tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2793671082034887972024-02-06T22:31:38.074-08:00Travel Srilanka - The Wonder of AsiaTravel to Sri Lanka, Discover a land of timeless spirit and diversity. Experience for yourself its unique culture and its humble people, well known over centuries for their warm hearts and smiling hospitality. Your journey to Sri Lanka will be a pilgrimage for your body, mind and soul. Re-discover yourself in Sri Lanka.Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-14682674226158023872013-03-18T00:35:00.000-07:002013-03-18T00:35:33.021-07:00Mattala Rajapaksa Int’l Airport opens<br /><br />Today 18, March 2013, would be a red letter day in Sri Lanka’s aviation sector when Sri Lanka opens its second international airport. (MRIA) MRIA, Hambantota, Sri Lanka’s second ‘Gateway’ to the world, springs new hopes, aspirations, ambitions and excitement for Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, business, trade and leisure sectors, opening up a major growth opportunity for SriLankan Airlines. <img src="http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/18/z_pg17-Mattala-01.jpg" /> <br /><br />The new airport would fulfill one of the longest infrastructure needs of the local aviation sector, a second international airport. Previously, airlines had to carry additional fuel and used to have back up plans in case they were unable to land in Colombo and with the opening of the MRIA, this major problem has been solved thus giving the airline additional savings. <br /><br />Minster of Civil Aviation, Piyankara Jayaratne, said that one of the main reasons to build MRIC in Hambantota was the demand from the tourism sector where tourists wanted to start their tour by visiting wild life parks, (Yala) enjoy the sunny beaches in the Eastern province, cool themselves in the hill country, see the historic city of Kandy, followed by the cultural triangle and return via the Elephant orphanage in Pinnawela and finally enjoying the entertainment and shopping in Colombo, before departing. <br /><br />The Mattala airport will also support the international cricket stadium, convention centre, harbour and most importantly the emerging economic zone and the International IT Park. MIRA will also be the only available air strip that could land the world’s largest aircraft, A380. <br /><br />“We have reduced the fees of ground operations and airport fees in Mattala. In addition, we have introduced an “Open Sky Policy” which enables the landing of aircraft anytime in Mattala”. “In addition, we have mapped out several development plans for MRIA to refute allegations that Mattala was a White Elephant.” <br /><br />SriLankan Airlines Chairman, Nishantha Wickramasingha, told Daily News Business that Sri Lankan Tourism can now aim at 2.5 million tourists in 2016. “The new airport would help Sri Lanka attract an additional million arrivals to the country,” he said. <img src="http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/18/z_pg17-Mattala-02.jpg" /> <br /><br />Chairman, Airport Aviation Services, Prasanna Wickramasuriya, said that they have been marketing the MRIA for a long period and said that it had a sound business model to survive. <br /><br />“We are targeting charter flights and logistic flights to use MRIA as it would be more viable for them as we have offered concessions,” he said. By providing water and fuel for aircraft and also providing maintenance services, the port can earn extra revenue which would be a commercially added advantage. All operations will be done through Katunayake. Aircraft landing at Mattala will fly through Katunayake. All flights operating through Shanghai, Beijing, Male, Riyadh, Buddha Gaya, etc. will fly to Mattala via Katunayake. <br /><br />Two foreign airlines, flydubai and Air Arabia even before the completion of the airport, expressed their consent to start operations at Mattala and make it a destination for their flights. <br /><br />In addition, several other airlines would be flying to MRIA soon. The cost of the project was funded by the Chinese Government. During the first phase, all basic facilities and requirements were completed, including a runway, taxiways and parking facilities. Any kind of airline in the world could land to Mattala International Airport. Mattala could accommodate massive aircraft such A 380 and even the largest aircraft Antanov 225. <br /><br />The airport had been constructed as an eco-friendly airport, minimizing damage to the environment. During the second stage, aviation related facilities, such as a servicing and repairing centre for aircraft, pilot training centre, maintenance hub, private jet parking, technical training centres, hotels and many more facilities would be completed. <br /><br />“SriLankan Airlines and Mihin, while operating several flights, plans to set up its Aviation Academy and a Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility with Lufthansa to expand its business in the South Asian region.” Catering for all flights that depart the MRIA; Engineering line maintenance support; and cargo handling whilst operating the airline’s own introductory schedule of flights, initially to the Maldives, the Middle East and China. <img src="http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/18/z_pg17-Mattala-03.jpg" /> <br /><br />“For SriLankan Airlines, this is a quantum leap where we have the convenience of utilizing two international airports just 90.8 nautical miles apart, affording flexibility and new avenues for innovative expansion and development,” said SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Kapila Chandrasena. <br /><br />“We have recruited and we continue to recruit young Sri Lankans from new regions in the island, to enter lucrative careers in the dynamic aviation industry.” <br /><br />Gunarathna said that the new airport commences its operations at a time the Tourism Industry of Sri Lanka was experiencing a steady growth, recording more than 46% annual growth over the years. <br /><br />“As such, Sri Lanka Tourism is delighted to witness the opening of the MRIA and feel confident that it was definitely going to contribute in a mega scale for the development of tourism.” <br /><br />These attractions are situated in close proximity to the Mattala Airport and introduced recently for tourists following the peaceful environment prevailing in these parts of the country, as a result of establishing peace, law and order by the Government of Sri Lanka.” <br /><br />The strategic location of the new airport would also be significant in around the Eastern and Southern Provinces to serve the purpose of the frequent travellers who wish to travel at short transit times to visit tourism hot spots such as Nuwara Eliya Galle Arugam Bay, Yala National Park, Willpattu National Park, etc. Reaching these key tourism destinations from Mattala Airport is less time consuming than traveling from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.” <br /><br />Veteran hosteller Chandra Wickramasinge of Maalu Maalu fame said that the MRIA would be a major boost to the development of tourism specially in the Eastern province. Tourists can now come to the East in less than three hours,” he said. <br /><br />Chairman, Master Divers and Former Director of the Southern Development Authority, Ariyasiri Wickramanayaka told the Daily News Business that the new venture of opening the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is a highly commendable step taken by the government. <br /><br />“I am one of the pioneers who proposed to take this development into Hambantota. In fact, it was me who proposed to build the Hambantota port as Galle was not large enough. Therefore, I am happy that the new international airport is being built in Hambantota because it is where we are meant to be,” he said. <br /><br />According to Wickramanayaka, Hambantota will be the next capital of Sri Lanka due to its ample space vacant for opportunity. According to him the fact that the airport and port, being bigger than the Katunayaka Airport and Colombo port, will attract many business opportunities. <br /><br />“This is where we belong. Galle was the capital when the Dutch were here and Colombo was the capital when the British were here but now it is time we go back to the capital which was truly local and before the invasion, the late Magampura and the present Hambantota, we are going back home,” he said. <br /><br />According to him opening the MRIA is a practical step as people would be drawn there business wise and it will be the future economic hub. <br /><br />“If people want to earn a US $ 200 salary in future, Hambantota is the place to go, and that is were people will go to earn a good living as there is plenty of job opportunities,” he said. <br /><br />Chief Executive Officer, Hambantota Chamber of Commerce, Krishanthi Weerasinghe said that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport will bring in a lot of opportunities for the business community because of the development in the tourism sector. <br /><br />She said that with the new airport, all the other areas in the vicinity, namely Tissamaharama, Tangalle, Belliatta and other towns will develop rapidly. Weerasinghe said that there is ample chance for the development of infrastructure facilities due to the opening of opportunities in the area. <br /><br />The majority of land belongs to the government, therefore, the government could easily provide more opportunities for the development and attract foreign investments into the country. <br /><br />General Manager, Peacock Beach Hotel, Nalin Fernando said that this area was neglected for sometime and with the opening of the new airport there would be a big boom in the hotel and tourism sector in the area. <br /><br />He said this would be a great move by the government to create a window of opportunities not only to the area but also to the whole country. This airport would bring enormous opportunities to the country from medium to long term perspectives. <br /><br />Meanwhile, taking an international visual aspect on the proceedings of MRIA, a delegation from Germany and France visited Sri Lanka to enter into deals regarding rubber with one of Sri Lanka’s well known Rubber exporting companies, said that it will ease their burden of travel and that the location, though is highly condemned is by no way an inconvenience. <br /><br />According to these delegates they expect MRIA to reach the international standards and is sure that this new initiative will make way to increase the already expanding tourism industry. Taking a more general perspective, Daily News Business spoke to some constant travelers, former FedEx Sri Lanka Manager who travels as a hobby said that the MRIA will actually increase the convenience of travel as there might be less traffic in reaching the airport. <br /><br />“The MRIA is bigger than the Katunayaka International Airport and thus, in my opinion, traveling from Sri Lanka is about to be a more comfortable experience,” he said. Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-32393075659391335482013-01-29T02:48:00.002-08:002013-01-29T02:49:53.119-08:00Seaplanes in Sri Lanka: up and away with a new air taxi service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A thrilling new seaplane service in Sri Lanka takes you from Colombo into the hill country, landing on temple lakes – and the tickets start at just £30<br />
It was at Koggala lake, near Galle, that I first saw the seaplane that was to whisk me up to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/srilanka" title="More from guardian.co.uk on Sri Lanka">Sri Lanka</a>'s
lush and temperate tea country. There, bobbing up and down, lashed to a
floating dock, was the white dual-engine DeHavilland Twin Otter, on its
tail a phantasmagoric mural depicting the supposed sights of Sri Lanka:
leopards, giant squid, elephants and whales.<br />
Seeing the plane
floating on two giant pontoons, its wings set on top of a fuselage that
holds 15 passengers, I was transported back to a time when air travel
was still an adventure, when stepping onto a plane amid the uproar of
whizzing propellers felt intrepid.<br />
I'd long wanted to visit
Sri Lanka's hills, though driving from Colombo up to Kandy and then on
to Nuwara Eliya – while an exciting experience – can eat away at your
itinerary. That's why, on a recent trip, I decided to see the country
from the sky, by opting to take SriLankan Air Taxi, a little-known
seaplane service that, for the price of a hire car, plies routes from
Colombo to the coastal towns of Galle and Tangalle, as well as the hill
towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and Dambulla, famous for its cave
temple complex.<br />
SriLankan Airlines' seaplane service was set up in
2004 but was promptly suspended due to the country's protracted civil
war, which finally ended in 2009. The service was re-launched last year
but its existence is still under the radar. It has only been possible to
book online since June 2012.<br />
The ceasefire has been a boon to
domestic air travel. It is now possible to fly from Colombo to Jaffna in
a Cessna operated by ExpoAir (<a href="http://www.expoavi.com/" title="">expoavi.com</a>) and another seaplane service, Cinnamon Air (<a href="http://www.cinnamonair.com/" title="">cinnamonair.com</a>), will be launched in early 2013.<br />
Over a piquant fish curry on the veranda of the painstakingly restored <a href="http://www.amanresorts.com/amangalla/resort.aspx" title="">Amangalla hotel</a>
in the Dutch fort at Galle, I imagined life in wartime Ceylon, having
read about Sri Lanka's seaplane legacy and Leonard Birchall, the
Canadian second world war pilot remembered as the "saviour of Ceylon".
After taking off from Koggala lake, about nine miles east of Galle in a
Catalina "flying boat" seaplane in 1942, Birchall spotted a "black
speck" on the horizon, which turned out to be the Japanese fleet, the
co-ordinates of which he radioed back to Colombo before being shot down
(he survived).<br />
<span class="inline wide">
<img alt="Inside the Amangalla Hotel in Sri Lanka" height="277" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/1/24/1359052594759/Inside-the-Amangalla-Hote-001.jpg" width="460" />
<span class="caption" style="width: 460px;">
The hotel dining room at Amangalla hotel. Photograph: ./Bloomberg
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Today, Koggala is still a naval base, and doubles as a SriLankan Air
Taxi runway. I took the morning flight to Colombo for £40. The cabin was
basic and unpressurised; the seatbelt was the only amenity. There was
no cockpit door, so I was able to watch the captain and copilot
manipulate the yoke, foot pedals and throttles. I could read the plane's
instruments and feel the vibration of the propellers.<br />
The plane
only needed about a quarter of a mile to take off. Rising off the water,
we climbed steeply to 7,500ft and for most of the 45-minute journey
followed the ribbon of the Colombo-Galle highway as it bisected paddy
fields and palm oil plantations. I barely moved my eyes from the window,
from which I could see hilltop Buddhist temples, mosques and cricket
pitches.<br />
As we approached Colombo, the pilot banked the plane to
the left and we followed the coast to one of SriLankan's two bases in
the capital. Since landing a seaplane depends on water levels, currents
and visibility, the air taxi's schedules are flexible, their bases
changeable. Two more bases are being prepared, one downtown at Colombo
Fort and another at the international airport.<br />
During the layover
the pilot, Canadian George McBain, told me that, though run by SriLankan
Airlines, the whole operation – the plane, the crews, the maintenance –
have been leased from Kenn Borek Air, a Canada-based charter airline
specialising in Twin Otters. Borek Air leases SriLankan the same planes
that ply hunting and fishing lodges in western Canada and Alaska, and
support Antarctic research missions. "The Twin Otter is fun to fly,"
McBain said. "It can go anywhere. There is no other plane in the world
that can fly where it goes. It can fly in the open oceans in the
Maldives, land on riverbeds, frozen water, glaciers. And you can't see
anything from a jet. At 5,000 or 10,000 feet, I have stuff to look at
all day long."<br />
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<img alt="The centre of Kandy." height="277" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/1/24/1359052797303/The-centre-of-Kandy.-001.jpg" width="460" /> </span></div>
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<span class="inline wide"><span class="caption" style="width: 460px;">Fly into the heart of Kandy. Photograph: Getty Images
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We flew to Kandy from the Peliyagoda base, which is at an elbow in
the river Kelani in a suburb of Colombo. Its dock is leased from a
Buddhist temple, its terminal comprised of a collection red plastic
chairs. I spun the giant prayer wheels under the gaze of a statue of a
standing Buddha as five passengers checked in, posed for pictures on the
dock and inspected the plane.<br />
As we flew north-east from Colombo
towards the hills, we passed in and out of clouds, the plane skating
gently on the wind. Passengers took photographs of waterfalls,
plantation houses, still more temples and cricket pitches.<br />
At
Kandy, we descended between the trees lining a dammed segment of the
Mohaweli river. There were about 50 locals by the dock waiting for the
plane to land, taking pictures on their mobile phones. After
disembarking, Saleh al-Estry, an Omani tourist who was on my flight,
called the journey "fantastic". He said he clicked the seaplane icon on
the SriLankan website by chance. "I saw there was a seaplane and
thought, 'I should try this'," he said. "The funny thing is, in Colombo
nobody knows about this. Even the guy in my hotel had never heard of
it."<br />
After a walk around Kandy lake and a tour of the Temple of
the Sacred Tooth Relic, which supposedly houses one of the Buddha's
teeth, I boarded a train for the former British redoubt of Nuwara Eliya,
Sri Lanka's best-known hill station. For three hours we wound through
the jungle and tea plantations I'd seen from the air and at station
stops I bought sweet coconuts and <em>wadi</em> (fried savory snacks with chilli chutney) through the window.<br />
After
a night at the Hill Club, a rambling colonial pile where guests are
served seafood thermidor in a formal dining room by white-gloved
waiters, I embarked on the flight from lake Gregory back to Colombo.
Seaplane travel now felt routine. In the air I thought of all the remote
places I've been that could be made less remote by Twin Otters, and
thought with vertiginous dread of the inevitability of future
long-distance journeys on pitted and perilous roads.<br />
Not in Sri
Lanka, though. George McBain, the pilot, suspected he'd see me again. "A
lot of passengers – the ones that we do have – are repeat passengers,"
he said.</div>
<h2>
Way to go</h2>
<strong>Getting there</strong><br />
Emirates (<a href="http://www.emirates.com/uk/english/index.aspx" title="">emirates.com</a>) flies from Gatwick to Colombo via Dubai from about £550 return including taxes<br />
<strong> Getting around</strong><br />
SriLankan Air Taxi Service can be booked at <a href="http://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/uk" title="">srilankan.com</a>. A flight from Koggala to Colombo costs 8,969 LKR (about £42); a flight from Colombo to Kandy costs about £31<br />
<strong>Where to stay</strong><br />
The seafront Galle Face Hotel in Colombo (<a href="http://www.gallefacehotel.com/" title="">gallefacehotel.com</a>) has doubles from £95. Deco on 44 (<a href="http://www.decoon44.com/" title="">decoon44.com</a>)
is a boutique hotel in a restored art deco villa in Galle Fort with
doubles from £135. Hill Club Sri Lanka in Nuwara Eliya (+94 52 222 2653,
no website), doubles from £70. The sprawling and eccentric Helga's
Folly (<a href="http://www.helgasfolly.com/" title="">helgasfolly.com</a>) in Kandy has doubles from £125<br />
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Source - <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/jan/26/sri-lanka-seaplane-service-kandy-galle">Click here</a>Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-35015664927340508172013-01-23T22:12:00.002-08:002013-01-23T22:12:52.110-08:00Sri Lanka and Spain going cheap in 2013<br />
Spain and Sri Lanka have emerged as the best-value destinations for 2013, with
Australia and South Korea coming bottom of a list of the world’s leading
holiday hotspots.
<br />
The annual Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer compares the cost of
a holiday shopping basket in 42 destinations worldwide. The basket contains
a meal for two, a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a can of Coca-Cola, a
glass of wine, a bottle of water, suncream and a packet of cigarettes. The
survey found that while these eight items cost £146.93 in Seoul and £145.28
in Darwin, they cost just £36.14 in both Malaga and Galle.<br />
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-25577260895733591472013-01-22T01:46:00.001-08:002013-01-23T21:52:30.373-08:00Departures S3E3 - Sri Lanka<object height="300" width="540"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0AtsxHecd7c?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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Travelling to Sri Lanka at the tail end of the 25-year civil war, the guys expect to visit a war-torn country, yet discover a different land. From exploring the wonders of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin, to visiting Sri Lanka's indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas tribe, and joining the pilgrimage up Adam's Peak, the guys experience a beautiful and culturally rich country. They get to Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, just in time to see the Navam Perahera -- a spectacular parade made up of thousands of dancers and acrobats, and over a hundred decorated elephants.<br />
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-47963259276823655722013-01-05T05:27:00.000-08:002013-01-05T05:27:20.435-08:00Sri Lanka welcomes one millionth tourist in 2012Achieving another remarkable milestone in the country’s booming tourism industry, Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 1,000,000th tourist in year 2012 at Bandaranaike International Airport on 31st December 2012.<br />
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Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism- Bhashwara Gunarathna , Kamal Rathwaththa – Deputy Chairman Of Airport and Aviation(LTD), Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau – Rumy Jauffer with a group of representatives from travel and tourism industry warmly welcomed the guest Ms. Jiang Ying and her husband from China who arrived in Sri Lanka via flight UL 889 from Beijing at 10.00 p.m. Sri Lanka Tourism took steps to arrange a special ceremony to welcome the 1,000,000th guest.<br />
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Sri Lanka Tourism gavec special gifts for being the lucky couple from China to pass the milestone, so that their next stay in Sri Lanka will be absolutely free. Ms. Jiang Ying, being the happy visitor to arrive in Sri Lanka as the 1,000,000th tourist for the year 2012, said "I had heard a lot about Sri Lanka from my friends. I found out details about your country before deciding my holiday destination. I was simply bewitched by the photos on the internet. Sri Lanka is as beautiful and breathtaking as presented in the photos. Moreover, Sri Lankans are very hospitable and kind."</div>
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-26322066738959191142013-01-03T04:36:00.000-08:002013-01-03T04:36:23.379-08:00 British Airways names Sri Lanka as the top destination in year 2013. <span class="userContent">Sri Lanka has topped the 13 destinations categorized as popular favorite places to visit next year.<br /> <br /> This ranking has been accorded to Sri Lanka by a panel of experts as<span class="text_exposed_show">signed by British Airways to compile a list of the top 13 new destinations and popular favorite places to visit in 2013. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Beautiful beaches, heritage sites, hospitality and no restrictions on travel are the reasons for this nomination. The British Airways points out different climates experienced in Sri Lanka is also another reason for this decision. Meanwhile, the one millionth tourist for this year arrived last night. There was a marked development in tourism this year. In the year 2010 the number of tourists visited Sri Lanka amounted 650 thousand.<br /> <br />
The Panel of Experts have made their determination based on tourists
heading to the island in increasing numbers after the end of terrorism,
attractions like beaches, elephant treks and a large number of UNESCO
world heritage sites to visit in the country. <br /> <br /> The other
destinations are Croatia; Vietnam; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic;
Derry, Northern Ireland; Las Vegas, USA; Tbilisi, Georgia; San Diego,
California, USA; Cape Town, South Africa; Alicante, Spain; and Dubai,
UAE. (niz)<br /> </span></span>British Airways will resume direct flights to
Colombo from Gatwick,UK in March 2013. This is an addition to Lonely
Planet endorsement for Sri Lanka as best destination to travel for 2013
among global tourism destinations.<br />
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-51427582339853058212013-01-01T20:57:00.000-08:002013-01-01T20:57:37.876-08:00Floating Restaurant on Scenic Diyawanna Oya<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Sri Lanka Navy's latest hospitality
venture, SLN Floating Restaurant, set sail on the scenic Diyawanna Oya
offering a novel experience to the booming leisure industry in the
country. The event, one of many launched to reap peace dividends for the
national development, was inaugurated by Secretary of Defence and Urban
Development, Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksha on 22</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">nd</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> December 2012.
Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake, Commander
of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Chief of Staff,
Director General Operations and Director General Engineering of the Sri
Lanka Navy were also present on the occasion.</span><br />
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<br />SLN Floating
Restaurant equipped with all amenities is ideal for receptions, weddings
and corporate events. It is custom-built by the Navy incorporating
comfort and safety to cater to its clients' diverse needs. Catering is
handled by the Waters Edge and the facility is manned by SLN personnel.
Clients can now enjoy a relaxing meal while afloat in the scenic waters
of Diyawanna Oya, comforted by caressing cool breeze marveling the lush
greenery along the lake banks.</div>
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Source - <a href="http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=3889">Click here</a></div>
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Etul Kotte, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka6.8907249043968983 79.91712570190436.8749614043968981 79.8969557019043 6.9064884043968986 79.93729570190429tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-39263084963386807452012-12-29T03:13:00.001-08:002012-12-29T03:13:46.605-08:00Sri Pada season in Sri Lanka began.The annual season to visit Sri Pada, the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka, began on 27th December 2012, the Unduwap Poya Day.<br />
The annual season starts from full moon (Poya Day) of December and end on the Vesak Poya Day, full moon of May. <br />
All the arrangements for the season have been made and sacred relics
will be brought to the top of the Peak today, said Ven Bengamuve
Dhammadinna Thero of the Sri Pada Temple. <br />
A series of religious ceremonies were held at the Raja Maha Viharaya of
Galpoththavela, Pelmadulla in Ratnapura Wednesday and a procession from
the temple will bring the shrines to the peak. <br />
According to the sources the security has been tightened in the area,
especially from Nallathanniya to Sri Pada. All the facilities for the
devotees such as water, food and sanitations have been provided. <br />
Authorities have asked the devotees to refrain from bringing alcohol and polythene to the sacred area. <br />
Sri Pada, also known as Adam's Peak has been proclaimed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. <br />
Hundreds of thousands of local and foreign devotees belonged to all four
major religions - Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims- trek to
the summit of the sacred mountain each year during the season.<br />
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-72373672219018411242012-12-26T00:45:00.000-08:002012-12-26T00:45:06.185-08:00Sri Lanka tourist arrivals reach record high in November<span class="newsbody"></span><br />
Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals rose 20.1 percent
to a record high in November this year compared to the same period last
year, the data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
(SLTDA) showed. <br />
The month recorded 109,202 tourists arriving in the country compared to the 90,889 arrived in November 2011. <br />
Arrivals during the first eleven months of the year increased 16.5
percent to 883,353 from the 758,458 arrived in the same period last year
to surpass the total arrivals for 2011. <br />
Arrivals from North America rose 34.5 percent to 5,798 in November with
Canada rising 30.4 percent to 2,542 and USA rising 37.8 percent to
3,256. For the first eleven months of 2012, North American arrival rose
by 22.3 percent to 52,761. <br />
Tourist arrivals from Western Europe reached 329,364 during the first 11
months of 2012, a 17.0 percent increase from the same period of last
year. <br />
Arrivals from Eastern Europe increased 45.5 percent from January through November 2012 with the arrival of 62,497 tourists. <br />
During the first eleven months, tourist arrivals from Middle East
however declined 4.8 percent to 50,096 from 52,597 from the same period
of 2011. <br />
Arrivals from South Asia for this year increased moderately. In the
first eleven months 226,114 South Asians visited Sri Lanka, a 3.9
percent increase from the same period in previous year. Of the 26,649
arrived in November 2012, a majority, 17,625 were from India. <br />
Sri Lanka targets one million tourist arrivals this year and expects to
earn over US$ 1 billion this year from tourism opposed to the US$ 830.3
million earned last year. <br />
SLTDA statistics have recorded 855,975 tourist arrivals in 2011 compared to the 654,476 arrived in 2010. <br />
Since the end of the war against the Tamil Tiger terrorists in May 2009,
the country has seen tourist arrivals increasing steadily every year
for the past three years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-7QfHRlLChFxu5NUoxX7NaaDZok-a42MNUhJaFO33qxizwqLflxsF3qa7P_S6f6M4wS-fleABzpZa4a3PudqORJC2yqJXrOipKHM6AeB5tosXPQYD-MtLGlnix0wcu95eBjJPidhcaw/s1600/z_pi-Tourist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-7QfHRlLChFxu5NUoxX7NaaDZok-a42MNUhJaFO33qxizwqLflxsF3qa7P_S6f6M4wS-fleABzpZa4a3PudqORJC2yqJXrOipKHM6AeB5tosXPQYD-MtLGlnix0wcu95eBjJPidhcaw/s400/z_pi-Tourist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-69753424615627974262012-12-21T02:45:00.000-08:002012-12-21T02:49:36.304-08:00Beautifull Pictures of Sri Lanka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hathmale Falls - Deniyaya</div>
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Horton Plains </div>
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Laxapana Falls</div>
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Patanangala Beach - Yala National Park</div>
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National Botanical Garden - Peradeniya</div>
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Reverstan Peak - Knuckles Mountain Range</div>
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Bambarakanda Falls </div>
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Bomburu Ella - Welimada</div>
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Bopath Ella - Kuruwita, Ratnapura</div>
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Nilaveli Beach</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">National Botanical Garden - Peradeniya</span></div>
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-87630248236111053542012-12-14T01:24:00.000-08:002012-12-14T01:24:47.433-08:00Divaguhawa foundවසර 2593 කට පෙර බුදුන් වැඩ සිටි දිවාගුහාව සොයා ගැනීමට හැකි වූ බව ශ්රි පාදස්ථානාධිපති බෙන්ගමුවේ ධම්මදින්න නායක හිමියෝ පැවසූහ. දිවාගුහාව බුදුන් වහන්සේ ශ්රිපාදස්ථානයට වැඩම කළ අවස්ථාවේ දිවා විවරණ ලැබු ස්ථානය බව පැවසේ. ශි්ර පාද පත්මයට මීටර් 100ක් පමණ පහළින් පිහිටා ඇති දිවාගුහාව තුළ සෙල්ලිපියක් හා නිශ්ශංකමල්ල රජුගේ ශෛලමය රුවක්ද ඇත. සෙල් ලිපියේ නිශ්ශංකමල්ල රජු ශ්රි පාදය කරුණා කිරිමට පැමිණි බව සදහන් වේ.
බුදුන් වහන්සේ සමනොල ගිරට වැඩි අවස්ථාවේ සුමන සමන් දෙවියන් විසින් බණක් කියන්නට බුදුන්වහන්සේට ආරාධනා කර තිබේ. නමුත් එම අවස්ථාවේදිම තමන්ට දිව්ය දේව සභාවට සහභාගි වීමට තිබූ බව සමන් දෙවියන්ට අමතක විය.
ඒ නිසා එකම තැනකදී දෙතැනක පෙනී සිටින්නේ කෙසේද යන ප්රශ්නය ඇතිවු නිසාත්, බුදුන් වහන්සේට වූ පොරොන්දුව කැඞීමට නොහැකි නිසාත් සමන් දෙවියන් එයට කදිම උපක්රමයක් යෙදු බව පොත් පත් වල ස`දහන් වේ. එ් අනුව බුදුන් වහන්සේගෙන් බණ ඇසීමට තමන්ගේ රූපයට සමාන රූපයක් මවා දිවාගුහාවට යවා ඇති අතර එය දැනගත් බුදුන් වහන්සේද තමන්ගේ රූපකායට සමාන ශරීරයක් මවා බණ කියන්නට තබා දඹදිව වැඩි බව ස`දහන් වේ.<br />
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Sripada Rd, Sri Lanka6.8396224 80.54353426.5873783999999995 80.2276772 7.0918664 80.85939119999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-46352140226571993282012-12-13T02:39:00.000-08:002012-12-13T02:41:57.483-08:00We Go Sri Lanka HD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dima Viper & Max kegfire<br />
This is a short video of our trip to Sri Lanka this year.<br />
We
visited: Colombo, Anuradhapura, Unawatuna, Dikwella, Polonnaruwa,
Sygiria, Hikkaduwa, Tangalle, Galle Fort, Kandy, Sri Pada (Adam's Peak),
Nuwara Eliya and more.Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-70265763909067797312012-12-11T03:27:00.000-08:002012-12-11T03:27:02.062-08:00National Museum of Colombo<br />
<b>National Museum of Colombo</b><br />
The Colombo Museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1<sup>st</sup> January 1877. It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. <br /> <br />
The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the
notice of Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a
public museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative
council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public
Works Department, J.G. Smither was able to prepare the plans for new
structure on Italian architectural style. The construction was completed
in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year. <br /> <br /> The Authorities of the museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage of the country for this purpose. <br /> <br />
With the development of the museum to international level, it earned
the status of a national museum during the period of Dr. P. E. P.
Deraniyagala. He was able to open up branch museums in Jaffna, Kandy and
Ratnapura and a full - fledged Department of National Museums was
established in 1942 under the act No. 31. The extension of the number of
branch museums has now increased to nine and in addition a school
science programme and a mobile museum service are also in operation.<br />
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="History">History</span></h2>
The Colombo museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1 January 1877. It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society
(CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his
appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much
difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a
year. The Architect
of the Public Works Department, J. G. Smither was able to prepare the
plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction
was completed in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the
following year.<br />
The construction of the Museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar
Wapchie Marikar (born 1829, died 1925, aka Wapchi Marikar Bass, who was
descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060
AD), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed, Kt., JPUM, OBE, MP (born,
29 December 1893, died 23 August 1984). Wapchi Marikar Bass was the
builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town
Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir
building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings
that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which
is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689
Streling Pounds.<br />
In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was
declared open by His Excellency, Governor Gregory, in the presence of a
large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end
of the ceremony, His Excellency asked Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar what
honour he wished to have for his dedication. The same question was asked
by His Excellency from the carpenter who assisted Wapchi Marikar with
the wood work of the Museum who desired a local Rank and was honoured
accordingly. Wapchi Marikar, noticing the large number of Muslims
present, feared that they would spend their time at the Museum on Friday
during the Islamic congregation prayer, and requested that the Museum
be closed on Fridays. This request has been adhered to by all
authorities in charge of the Museum to this day.<br />
When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the
Museum, the then Prime Minister, Mr. D.S.Senanayake, obtained the
consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the
Museum open on the intervening Fridays only.<br />
During the period between 1877 and 1999, the authorities of the
museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage
of the country for this purpose. Several other wings were added from
time to time under the direction of Dr. Arthur Willey and Dr. Joseph
Pearson new structures were built during the period of Dr. P. E. P.
Deraniyagala, Dr. P. H. D. H. de Silva and Sirinimal Lakdusinghe. One of
the natural history
museum, and yet another consists of the auditorium. These buildings
would facilitate the extension of the library ethnological and
Anthropological studies, etc.<br />
With the development of the museum to international level, it earned
the status of a national museum during the period of Dr. P. E. P.
Deraniyagala. He was able to open up branch museums in Jaffna, Kandy,
and Rathnapura and a full – fledged department of national museum was
established in 1942 under the act No. 31. The extension of the number of
branch museums has now increased to nine and in addition a school
science programme and a mobile museum service are also in operation.<br />
The installation of the crown jewels and the throne of the last King of Kandy which were handed over back to Sri Lanka by the British Government,
has greatly enhanced the quality of the museum collection. In spite of
the enormousness of the various collections thematic arrangement of the
galleries has provided and opportunity to visitors to study the ancient
culture of the Sri Lanka under one roof. This process has further been
improved by the arrangement of the galleries of the ground floor in a
historical sequence and those of the upper galleries on a thematic
basis.<br />
Along with the Colombo National Museum, a library was also established on 1 January 1877. The government Oriental
library (1870) was incorporated in to Colombo National Museum library,
and served as the nucleus of the library collection by collecting the
local publications during the past 129 years; the library has been
functioning as an unofficial national library in Sri Lanka; became the
first legal Deposit library in the Island. This resulted in the
accumulation of a valuable collection of materials pertaining to Sri
Lanka. From its inception, special attention has been given to building
up of a collection related to Sri Lanka, Orientation and Natural
Science.<br />
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Source - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Colombo">Click here</a><br />
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com022/6 Albert Crescent, Colombo, Sri Lanka6.9095987015808129 79.8617219924926766.9056577015808127 79.856786492492674 6.9135397015808131 79.866657492492678tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-88230081291946528092012-12-05T07:30:00.001-08:002012-12-05T07:30:55.340-08:00National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka - Dehiwala<br />
Like any zoo, the goal of the Dehiwala Zoo is the preservation and conservation of various forms of animal life. <br />
The zoo was originally started by John Hargenberg who
collected and kept animals at the same site of the current zoo which
was then under his ownership. Hargenberg also exported animals back to
Europe for his brother who was a prominent animal dealer at the time. <br />
A large number of diverse animals can be found here
including a 100 species of mammals, 110 species of birds and 35 species
of reptiles. Also housed here are various fish, reptiles, amphibians,
butterflies and marine invertebrates. <br />
Some of the highlights of animals that can be found
here include Leopards, Pygmy Hippopotami, Mouse Deer, Jackals, Spider
Monkeys and more.<br />
Birds inhabit the aviary, which provides guests with
the chance to walk through an area that is filled with various plant
life that can be found in different parts of Sri Lanka. Discover
the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Mute Swan and parakeet which all can be
found in this part of the Zoo.<br />
Reptiles that can be found here include turtles,
snakes, and of course, the Estuarine crocodile which can be natively
found in many of the coastal rivers and lakes habitats of Sri Lanka.<br />
The star attraction of the Zoo is its aquarium that
houses an impressive array of marine life. This attraction is not only
limited to fish species but also features a collection of corals,
echinodermates, arthropods and molluscans that should not be missed. <br />
Lovers of butterflies will not be disappointed with a
visit to the Zoo as it is home to a relatively small but nevertheless
enchanting collection of the creatures. Housed in a special garden the
area also provides the chance to walk through shrubs, flowers and
lianas that are grown here.<br />
When in Sri Lanka, nature lovers will be delighted
with a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo that is also perfect for an outing
with the entire family as well.<br />
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Source - <a href="http://www.trulysrilanka.com/wildlife/dehiwala-zoo.html">Click here</a><br />
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Dehiwala Zoo Bus Stop, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Sri Lanka6.8559416 79.87312946.8539711000000008 79.8706619 6.8579121 79.875596899999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-92167284952385396012012-11-27T06:38:00.001-08:002012-11-27T06:38:57.954-08:00Paragliding in Sri Lanka<br />
Known to be an energetic flying sport, Paragliding is one of the
newest recreational activities in the world. This enthralling sport
originated during the 1940’s. Many people and countries across the world
have recognised this sport as full of fun, convenient and a safe way of
soaring in the open air. <br />
Although the sport became a favourite among the
adventure sport enthusiast since the 1940’s it made its mark in Sri
Lanka only during recent times. This was done to cater to the needs and
demands of the international traveller. Since then, the sport has become
ever so popular in this island destination. The progress of Paragliding
in Sri Lanka bears testimony to the fact that foreign travellers and
adventurists find it exciting and convenient to venture out in this
sport here. <br />
Conducive climate conditions and physical features of
Sri Lanka have made it an ideal destination for paragliding throughout
the year. This sport has become an important tourist attraction to the
country. A midway glide for any normal pilot will take about 25 minutes.
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This adventurous sport can be experienced in places
such as the Ella Adventure Park. It is a renowned hotel located in the
wilderness of Ella city, which is approximately 202 kilometres from
Colombo. Ella lies in the central mountainous region and is in the south
of Nuwara Eliya. It also lies close to Bandarawela. Currently this
hotel is the only provider of paragliding in the country. <br />
Paragliding expeditions are at present carried out
above the Makaldeniya ridge. This offers the paraglider the opportunity
to indulge in the charming panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Paragliding in Sri Lanka has increased in popularity whereby one of the
main reasons for its attractiveness is the safety measures that have
been taken. The favourable environmental conditions are also considered
to be another reason.<br />
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Source - <a href="http://www.trulysrilanka.com/adventure/para-gliding-in-sri-lanka.html">Click here</a><br />
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-81245701179275008572012-11-25T22:22:00.002-08:002012-11-25T22:22:36.227-08:00 Sober Island Navy Resort - Trincomalee The Sober Island Resort, located in magnificent Trincomalee harbour is the few island resorts in Sri Lanka. The Sober Island had been a major transit camp between Europe, Far East and South East Asia during the time of the British rule in Sri Lanka. Sober Island was first occupied by "Admiral Jacob Blaquet de la Haye" in 1672 and by "Admiral Suffren" in 1782. The British took over the island after the Treaty of Paris in 1784 and later developed for their military requirements. The 175 acres Island elevating nearly 200 meters from the sea level was called “Isle du Soleit” by French meaning “Island of Sun” which was developed by Sri Lanka Navy as per the two site plans drawn in 1919 and 1922. There are French graves, World War II gun positions, underground ammunition storage complexes and many ruins from the British time which can be seen even today. <br /><br /> Sober Island Resort would be an ideal and unique holiday resort with beautiful tropical beach, jungle and historical artifacts for individuals as well as corporate packages.<br /><br /> The guest can enjoy the luxury accommodation with a World War II vintage bar and restaurant, hiking, sea bathing, diving, snorkeling, adventure sport, kayaking, angling, sailing, high speed boating, camping or simply enjoying the quite hide out amidst the jungle whilst listening to the soothing voices of various birds. A small cricket pitch built by the Britishers in early 19th century and the tennis court are also available for the guests to reflex muscles.<div>
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Source - <a href="http://soberisland.navy.lk/">Click here</a></div>
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Batticaloa-Thirukkondaiadimadu-Trincomalee Hwy, Sri Lanka8.5457137031279569 81.208190917968758.2944362031279564 80.892333917968756 8.7969912031279573 81.524047917968744tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-890634215641249402012-11-17T07:53:00.000-08:002012-11-17T07:53:54.804-08:00Leisure World Theme Park - KaluaggalaConveniently located in the “Seethawaka” Electorate this Theme Park is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka boasts of a rich Bio diversified surrounding in a serene atmosphere giving the visitors a once in a life time experience of novel water and amusement activities. Out of the total extent of 52 acres 27 acres have been developed during the first phase. <br /><br />Well trained instructors, Operators, Life guards, Pool Attendants are at your service. <br /><br /><b>LAKE RIDES</b> <br /><br />Paddle Boats, Bumper Boats and Speed Boats. <br /><br /><b>WATER RIDES</b> <br /><br />Multi Lane, Thunder Cruise, Crazy Cruise, Free Fall, Octopus, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Kiddies Activity Pool with Slides, Swimming Pool exclusive for Ladies <br /><br /><b>AMUSEMENT RIDES </b><br /><br />Swing Around, Log Flume, Crescent Swing, UFO, Happy Express, Super Swinger, Space Ship, Junior Coaster, Pirate Ship. <br /><br /><b>KIDS PLAY AREA</b> <br /><br />Separate area for Kids below 12 Years with activities. Bookings are undertaken for Birth day Parties with reserved space. <br /><br /><b>RAIN FOREST </b><br /><br />A tropical Rain Forest with around 50 species that are available at Sinharaja Rain Forest are planted and grown. A document has been compiled based on these plants to inculcate the value of protecting flora in Sri <div>
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Source - <a href="http://www.leisureworld.lk/">Click here</a></div>
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Kaluaggala, Sri Lanka6.9167794 80.10097966.9010164000000005 80.0812386 6.9325424 80.1207206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-63138064825039925222012-11-13T06:25:00.000-08:002012-11-13T06:25:12.938-08:00Heritance Hotel - Ahungalla, Galle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the earliest creations of veteran Architect late Geoffrey Bawa was Triton in Ahungalla. Water is a main feature of his signature designs. <br /><br />Triton was his first experiment with water, which was the solid base for his star class creations in later days.<br /> Inter connected stretch of water lead the guests into the hotel and guide their eyes to across the ocean to the horizon. The infinity pool makes feel as if you are in the ocean itself when you get in and your eye level is just above the water.<br /> Triton has transformed in to a five star luxury hotel under the re-branding process few years ago with 154 rooms, Bawa’s theme was not changed. <br /><br />All 128 Deluxe rooms, 15 luxury rooms, five suites and four luxury suites at Heritance Ahungalla face the sea with private balconies. Luxury Rooms have corner locations, so they have much larger balconies and seating areas. The bathroom contains a bathtub with overhead rain shower and weighing scales. <br /><br />Spacious Luxury Suites have separate living rooms with DVD player and home theatre system – perfect for a family night in or entertaining friends. <br /><br />Polished wood is a big feature, along with stone floors in the bathrooms and locally woven throws and cushions or handmade batik hangings. Sophisticated monochrome colour schemes highlight the clean, elegant feel – this is stylish seaside living at its finest.Each bathroom is tastefully supplied with custom-made Ahungalla toiletries. <br /><br />The rooms are fully equipped with energy-efficient air conditioning, TVs with satellite and local channels, a comprehensive minibar and a digital safe. ‘With all these facilities and luxury, our main attraction is the personalized service. That counts a lot with our type of clientele’ Refhan Razeen, the General Manager of the Hotel said very correctly. The cuisine experience too at Heritance Ahungalle is a philosophy based on a threefold foundation of taste, presentation and health. <br /><br />The hotel has three restaurants that can seat a total of 285 people, as well as several outdoor venues, where food is served on special occasions. Jute Restaurant will give the opportunity to try a wide range of Sri Lankan food, as well as the best of international cuisine, with dozens of choices and regular theme nights. For fine dining in a sophisticated ambience, the hotel offers a global la carte dinner menu in the Upper Room. <br /><br />The culinary brigade at Heritance Ahungalla is one of the best in Sri Lanka, having won numerous awards over the years. Most recently, in August 2011, they won awards for the Best Hotel Team and Best Culinary Team at the Culinary Arts Competition organised by the Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka. <br /><br /><div>
The cuisine at Ahungalla is supervised by the world class Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe who has won nine gold medals at the Culinary Olympics and the Culinary World Cup.<br /><br />A river safari on the Madu Ganga, a visit to Kosgoda Turtle hatchery, Singharaja Forest tour, Galle Heritage tour, Fresh water fishing, visit to local Cinnamon and Coir industry, Koth Duwa Temple are some of the popular excursions for visitors from the hotel. The hotel also offers an excellent conference location with state-of-the-art facilities. <br /><br />Heritance Ahungalla is just 76km or less than one hours drive from Colombo via E01 Highway</div>
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Ahungalla, Sri Lanka6.3144444 80.03333336.2986619 80.0135923 6.3302269 80.053074299999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-48798670369979019122012-11-08T07:10:00.001-08:002012-11-08T07:10:49.932-08:00 Ella Adventure Park, Ella<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ella Vally in Dawn</div>
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Overview of Ella Adventure Park, Ella lies in one of the most scenic parts
of the hill country, on the Ella Wellawaya road south from Nuwara Eliya, and
relatively close to the lesser-known hill station of Bandarawela. This
eco-friendly park nestles on the banks of Kirindi river, six miles to
the south of Ella village, and is at peace with a breathtaking terrain
of tropical rain forest, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls.The park,
opened at the turn of the century, will entice those seeking both the
solitude or an unspoilt jungle setting or the chance to indulge in a
range of challenging outdoor activities. The cosseted or faint-hearted
should look elsewhere. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the simplicity of the
comfortable yet rustic accommodation. Standard and deluxe rooms are
scattered around the main resort area, in 12 acres of tropical forest.
Across the Ella-Wellaweya road, the park stretches over another 38
acres. Here there are also eco lodges, jungle cabins and camp sites in
the valley below, a 20-minute trek through jungle.Facilities at Ella
Adventure Park Ten chalets, including one tree house, were largely
constructed with local materials and blend into this most natural of
outdoor settings, so much so that you sense you are living alone in the
forest. All possess shower and h/c water. The restaurant serves Sri
Lankan and Western dishes. The emphasis is on outdoor living and indoor
communal areas, such as bars or lounges, are limited. Camping facilities
(with toilets) for up to 200 people.<br />
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Ella, Sri Lanka6.87376 81.049036.8579954999999995 81.029289 6.8895245 81.068771tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-86492503528503518392012-11-01T01:39:00.000-07:002012-11-01T01:39:33.954-07:007 star Shangri La Hotel - Colombo to be open 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo to be opened in the year 2015 will be
located between the Galle Face Green promenade and the Beira Lake, to
afford a generous view-span of the Indian Ocean. Upon ten acres of land
procured from the government in 2011, the Hotel will be constructed in
compliance with sustainability guidelines and accommodated with 661
rooms providing some of the largest in the city and will include 43
suites as well. Notable amongst a surplus of facilities for both
business and recreation are one of the largest meeting facilities,
restaurant concepts from sushi bar to sky lounge and health club and spa
to name a few.<br />
<br />
The venture intends to incorporate the local community from its
onset yielding employment opportunities and infrastructural support. As
direct impact to the community the Hotel's presence would serve an
enabling environment for tourism talent employing the majority of the
workforce locally and the commencement of a "Hospitality Traineeship
Programme." Skilled candidates would also be afforded the opportunity to
be employed in Shangri-La hotels globally. In a broader perspective the
group will adopt Embrace, Shangri-La's Care for People Project, to
enable long-term programmes on health and education with children's
organisations.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Bird eye view of Galle face and proposed hotel site</div>
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<br />Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Colombo, Sri Lanka6.9270786 79.8612436.8640276 79.782279 6.9901295999999995 79.940207tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-75316769726638476502012-10-23T02:24:00.001-07:002012-10-23T02:24:55.042-07:00Lonely Planet names Sri Lanka as the top destination to travel in 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
World’s most renowned and largest travel guide book and digital media
publisher –“The Lonely Planet” has named Sri Lanka as number one
destination in the world to visit in year 2013.<br />
<br />
The travel experts and the voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be
on the top of the hottest new holiday destinations for the travelers in
year 2013. Under the title ‘Serenity returns to Serendib “ the travel
guide raves destination Sri Lanka describing the multi-faceted
experiences the traveler can look for in this small Island , fused with
novelty and indulgence :<br />
<br />
“Dubbed Serendib -the origin of the word serendipity “ by seafaring
Arab traders centuries ago, Sri Lanka has been anything but serene in
recent decades. …South Asia's most compact country have remained off
limits to even the most intrepid traveller. .…investment is again
fuelling the tourist industry and visitor numbers are steadily
increasing. Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one
of the planet's best-value destinations.<br />
<br />
The travel guide book highlights the emerging new popular places to
visit in Sri Lanka including the newly opened up East coast and less
travelled paths in the western coast as well : “North of the capital
Colombo, on Sri Lanka's west coast, Kalpitiya and the Puttalam lagoon
are eco-tourism hotspots with bird watching and kayaking. Near Dondra
Head, on the south coast, mighty blue whales are regular visitors from
January to April while land-based wildlife thrills include the leopards
and elephants of Yala National Park, and the more rugged and remote
Wilpattu National Park, open once more after being closed for more than
two decades “<br />
<br />
Being famous for pristine sandy beaches from the begining, the Lonely
Planet remarks that the total experience in Sri Lanka is truly a life
changing experience for any traveler: <br />
<br />
“The gloriously arcing beaches of the nation's east coast are now
challenging traditional southern favourites. Arugam Bay's sandy crescent
is one of Asia's best surf spots and further north, Uppuveli and
Nilaveli near Trincomalee stretch for several pristine
kilometers….Explore the glorious labyrinth of Galle's 17th-century Dutch
fort. In past centuries, the Unesco-listed colonial town was a
prosperous hub of global trade and now boutique hotels and an emerging
arts scene instil a cosmopolitan allure. Further north, you can discover
Sri Lanka's imposing ancient cities, emerging from a verdant landscape.
All around the country, tuck into great-value local cuisine including
grilled seafood, spicy kottu (roti chopped and mixed with vegetables)
and multi-course mini banquets of different curries at family run
guesthouses. Indian and Thai cooking may be world-renowned, but Sri
Lanka's time in the global gourmet spotlight can't be far away.”<br />
<br />
The country is becoming easier to reach due to cheap fares from regional hub Bangkok said Lonely Planet.<br />
<br />
The annual Lonely Planet lists are compiled based on unbiased views of
the staff, writers and travel community. Spokesman Adam Bennett said
that the choices are not based on where travellers are already going but
rather are "our pick of where we believe travellers really should
consider visiting in 2013." He said that destinations make the list for a
variety of reasons, including special events, recent developments or
buzz, or that the destination is up-and-coming and worth visiting before
the crowds get too big.<br />
<br />
This achievement is certainly a boost for the Tourism industry of Sri
Lanka which keeps on breaking its own records through out the past years
and strategically targeting 2.5 million tourist arrivals by year 2016.<br />
<br />
Source - <a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/">Click here</a>Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-48951331195769691352012-10-22T08:28:00.001-07:002012-10-22T08:28:33.587-07:00Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, PasikudaA Vacation to unwind and relax! Experience the art of leisure at Maalu Maalu Resort, which offers luxurious accommodation and warm hospitality; Sri Lankan style. Enjoy a carefree holiday whilst being served by the friendliest people in South Asia, who always greet you with a genuine smile.<br />
<br />
Welcome to sunny skies, beaches of velvet sand, dazzling blue seas and tranquility.<br />
<br />
Welcome to Maalu Maalu Sri Lanka, a resort the hidden in the haven where you kick off your shoes sit back and leave the weary world behind.<br />
<br />
Built on the concept of a traditional Sri Lankan fishing village, or “Waadiya” as it is colloquially termed, the simple eco friendly architecture is inspired by the wooden Clad dwellings of a typical fisherman’s hut, a unique touch among all Pasikuda hotels. The 40 rooms and adjoining public areas are designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Each chalet with its cadjan roof elegantly highlights the indigenous Sri Lankan culture; the modern amenities are subtlety introduced, tastefully combining the old with the new.<br />
<br />
Passekudah bay, situated along the east coast of the island is easily one of the best beaches to be found in Sri Lanka, with warm and sunny weather all throughout the year. The sea is a delight in its self; calm, clear, and ideal for swimming, diving or snorkeling.<br />
<br />
Here, amidst the splendor of nature and the opulence of modernity Maalu Maalu resort extends the warm welcome of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality.<br />
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<h1>
Location</h1>
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Situated in the beautiful coastal village of Passekudah (Batticaloa District) in the East Coast of Sri Lanka<br />
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<table bgcolor="#CCCCCC" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="small_font" style="width: 700px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" height="32"><strong>Location </strong></td>
<td align="center" height="32"><strong>Distances</strong></td>
<td align="center" height="32"><strong>Drive time </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">From Colombo Air Port </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">300 Kms </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">6 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">From Kandy </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">210 Kms</td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">4hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">From Dambulla </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">138 Kms</td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">2 ½ hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">From Polonnaruwa </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">72 Kms</td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">01 hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">From Batticaloa </td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">40 Kms</td>
<td align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" height="22">45 mins</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<strong> Travel Option 1 : <br />
</strong>Direct to Passekudah from the Airport or from Colombo. Distance 300 KM. Travel time 6 hrs<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Travel Option 2 : </strong><br />
Day 1 - Airport /Dambulla. Distance 184 KM. Travel Time 3 hrs. Overnight Stay <br />
Day 2 - Dambulla to Passekudah. Distance 138 KM. Travel Time 2 ½ hrs<br />
<br />
Source - <a href="http://www.maalumaalu.com/">Click here</a></div>
Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Pasikuda Rd, Kalkudah, Sri Lanka7.9208405 81.56818367.9169085 81.5632481 7.9247724999999996 81.5731191tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-23526991863547988692012-10-21T02:58:00.003-07:002012-10-21T02:58:58.949-07:00Uga Bay Five-star hotel opens in Sri Lanka's Pasikuda beach<span class="newsbody"></span><br />
Uga Escapes, a Finco Group company has opened a beachfront luxury boutique resort, Uga Bay Hotel in Pasikuda Saturday19th October 2012. <br />
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the new 46-room hotel .<br />
The Uga Bay Hotel built at a cost of 850 million rupees includes a bay
suite and a beach chalet on a nine-acre block of land in the Eastern
coast which is famous for its white sandy beaches, whale watching and
for surfing. <br />
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority has set up a tourism
development zone in Pasikuda which is popular for its clean beaches and
14 hotels are to be built in the 150-acre tourist resort. <br />
The government has instructed to carry out the constructions preserving the natural beauty of the Pasikuda coastal belt. <br />
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Pasikuda Rd, Kalkudah, Sri Lanka7.9208405 81.56818367.9051135 81.5484426 7.9365675 81.5879246tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-60056388057653020972012-10-20T03:20:00.000-07:002012-10-20T03:20:52.658-07:00Minneriya National Park<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>Minneriya National Park is situated in
the north-central plains of Sri Lanka, 20 kilometers from Polonnaruwa.
Even though it is one of the smallest national parks in the country,
covering just 8,889 hectares, it’s a paradise with many natural wonders.
The park encompasses the beautiful Minneriya tank, built by King
Mahasena (in 3rd century AD). This tank is an incredible place to
observe the elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grasses as
well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants, painted storks,
open-bills, Pelicans and many other species of waders) that come to fish
in the shallow waters.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="" id="directions" name="direction"> </a><br />
<h2>
Getting There</h2>
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Main entrance of Minneriya National park is located facing Habarana –
Polonnaruwa road (A11). From Colombo reach Habarana junction via
Kurunegala, Dambulla (A1, A6), and take the right turn from Habarana
towards Polonnaruwa. Drive 10 km towards Polonnaruwa to reach Minneriya
National Park. Distance from Colombo is around 182km and total driving
time will be around 4-5 hours.<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td><h2>
Weather and Season</h2>
</td></tr>
<tr><td>Best months to visit Minneriya are the dry months from June to
September. Hundreds of elephants from the surrounding area are attracted
to the drying Minneriya lake bed, which turns in to a lush green grass
land, for food and water. Generally you can observe around five to ten
herds of elephants, each with anything from twenty to fifty individuals
of all age groups.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /><b>History and the Description of the Minnariya National Park: </b><br /><br />A flapping sea of black invades the emerald Minneriya Tank, as a flock of two thousand cormorants nosedive for fish. The elephants too, trudge by drinking from the same reservoir. <br /> <br /> Not close to being the largest tank in Sri Lanka , Minneriya Tank - with the woods that surround it forming the Minneriya-Giritale National Park - is nevertheless home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. If numbers interest you, there are nine species of amphibians, 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish (three of which are endangered), 75 species of butterflies and 160 species of birds. <br /> <br /> Making your way through the park, you will see elephants, Spotted Deer and also the Sambar, which is a deer with no spots and an apt scientific name, carves unicolor . If you're lucky, a leopard looking for food might cross your path. <br /><br />Less menacing but equally intriguing are the frogs and lizards with their tongues ready. Among the reptiles, the Red-lipped Lizard and Skink are both endemic to Sri Lanka as well as endangered. The frogs, on the other hand, are more abundantly present and have a tendency to jump over your feet or across your eyes between leaves. A notable example with a formidable but misleading title is the Sri Lanka Greater Hourglass Tree Frog.<br /> <br /> It all sounds like there's such a lot to see at the park. But overhead is where the action really is. Sri Lanka , home to over 400 species of birds, has long been a birdwatcher's paradise. In Minneriya National Park alone, 160 species crowd the trees or strut the banks. <br /> <br /> You can afford to miss the Painted Storks, Great White Pelican, Gray Herons, and even the Ruddy Turnstones (whatever those are). But do try to spot the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill, because, as you can guess from their names, nowhere else are you going to find them but here, in Sri Lanka. <br /> <br /> Even if you're not a bird enthusiast, at least you can boast about your trip later by throwing around some exotic bird-names. <br /></div>
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Giritale Rd, Sri Lanka8.0107264 80.87652057.9478313999999992 80.7975565 8.0736213999999986 80.9554845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279367108203488797.post-51555354374596920812012-10-19T07:16:00.001-07:002012-10-19T07:16:48.564-07:00 Tea Factory Hotel - Nuwara Eliya<span class="bodytext">The Tea Factory Hotel in Kandapola, in the
highlands of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, is one of the most memorable
hotel experience I have ever enjoyed. The Tea Factory Hotel was
originally the Hethersett tea factory. This is where some of the finest
tea in Ceylon was produced. The building was constructed by the
British in 1935 at an altitude of 6,800 feet in the town of Kandapola.
It functioned as a factory until 1973, when it was abandoned as a result
of the nationalization of tea plantations. <br /><br />
The structure is common in the hill country of Sri Lanka. It consists
of four upper lofts with pine floor boards supported by Jarrah wood
joists. After it ceased being a tea factory, it was used as a storehouse
for fertilizers and lime. <br /></span><br />
<span class="bodytext">In 1992, the director of the Aitken Spence Hotel Management company
chanced upon this abandoned building, and immediately recognised its
heritage value as well as potential for development. He directed his
company to purchase the building and began a restoration process to turn
it into a themed boutique hotel that will accentuate its historical
significance.<br /><br />
Transforming a lowly factory building into a luxurious hotel poses
unique challences. It was decided that the exterior would be restored
to its original 1930's state. After much consideration, the management
also decided to keep most of the tea-making machinery as in integral
part of the interior deco. As you explore the hotel, you will come
across these machinery which are set to "work" at specific times of the
day!<br /><br />
Conservation work on the building delighted in highlighting the
industrial character of the building in the design of the hotel's public
spaces. However, private spaces such as the bedrooms were designed to
be comfortable retreats for the guests.
The intention is to integrate the tea-maching equipment into the deco in
a way that will delight the guests.<br /><br />
Specific sections of the building was converted for appropriate uses.
The original boiler, for example, became a new, modern kitchen. The 70
feet tall masonry chimney that once emitted smoke from the boiler room
now expels cooking fumes. In a similar fashion, the sprinkler tank is
converted into the tank for the sprinkler system. <br /><br />
The Tea Factory Hotel has fifty-seven rooms complete with en-suites. A
newly designed lateral bracing supports the additional load required to
putting up the rooms in the lofts. To differentiate between the
original and new material, the old steel was painted green and the new
in red. And I must say, the resulting combination can only be described
as charming!<br /><br />
The continuous vertical open space which once allowed the flow of hot
air for the tea drying process is left as it is. this space extends all
the way from the four upper lofts down to the basement. In keeping
with the industrial theme of the hotel, the ground floor was
cement-rendered and laid with jarrah planks which were screwed into the
floor with oversized brass screws, creating a delightfully industrial
ambiance. <br /><br />
The industrial theme continues into other sections of the hotel. The
restaurant has a buffet table constructed from recycled tea chests with a
canopy of hand-beaten copper sheets fixed with copper studs to two
giant steel wheels from the engine room. The lobby glass panels are
etched by sand blasting while the lighting consists of industrial glass
lamp shades.</span><br />
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<br />
Phone : +94 052 2229600<br />
Fax : +94 052 2229606<br />Email : fom.teafactory@aitkenspence.lk<br />Website : <a href="http://www.heritancehotels.com/teafactory" target="_blank">www.heritancehotels.com/teafactory</a><div>
<br /><strong>Location:</strong><br />
The Heritance Tea Factory hotel is located
in the hill capital of Sri Lanka in Nuwara Eliya which is 163 km's from
the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.<br /><br /><strong>Hotel Overview:</strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Total: 57 luxurious colonial style rooms with plush wall-to-wall carpeting </li>
<li>24 hour room service </li>
<li>In room dining service</li>
<li>Laundry service </li>
<li>Doctor on call </li>
<li>Driver's quarters </li>
<li>Concierge services and porter service </li>
<li>Tour desk helps to organise local tours</li>
<li>Library</li>
<li>Children’s play area, children’s menus and high chairs for children </li>
<li>Handicap guests facilities (wheel chair) </li>
<li>The six senses spa </li>
<li>3 restaurants and a bar</li>
<li>Evening entertainment programmes include live bands, piano music, oriental bands, magic shows and cultural shows. </li>
<li>Indoor games include carom, chess, checkers, monopoly, darts bingo and billiards/snooker.</li>
<li>Sports and leisure activities include gym, mini putting green area
to play mini golf, Hethersett jungle trekking, bird watching, Eco walk,
tea plucking, horse riding and golf at the nearby golf course. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>Room amenities:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Heating </li>
<li>TV with satellite and local channels </li>
<li>Radio</li>
<li>Telephone with IDD facility </li>
<li>Wi-Fi access</li>
<li>Tea/coffee making facility</li>
<li>Fully supplied mini bar </li>
<li>Safety deposit box </li>
<li>Hair dryer </li>
<li>Bathroom with rain shower cubical, bath tub, hot and cold water</li>
</ul>
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Miracle Lankahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372893276183174009noreply@blogger.com0Kandapola, Sri Lanka6.9833333 80.81666676.9675723 80.7969257 6.9990943 80.8364077