Windsor Park Agri Holiday Resort, Hingurakgoda – Introducing Agro Tourism to Sri Lanka

Windsor Park is an Agri Holiday resort situated in Hingurakgoda (in the North central Province of Sri Lanka), Sri Lanka which is about 203 Kilometers away from Colombo. Hingurakgoda, located near Polonnaruwa, which is a historical kingdom of the ancient rulers of Sri Lanka, is a distinguished centre of Sri Lanka’s agro industry. Hingurakgoda, claiming kinship to a glorious past, during which an age-old hydro-culture flourished could be characterized as an oasis of those industrious and energetic people who conquered nature.

The Windsor Park is surrounded by the farmland spread around 1300 Acres for which is about 700 Acres are under paddy. This paddy cultivation is also considered as the biggest seed paddy production farm in the country. The highland area of the farm is utilized for the production of perennial crops & livestock. Minneriya sanctuary, Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, Sigiriya ancient ruins, Kawudulla Park are within the close proximity to the hotel.

The resort provides the luxury of relaxation with 7 cabanas provided with hot & cold water; air conditioned rooms, open verandah and a sitting area. All these cabanas are under fruitful tree shades to soothe your body & mind while the effect of the burning sun is dispelled by the winds that blow across the reservoirs. Restaurant allows you to taste all the Sri Lankan foods at your choice prepared with its own fresh herbs & vegetables picked from their own farmland. The daily rate of a single person is 65 US Dollars on Full Board Basis. The Inland reservoir & the ponds provide an excellent opportunity for the bird watchers to observe number of bird species for which are endemic birds to Sri Lanka. The flocks of peacocks that move about freely are the most spectacular natural sights in the Windsor Park.

Seed Paddy Cultivation: The seed paddy production of this farm is about 2.7 million of Kilograms a year with about 13 varieties ranging from 3 months to 4 & half months for the harvest.

Banana Cultivation: About 50 Acres of banana cultivation is maintained in the farm by using drip irrigation system and fertigation facilities. Cavendish SFC09 is being cultivated in 12 plots with an average of 5 acres of extent for a plot.

Dairy Farm: A herd of buffaloes and cattle are maintained at the farm for milk production and for breeding purposes. The farm produces about 500 liters of buffalo curd daily.

Traditional Home Garden: Wide varieties of Sri Lankan vegetables are grown by using only the traditional methods & fertilizing.

Vegetable Cultivation: About 10 acres of land are being cultivated the vegetables like chillie, tomato, capsicum, cucumber, brinjals etc. by using drip irrigation & micro irrigation system. Average production of vegetables is about 250 Kilograms a day.

Mango Cultivation: Around 40 acres of land are being used for the mango cultivation of the farm. Some of the varieties grown here are Karthakolumbun, Vilad, Hingurakgoda Vilad, Vellekolumbun etc. Hingurakgoda Vilad is an endemic fruit to Sri Lanka.

Fresh Water Fish/Prawns: The inland reservoir and three special ponds are maintained to grow fish under high intensity systems.

With all these unique facilities Hotel Windsor Park offers incomparable, cozy, unforgettable experience to the guests who choose to stay for a holiday. Also the Nature Park blessed with an amazing bio-diversity, is a wonderful forest park for environmentalists.

Some of the very attractive features the Hotel Windsor Park offers are

• Elephants Safaris
• Cycling through the farmland
• Experience the traditional techniques of farming
• Bird Watching
• Cultural Visits to the Ancient ruins

Reservations: 0094773052873 Ganga

0094272247233 Indrajothy

The Waterside Hotel, Bentota, Sri Lanka – A Perfect holiday experience in a tranquil location with its theme concept of a rural village life

The waterside hotel, Bentota situated in a tranquil location, which is about 70 kilometers south of the city of Colombo. With its very own theme concept of a simple village life, tranquility and the friendly atmosphere provides you incomparable holiday experience.

Waterside boosts with six rooms with a panoramic view of the Bentota River, towards the lagoon and the sea. Each room ensures its own luxury provided with Satellite TV, Mini bar, Telephone facilities, and attached bathroom with hot and cold water.

The open sided elegant fine dining restaurant overlooking the Bentota River, serves an exquisite array of International and Sri Lankan dishes with specialty of seafood varieties on ala carte menu.

Early morning nature tour through the picturesque Bentota River by the boat-exciting feature that Waterside offers which provides unforgettable memories for the nature lovers. In the same time, this tour gives you the opportunity to observe number of bird species including some of the migrant species. Some of the birds you could observe while while you are on this tour are Stork Billed Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, White Throated Kingfisher, White Breasted water hen, Red Wattled Lapwing, Indian Pond heron, Purple heron, Little cormorant, Brahminy kite, White Bellied sea eagle, Common Kestrel, Spotted dove, Pompadour Green pigeon, Green imperial pigeon, Rose ringed parakeet, Asian koel, Blue tailed bee eater, Brown headed barbet, Barn swallow, Scarlet Minivet, Yellow wagtail, Red vented bulbul, Oriental magpie robin, Common tailor bird, Asian paradise flycatcher (Ceylon paradise flycatcher), Asian Paradise flycatcher (Indian paradise flycatcher), Purple rumped sunbird, Loten’s sunbird, Black hooded oriole, white bellied drongo, Common Iora, Common myna, Scaly breasted munia etc.

View of the swimming pool

Some of the very attractive features that Hotel Waterside offers are

• Sri Lankan weddings including traditional poruwa etc.
• Nature/Bird watching tours by the boat
• Day trips to Galle, Ambalangoda mask factory, Kosgoda turtle hatchery etc.
• Deep sea fishing
• Tuk tuk rides
• Fishing

Address : Yathramulla, Bentota, Sri Lanka

Telephone : 0094342270080/81

Fax : 0094342270084

Email : reservations@bentotawaterside.com

Website : www.bentotawaterside.com

Yaka Mala - The flower of Devil යකා මල

Honestly not sure, what is the exact English name for this flower but direct translation from Sinhala is "Devil's flower" which means the flower of Devil because its exact shape of a face of a Devil.

Indian Roller - දුම් ඛොන්නා

This colorful bird captured by me at Pinnawala very close to the Elephant orphanage while I am participating a wedding of one of my close relatives.

AIDA Ayurveda & Holistic Health Resort,Bentota,Sri Lanka – Feel the Harmony of real Ayurveda Philosophy

AIDA Ayurveda & Holistic Health Resort is conveniently located in Mangala mawatha,Bentota which is about 70 kilometers away from the city of Colombo. The hotel features with 40 rooms for which 16 rooms are main house rooms & the rest of the rooms are riverside rooms. Each & every room provided with hot & cold water, Telephone facilities, A/C, TV, Electronic safe etc.

By the means of its name AIDA Ayurveda & Holistic Health Resort, is a special place for Ayurveda treatments in Sri Lanka. On arrival of the guest an experienced doctor will conduct a diagnose to design their individual health & wellness schedule to be followed during their stay in the hotel. This comprehensive diagnose will be followed by using its very own traditional methods of Ayurveda like pulse reading, palm reading, tongue diagnosing, eye diagnosing etc. These treatments include internal & external treatments. Development of emotional balance are followed by very comprehensive methods like conducting Yoga & Meditation programs, allowing them to hear very emotional music, allowing them to see & feel the fragrance of very impressive flowers etc. With its very own special surroundings, it naturally allows the guests to improve their internal spirit.

The physical treatments include number of holistic therapies, head massages, foot massages, body massages, flower baths, herbal baths, steams, sauna etc. Ayurveda, the secret of Asian beauty, the herbal beauty clinic of AIDA resort offers very special beauty treatments with the harmony of Ayurveda. Some of the beauty treatments are facials, Pedicure etc.

Herbal garden of AIDA resort which has number of herbs is an attractive place of the guests who stays in the hotel. They always love to hang around the bushes of herbs & breathe the fresh air blowing through the plants.

Traditional “Shanthi Karma”, a way of treatment for certain illnesses which has a proud history of the country is very interesting event that this hotel organizes. The scenic restaurant of the hotel provides an array of Ayurvedic friendly healthy foods with the recommendation of the doctor.

The riverside gallery restaurant with a view over Bentota River, serves lots of delicious food including seafood who are not on Ayurveda cure. Also the AIDA offers one day Ayurveda treatment package for the non residents of the hotel.

Address: 12A, Mangala Mawatha, Bentota, Sri Lanka

Reservations: 0094-34-2271137, 0094-34-2271138

Email: aida1@sltnet.lk, aida1@visual.lk

Website: www.aidaayurveda.com

Field Trip to Palabaddala with FOGSL

Deciding at the last minute joined the FOGSL field trip to Palabaddala, a village that situated on the trekking track to Adam's peak bordering to the "Sri Pada" wildlife sanctuary in Ratnapura district. Situated within close proximity to the World Heritage site Sinharaja Rain Forest, the area has identified as rich in birdlife.

After enjoying a simple lunch but rich in nutrition value prepared with locally found greens, herbs etc. started proceeding to "MapalanaElla" a picturesque waterfall while observing birds on the way. With few yards of walking observed, a Hill Swallow landed on an electricity wire and that was a very good opportunity to learn how to differentiate a Hill Swallow from the Red Rumped Swallow because of the explanation given by our professional birder Amila Salgado as usual. Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Yellow fronted barbet, Red Rumped swallow, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Layard's parakeet, Sri Lanka Orange billed babblers, Hill Myna are some of the highlights of the first day birding.

Second day started with a big challenge to climb up to the Adam's peak but instructions were given to turn back at 2 pm irrespective of the place where you climbed up to ensure the safe return before the dawn. The group was scattered I was with Amila. We were the first to decide to return immediate after the breakfast because of the gloomy conditions and correctly identified as not a good day for birding by my colleague. On our return, we stepped to a village house due to the rain, with their hospitality they offered us two chairs nicely arranged facing the river allowing us to observe birds until rain is over. We spotted a Shikra, a pair of Sri Lanka Grey Horn bills, A number of Sri Lankan Myna's, a number of Crimson fronted barbets while we were enjoying a cup of tea offered by them. We stepped down to the base around 12.30 in the noon and finished our lunch with a plan of going for birding to the nearest 50-acre forest patch. The whole plan for the evening washed off by the torrential rain started around 2 pm continued up to 6 pm in the evening leaving us the only option to have a nap and relax a bit. Greater Flameback , Sri Lanka Yellow fronted barbet, Black capped bulbul, Yellow browed bulbul, Hill swallow, Red rumped swallow , Shikra, Sri Lanka grey Horn bill, Scarlet minivet, Black bulbul are some of the highlights for the second day birding.

In the morning of the final day, we were lucky to spot a pair of Sri Lanka White faced starling on a fruit tree while we were waiting for the breakfast. After the break fast we proceeded to the 50 Acre forest patch for birding where we managed to observe Sri Lanka Orange billed babblers, Sri Lanka White faced starlings, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted Barbet, Common Iora, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Layard's Parakeet and some other few bird species.

Hotel Yala Village – A Blend of Untamed Beauty of Nature, Adventure & Luxury of Relaxation

Hotel Yala Village is situated in Kirinda,Sri Lanka (in deep south of Sri Lanka) bordered by the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary which is about 280km away from Colombo International Airport. Approximately it takes about 5 to 6 hours drive via Ratnapura. Yala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Sri Lanka’s best preserved areas for which is the shelter for hundreds of elephants,crocodiles,wild boar,peacocks,about 56 species of birds,12 species of mammals,20 species of butterflies,15 species of reptiles etc.

It is a tranquil location spread over 10 acres of vegetation scattered with 61 chalets. Each chalet is unique in design with animal inspired themes in décor ensuring that each guest enjoys the untamed beauty of nature while allowing you the luxury of relaxation in absolute privacy. Wild elephant, Wild Boar, Peacocks, Spotted deer, many species of birds can be commonly seen in the hotel park. All the chalets are air conditioned and it includes with a private verandah, satellite TV, well stocked Mini Bar, Telephone/IDD provided with hot & clod water. Chalets are categorized as Fisherman’s, Beach, Round, Stilt, Traditional Village and Tarzan Suite ranging from 165 US dollars to 415 US Dollars on Full Board basis.

Observation Desk is a very attractive place in the hotel which allows the guests to have a panoramic view of the vastness while the picturesque swimming pool provides an invigorating swim with a spectacular pool bar serving up delightful concoctions. Eastern & Western cuisine can be enjoyed at the hotel restaurant with Ala carte and table d’hote menus. Also the hotel enriches with a Naturalist (Mr. Dilan Peiris) who has a sound knowledge about the Sri Lankan birds, Animals, Reptiles, Mammals and the Nature.

Some of the very attractive features the Hotel Yala Village offers are

· Bird Trails (Bundala Sanctuary & Inside the Hotel park)

· Adventure Safaris – Yala Wildlife Sanctuary

· Cultural Visits – Kataragama, Thissamaharamaya, Sithulapawwa etc.

· Nature walk with the Naturalist

· Airport pickups

· Participation of Sri Lankan cookery workshops on request

Safety Tips

Remember you stay in a part of the jungle so wild animals are freely roaming through the hotel park. Always seeks the assistance of the hotel staff while you walk in the evening & the night because meet the Wild elephant is a common incident in this hotel. Also please refrain from giving foods to the wild animals & remember not to leave any fruits in your vehicle.

Telephone : 0094112320862,0094112439049-51

0094472239450

Reservations : htlres@keells.com

Ratnaloka Tour Inn, Kosgala, Kahangama, Ratnapura – Promising Charm Holiday with the only star class hotel in the city of Gem in Sri Lanka

Ratnaloka Tour Inn, the only star class hotel situated in the city of gem in Sri Lanka is located in a tranquil village called Kosgala (around 8 kilometers away from the city of Ratnapura). Ratnapura which is 101 kilometers away form Colombo is always a blessing to the pearl of the Indian Ocean. With it’s charm environment the Ratnaloka Tour Inn always ensures their unique ability to provide a totally relaxed holiday experience by touching the hearts of the guests whoever who chooses this hotel to spend a holiday.

The hotel features 53 rooms with 11 deluxe rooms provided with air conditioning, Mini bar, attached bathroom provided with hot & cold water. Surrounded 50 acres of land with tea cultivation, trees of tropical fruits, number of herbs provides the luxury to each & every guest to breath with fresh air to soothe their body & mind from the morning they wakeup. The picturesque swimming pool shaded by an array of cardamom trees provides with an invigorating swim. Some of the other facilities are the main restaurant facing the tea estate, the air conditioned Orchid restaurant, bar etc.

Some of the very unique facilities this hotel offers are the Gem Museum & the Gem Shop which has kept large collection of local & foreign gems for display. Blue sapphire, Yellow sapphire, Cats eye are some of the local gems they displays in the museum while Opals, Lapise, Amber are examples for the foreign gems that they displays in the Gem Museum. Also there are many gem studded jewelries made out of silver & 14K, 18K gold are kept for sale.

Within the hotel premises there are few gem mining sites are maintained by the hotel to experience their guests in gem mining in Sri Lanka. Tea plucking competitions, Rubber tapping competition are some of very special events that the hotel organizes.

Besides the main restaurant there is a small pond shaded with tea bushes & perennial fruit trees. This area provides an excellent opportunity to observe number of bird species in the morning & in the evening for the people who enjoys bird watching. Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted barbet, Brown Headed Barbet, Black Hooded Oriole, Indian Robin, Pied Thrush, Red Vented Bulbul are some of the bird species can be observed in the hotel garden.

Some of the very special features the Ratnaloka Tour Inn offers are

• Try Your Luck (Gem Mining Competition)
• Tea Plucking Competition
• Rubber Tapping Competition
• Bird Trails to Sinharaja Rain forest
• Safari trips to Uda Walawe park
• Cultural trips to Maha Saman Devalaya, Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya, Nedun Rajamaha Viharaya, Iddamalgoda Rajamaha Viharaya etc.

Address : Kosgala, Kahangama, Ratnapura

Reservations : 0094452222455, 0094452224565, 0094455440011

Email : ratnaloka@eureka.lk

Website : www.ratnaloka.com

Amaya Hills, Heerassagala, Kandy, Sri Lanka - A Memorable stay in one of the most beautiful hills in the country

Amaya Hills, a palace in the hills nestled in a tranquil location high above the city of Kandy which is 115 kilometers away from the city of Colombo. Kandy, the capital of the central province of Sri Lanka, the last ancient kingdom always has the blessings of Sri Dalada, the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Heerassagala, one of the most beautiful locations in Sri Lanka within the Hanthana range of hills richest with lovely fauna & flora, the comfortable climate, breathtaking nature surroundings etc.The world famous Peradeniya botanical garden is within very close proximity to the hotel. Some of the Orchid varieties found in Peradeniya botanical garden are found only in Sri Lanka.With all these Amaya Hills ensures its incomparable holiday experience boasting with 100 rooms comprising with 4 Suite rooms, 5 Junior Suite rooms, 48 Deluxe rooms and 43 Standard rooms.





All these rooms are specially designed to indulge the guests with a panoramic view of a range of picturesque hills. Each & every room ensures its luxury provided with Cable TV, well stocked Mini Bar, Electronic safe, Air conditioning, hot & cold water etc.

The Tea room of Amaya Hills is very special has its own warm & inviting atmosphere to enjoy a cup of world famous Sri Lankan tea. You could enjoy the all Sri Lankan tea flavors including High grown tea (Comes from Nuwara-eliya region), mid grown tea (comes from Hanthana, Gampola, Kandy area) and Low grown tea (comes from Rantapura, Deniyaya area). Also the Dumbara Bar allowing you to have an evening drink
In a relaxed setting inspired by woven mats of Dumbara, Kandy while the Rasawasala restaurant serves an array of Sri Lankan & International cuisine by an expert chef in an indoor & terrace seating.

Le Garage the underground night club in a high mountain setting opens on every Saturday till 2am in the morning.


With its own techniques for a deep relaxation, the Ayurvedic Spa offers number of holistic therapies & Ayurveda treatments including one week & two week wellness programs. Some of the most popular treatments are Herbal Oil Body Treatment (Herbal body massage, Herbal steam and Herbal bath), Vashpa Sveda (Herbal oil & Steam treatment), Avagaha Sveda (Rejuvenating herbal bath), Herbal Oil Head Treatment (Head massage with vital point treatment), Vaktra Chikitsa (Herbal facial treatment) and Reflexology (Foot massage treatments with whole body effects).

Spend few hours with nature, the morning & evening bird trails are one of the most attractive features the Amaya Hills offers. Mr. Susantha (the Naturalist of the hotel) will take you through the breathtaking Hanthana hills to observe number of bird species. About 380 bird species (including endemics & migrant birds) are recorded from this area. Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Layard's Parakeet, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, White Browed Fantail, Brown Fish Owl are some of the bird species you could observe during this trail. Also about 65 species of butterflies & mammals, number of coffee varieties, number of spices including cardamom, pepper etc. could be observed while you are on the bird watching.

Nice flower arrangements & the friendly staff is something that specially has to be mentioned about this hotel.

Some of the other very attractive features the Amaya Hills offers are

• Tractor rides through the jungle

• Safari trips to Kaudulla, Minneriya & Wasgomuwa National parks

• Flat water rafting through the Mahaweli river

• Visit the Udawattekale

• Cultural visits to Sri Dalada Maligawa, Gadaladeniya, Ambakke etc.

• Cultural drama & dancing lessons

• Traditional sports

• Cooking demonstrations by the chef

• Yoga lessons

• Golf tours

• Visit to a meditation center
  

Address: Heerassagala, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Reservations: sales@amayaresorts.com, amayahills@amayaresorts.com

Telephone : 0094114767888, 0094812233521, 2

Website : www.amayaresorts.com