Travel

'Taste the richness of nature':

Nawalakanda Bungalow

A shift from beach tourism to heritage tourism is taking place and this has prompted several colonial bungalows as major attractions for both local and foreign tourists.

One such colonial Bungalow, Nawalakanda Holiday Bungalow in Elpitiya, with a history dating to over a century, has been converted to a tourist hotel. It is one of the biggest hotels in the Southern province being built on a 100-acre plantation. "We have five rooms which could accommodate almost 30 guests and due to the increasing demand the management has decided to build five more rooms," said General Manager of the bungalow, K. A. Sunil Shantha.

The hotel is owned by planter cum businessman, Wasantha Atukorale is looking at investing nearly Rs.100 million to add capacity. "We are looking at building five rooms and a conference room since we see a demand from corporate businessmen," he said.

Another reason to add capacity is the increase in local an foreign tourists been created with the opening of the Southern Highway as one could reach the hotel from Kottawa in 40 minutes. It takes less than 10 minutes from Kurundugaha Hathekma interchange to get to Nawalakanda Holiday Bungalow.

The Bungalow which offers a very economical full board package less than US $ 90 is also being identified as a film location where several Teledramas has been shot. "Our web brings the foreign clientele specially from UK and Switzerland," he said.

Out door cottage

Natural swiming pool

Many Sri Lankan expatriates and families living overseas book the entire bungalow to spend their holiday.

The large air conditioned rooms with colonial architecture is one of the major plus points of the hotel, and the colonial peaceful ambience adds value to the property.

On a matter of principal it does not offer day rooms and does not serve liquor.

The hotel also arranges excursions to many places of interest. The venue is to be marketed as an adventure, sports centre and are looking for partners to launch special packages.

Sunil Shantha having over 20 years experience in the leisure industry and worked as a Chef in the Maldives and many local hotels ensures quality F and B to the guests.

"The Nawalakanda Holiday Bungalow theme 'Taste the richness of nature' does blend well with the ambience," he said.

More details of the hotel could be obtained from their web site, www.nawalakandaholidaybunglow.com or on their e mail [email protected]

Mahaweli Reach bags star award

The Mahaweli Reach Hotel was the recipient of a premier award in the services category at the recently concluded star awards 2011 conducted by the Ministry of industries of the Central Province for businesses that have demonstrated excellence whilst contributing to the economic progress of the region. It is one of the highest accolades presented to entrepreneurs of the region in recognition of the business practices adopted by them.

This award is significantly in view of the fact that Mahaweli Reach is a indigenous brand which continuously strives for excellence in service standards and has always promoted the rich cultural heritage of the Central Province and in particular one of the most enduring traditions and hospitality.

Mahaweli Reach Hotel will continue its quest to remain an organization which follows international practices while staying true to its Sri Lankan roots and one which continues to be innovative and provides the best, services and opportunities to its clients, employees and other stake holders.

'Hotel suppliers in for good times'

With the leisure industry making great strides and several new tourism projects taking off next year hotel suppliers are in for a good time.

Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Heli Associates International and Country Director for JVD SA France and representative for Maldives Asoka Fonseka said there is a major shift in the industry for European and high quality equipment.

"This is due to the fact that Sri Lanka is now migrating from a cheap destination to a high end tourist destination," he said. Fonseka said this is the reason that they moved into Sri Lanka to cater to the growing market.

"Today we are holding more than 50% market share in the local hospitality Industry," he said.

Our Brand is JVD and today working with all main chain hotels in Sri Lanka such as John Keells, Aitken Spence, Jetwing, Confifi and many other hotels. In addition several new hotels like Ranna in Hambantota too use JVD.

The brand is also making a major impact in the Maldives and famed properties like Shangri-La, Hyatt's Four Seasons, Banyan Tree too are their clients," he said.

"We have now extended our operations to USA from California under Heli Associates (California) LLC and some of the leading brands are using our products.

"Our next main product that would be marketed aggressively is the banquet tables and chairs under brand name Harwel Group (UK) and Intermetal Ltd (UAE). Their factory is located in the Sharjah Dubai Industrial Park. The company is also engaged in share market in the New York Security Exchange.

The company also markets linen from Thailand, hotel furniture from Malaysia and bathroom accessories from Switzerland, and also wooden flooring from a Singapore firm. This is made from special Burma Teak.

He also said they are importing Safes from UK and are looking out to manufacture some of the components in Sri Lanka.

"We also have plans to operate our own hotel project in the future," he disclosed.

Another first from Chaaya Wild Yala

Using night vision goggles with infrared technology, Chaaya Wild's naturalists have created a ground breaking excursion in Sri Lanka to offer guests a jeep safari in the cover of darkness, using no visible artificial light.

Jeeps are fitted with external infrared lamps and will manoeuvre through selected winding roads well outside the National Park, and the magic of seeing the night through means of technology makes one see as much as an owl would, experience how the jungle comes to life at night and smaller animals so completely at ease, through technology that was used to create the recent Nat Geo film on Yala's leopards.

This excursion was designed specially to celebrate the lesser creatures in the wilds, the civets, porcupines, owls, nightjars and the occasional reptile winding through the jungle tracks.

Any big animal is a bonus as the use of special infrared vision ensures the animals stays undisturbed; hence natural behavior could be enjoyed by the guests.

Inspired by the teamwork with National Geographic and Ammonite UK to produce two night films last year; Nature Trails, the naturalist team of Chaaya Wild Yala have adopted the same technology to offer the wildlife lovers an experience like never before.

Guests are likely to see many nocturnal creatures such as the Brown Fish Owl to the Rusty Spotted Cat.