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| Sunday, 19 October 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Galway Forest Lodge : The 3-star in 'Little England' by Beverley Jansz A short drive through a forest from Nuwara Eliya town along Upper Lake Road, leads tourists to Galway Forest Lodge, situated in the district traditionally known as 'Little England' because of its climate. Galway Forest Lodge is the first three-star eco hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
The hotel stands in the centre of Sri Lanka's famous Galway Forest Reserve, and is the first boutique-type hotel to offer fireside warmth when Nuwara Eliya is in the grip of the cold weather. From the moment one enters a guest room in this cosy hotel, the breathtaking view of the tranquil Galway Forest Reserve and Surrounding lush tea plantations from the window, arrest the eye from the first moment of contact. At Galway Forest Lodge tourists find everything to take them away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet retaining all the modern comforts that go to make life easy. The beauty of the surroundings and the ample amenities are enhanced by the most attentive and friendly staff headed by the hotel's new Resident Manager Anton Perera. Galway Forest Lodge is an eco-friendly tourist hotel with 52 tastefully designed cosy rooms offering all modern comforts including TV, mini-bar, telephone, piped music, room service and hot/cold water. Guest rooms have beautiful interior decor to match the 'boutique' concept of the hotel. The captivating architecture is the work of two leading hoteliers, Ken Pieris, the present Manager Consultant/CEO and Chandana Fernando, the General Manager of the hotel. Galway forest Lodge is blessed with a beautiful climate and surrounded by breathtaking valleys and meadows, mountains and lush tea plantations. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Nuwara Eliya's picturesque race-course, Piduruthalagala the island's highest mountain, Lake Gregory, World's End, and many more gorgeous spots of tourist attraction are in close proximity to the hotel, adding to the charm of Galway Forest Lodge. Horse-riding is the latest attraction offered to tourists. Theme nights offered to guests, with a variety of delectable dishes prepared by experienced Executive Chef Wijesiri Delthalawa and his team of experienced cooks, are much sought after. Galway Forest Lodge is a member of Lake Inn Hotels (Pvt) Limited. Its directors are Dayananda Gunathilake (Chairman), Upali Gunathilake (Managing Director) and Ms. T.I. Silva (Director.) *************** Hanwella Rest House - with a Colonial touch The Hanwella Rest House, owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) is housed in an old Colonial building which is over 100 years old. With a typical colonial touch, it is extremely popular not only among foreign tourists but also Sri Lankans for its romantic setting. Overlooking the scenic Kelani River, the rest house has 10 cosy rooms with all modern facilities to the discerning traveller. It is very popular as a 'stop over' for up and down travellers from Colombo/Badulla, and Colombo/Ratnapura. Under the guidance of Ceylon Hotels Corporation Chairman Bodhisiri Ranasinghe, Hanwella Rest House has been fully refurbished. Bodhi's vision to make all CHC properties viable, is now gaining fruit, Senior Manager Marketing/ Travel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation, Ranjith Balasuriya said. After Niranjana Prabath an experienced hotelier, took over duties as the new manager of the rest house, there has been a marked improvement in the standard of service and food. The spicy rice and curry offered for lunch and dinner to 'stop-over' tourists, is indeed very popular. The 100-year old colonial building of the rest house, the giant 180-year-old Jack tree and the 200-year old 'Dutch Garden Chair' are special attractions to tourists who visit the Hanwella rest house. (BJ). |
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