Travel

Expects to pass 800,000 arrival :

A rise in tourist arrivals

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals rose from 25.8 percent to 90,889 in November with arrivals during the 11 months rising 33.1 percent to 758,458 the tourism promotion office said.

“We expect year end tourism arrivals to reach 800,000,” deputy economic development minister Laksman Abeywardene said.

In November arrivals from Western Europe rose 24.6 percent to 30,637 with arrival from France rising 44.7 percent to 4,678, from Switzerland up 363 percent to 1,850 and Germany up 44 percent to 4,862.

Arrivals from Netherlands rose 11 percent to 2,088. But UK arrivals fell 2 percent to 9,589.

In the 11 months visitors from Western Europe rose 14.5 percent to 281,484.

Eastern European arrivals rose 101 percent to 9,927 with Russian arrivals rising 116 percent to 4,456.

Eastern European visitors rose 101 percent to 9,927 with Russian visitors rising 116 percent to 4,456.

East Asian visitors rose 15 percent to 9,140 with Chinese arrivals up 29.5 percent to 1,270, Japan up 43 percent to 2,039. Visitors from Taiwan rose 69 percent to 1,139. During the 11 months the total visitors from South Asia rose 38.8 percent to 211,777.

HG

‘The Plains’ a green bungalow in N’eliya

High up amongst the majestic peaks in the central hills of Sri Lanka, nestled amidst the quaint hill capital, Nuwara Eliya, the “city on the plain”. Bungalows, guest houses and hotels abound; those ranging from the grandiose to the more rustic sit within the periphery of its bustling town center.

“The Plains”, Meepilimana, Ambewela - a green bungalow situated in arguably one of the most scenic locations in the Nuwara Eliya District, embraces the environment wholly, and bestows you with a novel foretaste of nature that one does not simply observe, but beholds. “The Plains” is located within a 30 minutes drive from the Nuwara Eliya Town, along the Nuwara Eliya-Horton Plains Road, in close proximity to the Kande Ela Reservoir.

In keeping with the theme at ``The Plains”, the creation forms an asset to the surrounding environment, and blends in seamlessly, rather than being a hindrance or an eyesore.

The bungalow is environmentally friendly and yet high in functionality and utility, in order to remain as energy efficient as possible.

By utilizing a wind turbine and a solar power system, and using reusable materials such as unpolished bricks, flooring composed of disposed sleepers, and a ceiling patterned of disposed claddings, the guest is presented with a most original narrative of the comforting bungalow experience.

This inimitably designed and plush location consists of two units, encompassing the main bungalow and a chalet. The main bungalow incorporates 04 bedrooms in its design and layout, whilst the chalet is more suited for small family or a couple. Both units are well equipped with modern amenities.

The chalet is a slight distance from the main unit. An ideal place for honeymooners longing for an unforgettable stay. With the surrounding breathtaking vistas of mountains as far as the eye can see, The Plains are ready and willing to share its home-grown warmth, and unfold its charm on all those who yearn for priceless moments of uninvolved serenity.

At “The Plains.” One can enjoy an assortment of fine dishes crafted using the freshest vegetables from the region. If you wish to relish a bowlful of ruby red strawberries, which are home grown and plucked at the guest’s request, do not hesitate to make mention of this desire.

The apparent beauty of the natural surroundings, will stir the sense of adventure and exploration within. If this is your forte, then there are numerous activities for you to pursue. The acreage of the property in itself will foster mini-treks and walks to investigate the lush natural habitat, - the birds, reptiles, butterflies, and the beasts carry on with their busy lives unperturbed, at the keen observers.

This has also proven to be a supreme location for Agro-tourism, as there are serviceable vegetable and strawberry farms.

Besides the magnitude of activities and pursuits at “The Plains”, it boasts many a marvel in its immediate surrounding too. The UNESCO habitat Horton Plains, World’s End, Baker’s falls, Haggala Botanical Garden, Kirigalpoththa and Piduruthalagala mountain range are all within a driving radius of 10 - 45 minutes. A well conversant tour guide will assist the guests in exploring and discovering the beauty of its magnificent places.

Tourism threatens tiny Philippine primate

The tiny creature turns its head slowly through 180 degrees and stares, boggle-eyed as another group of noisy tourists takes its picture from just inches away.

This is the Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world..It is a remarkable animal, just 10 centimetres (four inches) tall, weighing 120 grams (four ounces), with a rat-like tail, bat-like ears, and giant eyeballs, each one as big as its brain.

Its strange appearance is obvious, but what these tourists may not realise is that their very presence is putting the animal at risk.

The tarsier is nocturnal, lives in the forest, and is highly sensitive to daylight, noise and human contact. According to conservationists, if it becomes stressed it will kill itself by bashing its head against a tree or the bars of its cage. “People go near and they’re loud, or make a picture with the flash, or they’re touching them. Most of those tarsiers, when they become stressed they commit suicide,” says Carlito Pizarras, known as The Tarsier Man.

“They don’t breathe and slowly die. If you put them in a cage they want to go out. That’s why they bump their heads on the cage, and it will crack because the cranium is so thin.”

Pizarras is the field manager at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella on the island of Bohol, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Unlike other tarsier attractions on the island, visitors at the sanctuary are allowed to look, but not to get too close, and definitely not to touch.

AFP