Leisure

The bungalow set amidst the misty hills

Viharagala Estate Bungalow, a piece of paradise

Jayasri JAYAKODY

The Viharagala Estate Bungalow, situated within 10 minutes drive from Beragala in Haputale, is a haven for the discerning traveller who wishes to enjoy the tranquillity of cool, tea-clad hills.

The bungalow is maintained and run in the tradition of the old-fashioned estate bungalow, providing an entirely novel experience to the traveller. The main bungalow comprises five rooms and four bathrooms, maintained in the estate bungalow style.

The bungalow has a well-appointed pantry and a kitchen, and the staff is superbly trained the traditional way, to cater to every whim of the guest.

The kitchen, equipped with every modern convenience, can cater to every gastronomic need of the guest, be it European, Chinese, Indian or Sri Lankan traditional.

Tea service on the lawn

The Pemberly Study Centre, which was a research centre until recently for students and educationalists, has now been renovated and converted to another bungalow, which is also on offer to visitors. Pemberly has seven bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a spacious dining room and a pantry equipped with all the modern conveniences.

As the Viharagala Estate Bungalow is surrounded by a flower garden consisting mainly of roses, it is a haven for birds. The guest is softly awoken in the morning by the sweet trill of birds, which are attracted to the flowers. The bungalow and its' surroundings are a bird watcher's paradise. The Viharagala Estate Bungalow is situated in close proximity to the Bambarakanda and Diyaluma water falls. The Sillery family established the Viharagala Estate in 1861.

The bungalow bookings are handled by C and H Travels, Colombo, now.

New chef at Chaaya Tranz

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, has appointed Kevin Little, as the Cluster Executive Chef for Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and Chaaya Bay Beruwela, scheduled to open in June 2012.

He is a dynamic senior manager with 25 years experience in food preparation and kitchen, banquet and a-la-carte operations for leading hotels and restaurants.

He is a culinary expert renowned for creating high-quality, imaginative products, with a unique strength in turning around operations and training teams to follow suit. He began his education at City and Guilds of London and followed through to his Masters Certificate in Essentials of Hospitality Management at Cornell University, he has continued to sharpen his knowledge and skills and stay on top of the game by constantly studying the latest trends in the culinary world; making him a renowned and dynamic senior manager with a proven track record of brilliance throughout the world.

Being a British citizen, he started his career in the UK and then brought his experience to the Middle East and South Asia, at luxury properties like the 'Mina A Salam - Madinat Jumeirah' in Dubai, 'Soneva Fushi - Six Senses Spa' in the Maldives, 'The Address Montgomerie' in Dubai and the 'Desert Palm Hotel and Resort'.

He believes his passion for quality, innovation and impeccable service can take Chaaya Tranz to new levels of excellence, allowing it to become a benchmark in the region. By highlighting its trendy and vibrant atmosphere through outstanding culinary offerings, his goal is to lead Chaaya Tranz to great success.