LEISURE

The Safari upgraded to four star

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

The Safari Tissamaharamaya has undergone a major refurbishment drive and is being re positioned as a four star property offering two star hotel rates.

GM Asela Karunaratne

The public area of the hotel.

The hotel owned and operated by the Galle Face Hotels group invested Rs. 250 million to convert the 50 year old property to a luxury paradise. The hotel was formerly the Tissamaharama Rest House.

The Safari Tissamaharamaya General Manager Asela Karunaratne said the hotel has 47 super deluxe rooms and three suites.

“The hotel was closed for three months for a complete overhaul and the rooms, interior, public areas and a new pool deck too were redone to international standards, he said.

He said that even a new kitchen, store room a most importantly staff and drivers’ quarters were redone. All rooms were air-conditioned and provided additional facilities. The main dining restaurant, spacious pool area, volleyball court and tennis courts also add value to the hotel.

With SriLankan Airlines deciding to select Tissa wewa as a landing point for their sea plane operations the hotel has received additional exposure. The hotel with a spectacular view of the lake after the reopening is maintaining a high occupancy and has a mixed clientele.

It is also strategically located close to many places of religious and cultural interest such as the much visited shrine in Kataragama, the great pilgrim shrine, which is dedicated to Skanda, a popular Hindu deity. “The hotel also is the gateway to Yala, Bundala and Kumana national parks and Arugam Bay and many Sri Lankans stay in the hotel to visit these wildlife parks,” he said.

The Galle Face Hotel management company has also invested on a water treatment and sewerage plant as its commitment towards a sustainable environment.

The hotel is also looking at introducing a spa in the future.

A SriLankan air taxi landing at the hotel.	The hotel on a full moon night. Pictures by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa