based in Australia has also developed a market for this project. This hotel was built in 2004, which has six rooms.

He said that the Olu Ella Inn offers accommodation for nearly 25 guests and has a large room to accommodate around 10. In addition it also has a reception hall which can also be converted to a conference facility.

The venue adjoining a rivulet of Kelaniganga is also hoping invest a further Rs. 5 million to build five additional luxury villas to attact high end tourists.

In addition a car park too would be constructed. We will soon introduce a new web site for online bookings, he said.

The most unusual and exceptional feature of this hotel is its hidden location in a beautiful hamlet. The serenity of the environment is yet to be discovered by nature lovers. It's worth to taste the difference of the cool breeze, which rushes through the thick jungles around the hotel. Most of the food offered for travellers are traditional. Kevum, Kiribath and the exceptional 'lunu miris' that makes the kiribath more tastier are food specialities in the Olu Ella Inn.

Lankan participation at Singapore ITB increase

The first ITB ever to be held outside Germany will take place from October 22 to 24 at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore.

ITB Asia The Trade Show for the Asian market has attracted more than 500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. Over 20 companies from Sri Lanka too would participate for the event. Most of the companies prefer to participate for the Singapore edition of the ITB due to the cost factor.

The inaugural show is showcasing destinations and products from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also corporate and MICE travel. ITB Asia is the brand extension of ITB Berlin, the largest travel trade show in the world.

Buyers at ITB Asia will conduct business with exhibitors from over 50 countries.

All 500 units of booth space in Halls at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre have been sold out since July.

Almost 70% of the buyers at ITB Asia come from Asia where populations are increasingly keen to experience travel experiences.

Risotto at 'Bay Leaf'

Italian favourite, the Risotto, takes on new dimensions, colours and flavours at Colombo's finest Italian restaurant - The Bay Leaf - in a special Risotto Promotion from October 15 to 31.

The traditional Pizza of the Month continues at 'The Bay Leaf' with "Pizza Eastern Delight" with its helpings of mushroom, sweet corn, mixed peppers, pineapple, mozzarella and chicken tikka, to titillate the palates of pizza lovers. Weekend shopping for fresh produce from Nuwara Eliya's vegetable gardens continues to be a top attraction at The Bay Leaf, available in baskets and as hampers. Fresh vegetables can even be purchased by weight without the option of a hamper too.

Lanka's tourism to shine with Gujarat's light

Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda will visit the Indian State of Gujarat from October, 6 to 9 as an invitation of the State Government headed by Chief Minister Narendra Modi. While in Gujarat, Minister Moragoda will have discussions with the Chief Minister and other senior personalities from the government and private sector in the State.

During the period 2002 to 2007, Gujarat recorded an industrial growth rate of 12.5%, while having a land area of 6% of India's total geographic area and 5% of India's population, Gujarat accounts for 14.3% of India's exports, 38% of urbanization and 16% national industrial production.

Minister Moragoda's discussion and the State UPP will focus on promoting tourist and collaboration in the hospitality related sector, between Sri Lanka and Gujarat.

The discussions will also endeavour to build on the complements afforded by the dynamic expansion in Gujarat on the one hand and on the other, Sri Lanka's human resource development and strategic locations.

Moragoda's visit is perhaps among the first at a senior level from Sri Lanka to Gujarat.

It is expected that it will contribute to a tangible strengthening of the economic and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and that part of India.