Negombo Fishing

In most of the coastal areas in Sri Lanka, fishing has become their livelihood among the villagers who lives in those villages. Among them Negombo is very famous because of its high volume and the major contribution to the national production. Apart from the modern techniques of fishing, traditional ways of fishing is still remains unspoiled in this area hence it has become a popular tourist attraction.

Here are some captures of the day-to-day activities of the angler's.

The Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana – Affordable indulgence in the heart of the Cultural Triangle

The Cinnamon lodge is a tranquil location nestled in the heart of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, Just 178 kilometers away from the city of Colombo. It is about 4 hours drive from the Colombo International Airport. Kaudulla wildlife sanctuary, Minneriya wildlife sanctuary, Ritigala cultural site, Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, Anuradhapura ancient ruins, Dambulla cave temple and the Sigiriya ancient ruins which is also considered as the 8^th wonder of the world are within close proximity to the hotel.

The Kaudulla & Minneriya sanctuaries are the shelter for hundreds of wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, peacocks, fishing cat, sambar, about 150 species of birds including number of endemic species and even the elusive leopards. Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, White bellied fish eagle, Grey headed fish eagle, and Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill can be seen in Minneriya & Kaudulla sanctuaries. Also these two parks are very famous to see the biggest herd of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

With its unique special butler service allows the luxury to the guests to arrange everything on their behalf from the moment they arrives to the hotel or even from the moment they arrives the country till they leaves the hotel or even till they leaves the country.

The hotel boasts with 72 superior rooms, 40 deluxe rooms and 4 Suites set on a 27 acre land ensuring that each guest enjoys the untamed beauty of nature from the privacy of his own space. Each room provides with IDD facilities, Color Satellite TV, in room safe, comprehensive mini bar, and fully individually controlled air conditioning. By hosting a specially designed room for the disabled guests Cinnamon Lodge ensures the interest they have taken to provide the special care for them.

A total of 136 different bird species have been recorded from the hotel premises, belonging to 12 orders & 22 families. An average of 60 species can be observed early morning or during the evening bird walk.

The main open air restaurant ‘EHALA’ offers an exquisite array of dishes with its special Ala Minute menu allowing the guest to select the ingredients at their preference to cook the dish in their presence. You may try your own salad by selecting the ingredients at your choice with your favorite dressings. The ‘Lotus’ restaurant serves a selection of inspired dishes offering both outdoor & indoor seating.

If you are in the mood, you could try number of holistic therapies (the ancient secrets of Asian beauty) to nourish the soul by using the herbs, leaves and greenery collected from the jungle. The Ayurveda & Wellness centre of the Cinnamon Lodge offers number of stress releasing therapies to celebrate the harmony of transforming the mind, beautifying the body and nurturing the soul.

Some of the very attractive features the Cinnamon Lodge offers are

• Cultural visits to Sigiriya ancient ruins, Ritigala , Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura ancient ruins
• Elephant safaris around the Habarana lake
• Wildlife safaris to Kaudulla & Minneriya sanctuaries
• Bird trails
• Biking
• Nature trails
• Bullock cart rides
• Participation of Sri Lankan cookery workshops
• Sri Lankan Wedding packages
• Awareness programs of Sri Lankan reptiles by the trained naturalists
• Preparation & serving meals at the excursions
• Picking up your preferred fresh vegetables for your own meal from the organic farm maintained by the hotel

Reservations : 0094112439049 – 51 Arini

Email : arini.khms@keells.com

Website : www.cinnamonhotels.com

Inquiries : terrence@cinnamonhotels.com

Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy, Sri Lanka – The most succeeded hotel in the capital of Hill country in Sri Lanka

The Mahaweli Reach hotel is nestled on the banks of Mahweli River in P.B.A.Weerakoon mawatha which is about 120 kilometers away from the city of Colombo. Sri Dalada Maligawa (The temple of tooth relic of Lord Buddha), beautiful range of Hanthana hills, Udawattekele forest reserve are within close proximity to the hotel.

The Mahaweli Reach boasts with 112 rooms comprising of 108 deluxe rooms, 3 Executive rooms & One President suite. All the rooms ensures its luxury provided with fans & air conditioning, mini bar, piped music, satellite TV, boarded floors and electronic safe etc. Main restaurant opens to lawn sloping down to the majestic Mahaweli allows you to indulge in exotic Sri Lankan cuisine and excellent Table d’hote choices while the Bar Lounge overlooks the pool & garden serves snacks & refreshments throughout the day. Kandy’s largest free form swimming pool owns by Mahaweli Reach which spreads over a large area of the garden under the shade of mango, olive and jak trees.

With its special business centre allows their guests to keep in touch with any part of the world. This business centre provides high speed internet access, photocopy facilities, fax facilities etc. Also is consists of a small meeting room.

Weddings in Paradise, Mahaweli Reach is very special for arranging the weddings in very traditional Sri Lankan style. Guests enjoy the luxury of having their ceremony outdoors with spectacular mountain backdrop or opt for a ceremony on a boat on the tranquil waters of Mahaweli. This comprehensive wedding arrangements includes Kandyan dancers/drummers, Traditional singing of wedding blessings by young Sri Lankan girls, conducting of traditional Kandyan wedding ceremony by the Master of Ceremonies, Decorated Poruwa ( platform of which ceremony is performed) , hair makeup and dressing of the bride in traditional attire comprising of saree & jewellery, Registration of the ceremony by the Government Registrar of marriages, Caparisoned elephant on which groom will be brought to the wedding venue, Palanquin in which bride will be carried to the wedding venue, Bridal bouquet/head dress and décor for the venue including traditional oil lamp etc.

The Mahaweli Reach hotel can be described as the most succeeded hotel in Kandy. It has started as a four roomed guest house more than quarter of a century ago and today it has obtained 5 stars rating because of its determination and the intangible feeling of warmth and hospitality with exuded by the management and the staff.

The spacious banquet hall comprising with sophisticated audio visual equipments can be used for any occasion.

Some of the very special features the Mahaweli Reach offers are

• Cultural visits to Sri Dalada Maligawa (The temple of tooth relic of Lord Buddha), Gadaladeniya temple, Embekke temple etc.
• Golf Tours to the scenic Victoria Golf links with views of the sweeping water of the Victoria reservoir
• Visits to the Peradeniya Botanical garden
• Special Theme nights & Cultural shows
• One day & half a day city tours to Kandy
• Nature trails to Udawattekele Forest Reserve
• Bird trails to Hanthana hills
• Experiencing the traditional Sri Lankan life style
• Cooking demonstrations etc.

Address : 35, P.B.A. Weerakoon Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Reservations : 0094814472727

Email : sales@mahaweli.com

mareach@slt.lk

Website : www.mahaweli.com

Amaya Lake, Dambulla, Sri Lanka - Reflection of Culture, Nature, and Luxury of Relaxation in the heart of the Cultural Triangle

Located in Dambulla on the shores of the breathtaking Kandalama lake, a retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, creating a sense of calm, sweeping vistas with dramatic sunsets and dancing foliage, Amaya Lake provides an unparalleled holiday experience with leaves your worldly cares behind.

The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (an affiliate of the Birdlife International) has identified rich in birdlife, Amaya Lake as a bird friendly resort. Enjoy the beautiful song of the White Rumped Shama on your nature walk in the morning while observing number of bird species including the Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, the national bird of Sri Lanka. Some of the highlights are Black capped bulbul, White bellied sea eagle, Tawny bellied babblers, Dark fronted babblers etc. In addition, some of the animals like Black napped hare, Giant squirrel etc. and some of the butterfly species can observe.

Newly added Amaya Superior, the suite room equipped with all modern amenities, spacious bathroom, a pantry with all kitchen utensils, dinning area, plunge pool and a butler service.

Samara restaurant, open-air restaurant with refreshing breezes and views of the lake offers an exquisite array of dishes including Sri Lankan, Western and Indian dishes followed by a flute player weaves a tune from his treetop perch and cultural shows in the night. In addition, homegrown herbal teas, native herbs cultivated at Amaya Lake, a light brew of coriander seeds prepared with the guidance of the Ayurvedic spa serves nightly at Samara restaurant. Healthy specialties cooked on a traditional wooden stove serve at Wewekade Ayurvedic restaurant.

The Ayurvedic Spa offers deep relaxation techniques with a range of indigenous Ayurvedic treatments and tailored treatments in specially designed thatched lodges. Indulge a body massage with medical oils, warm herbal baths in a carved rock tub or a couple’s bath in a tub carved from Diya Labu tree, herbal facial treatments, herbal steam in a Kohoba wood steam bath or a facial massage with herbal oils.

Some of the very attractive features Amaya Lake offers are

• Bullock cart rides through the village
• Bird watching
• Nature walks
• Barge boat rides on the lake
• Trips to Kaludiya Pokuna
• Yoga meditation sessions
• Night safaris to Minneriya park
• Cultural shows
• Barbeque terrace
• Cultural shows
• Magic shows
• Sport facilities

Address : Kap Ela, Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Telephone : 0094664461800, 0094662231822, 0094114767888

Reservations : sales@amayaresorts.com

Website : www.amayaresorts.com

Warana Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Warana Cave Temple, situated in Gampaha district surrounded by a tranquil village called "Warana" in Attanagalla area has a proud history of over 1000 years built by King Walagamba and it is a fine display of ancient architecture. These statues of Lord Buddha are inside the cave temple are some of the fine examples of the Creativity of the ancient people. Some of the ancient ruins exist with few kilometer radiuses from this temple and most of the people are not aware of it. Maligathanne Cave Temple, Pilikuththuwa cave temple, Urugala Walagamba cave temple are few examples.

A Simple Dwelling

Simple house completely made out of natural materials with only the very basic facilities but provides healthy life while foster you to the nature. Especially in the areas where you find many farmers, you still can see these houses. Life is complicated when people tend to seek more luxury; People born with a simple life still manage to survive in these small dwellings with a healthy life.

Polhena Beach , Matara, Sri Lanka

Polhena beach, one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen in my life. Naturally, grown coral reef softens the peak waves so that it is safe to swim in this area throughout the year. A hotspot for colorful fishes around the reef which also has become a good source of income for the unemployed youths to catch them for exporting for domestic fish tanks kept for delight the houses. Located just about two kilometers away from the city of Matara.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala, Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka which is about 87 Kilometers away from Colombo. To reach Pinnawala you have to turn from the 82nd kilometer post of the Colombo - Kandy main road and come through Rambukkana road. If you travel by train the nearest railway station to reach Pinnawala is Rambukkana (2 Kilometers from this railway station).

The orphanage has a bunch of 84 elephants at the moment which is also considered as the biggest bunch of elephants in the world that are living under the human supervision. The age groups of these elephants are from One week to 50 years of old.

The orphanage starts at 8.30 am daily for the visitors. At about 10.00 am this bunch of elephants starts walking towards Ma-Oya where they refresh with their daily bathing. Ma-Oya provides the water for drinking bathing for these elephants. The Elephant bathing at Ma-Oya provides a picturesque scene every morning & evening. Most of the visitors enjoy this scene every day while 84 elephants having their bath in this picturesque river according to their own rhythm.

At 13.15 pm the staff of the orphanage starts feeding baby elephants with milk. This is another eye catching event for which most of the visitors enjoys themselves. At 14.00 pm again these elephants are accompanied for bathing at Ma-Oya. They bring back to the orphanage at about 16.00 pm and they are sent to the respective cages where they stay the night.

The elephant orphanage enriches with a restaurant to provide delicious foods & refreshments for the visitors who likes to have some refreshment.

The daily routine of the Orphanage is

• 08.30 AM - Open for visitors

• 09.15 AM - Feeding the baby elephants with milk

• 10.00 AM - Accompanying the elephants for bathing

• 12.00 - Return to the orphanage after bathing

• 13.15 AM - Feeding the baby elephants with milk

• 14.00 PM - Accompanying the elephants for bathing

• 16.00 PM - Return to the orphanage after bathing

• 17.00 PM - Feeding the baby elephants with milk

• 18.00 PM - Close the Orphanage

Safety Tips

• Please do not enter the restricted areas

• Smoke only the allocated areas

• Keep the distance with the elephants

• Keep the ticket with you

• Do not disturb the elephants

• Do not bring the pets

Destination: Asia/Sri Lanka

Special interests: Elephants bathing

The Fortress Hotel, Koggala, Sri Lanka

The Fortress, a luxury boutique resort boasts with 11 fortress rooms, 12 Beach rooms, 18 Ocean rooms, 6 Ocean lofts and 2 Fortress residences, nestled on the shore of the Indian Ocean at Koggala, Sri Lanka. Sensual living spaces, open plan bathrooms, cutting edge entertainment systems with plasma screens, private bar, day bed, in-room safe and IDD telephone facilities ensures its unparalleled luxury resort experience. Lime Spa of the Fortress offers a range of Ayurveda treatments, Homeopathic treatments, international therapies and tailored treatments to stay tuned by using deep relaxation techniques. Adam & Eve massage, Relax foot massage, Head Neck & Shoulder massage, Relaxing back massage, Balinesian back massage are some of the very special treatments they offers at Lime Spa. Also Ritual Ayurvedic one day package including Sublime Awakening(Steam,Sauna,Jacuzzi) , Traditional Ayurvedic massage, Indian head & shoulder massage, Shirodhara is very attractive among the guests who enjoys the luxury at Lime Spa.