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| Sunday, 09 April 2006 |
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Kandalama Hotel blends with unspoilt nature
The Kandalama Hotel at Dambulla has to be experienced ... every aspect of it is a seamless, endless entity where a blend of unspoilt nature and civilization at its most luxurious, co-exist in amazing amity. The rusty gravel road bordered by jungle which is the approach, does not prepare you for the sudden appearance of this huge edifice that rises up like a fairytale castle shrouded in vines, creepers and lush foliage to greet you. The reception area hewn out of the natural rock leads one through a cool, rocky corridor to the poolside lounge to the strains of oriental music. In no time one finds oneself in a room that is like a page from a plush travel magazine with your own Jacuzzi in the luxury rooms. Endeavouring to take it all in, one can hardly comprehend the configuration of space - the huge contrasts of vision that inspired one of Sri Lanka's greatest architects, Geoffrey Bawa who with his great sense of drama, had the vision to bring plush five-star luxury into the stark jungle! This is so well brought home, and epitomised at the Kanchana Restaurant at night.
Reaching to the sky on the sixth floor, this glass walled beacon encapsulates all the luxury of five-star comfort, and provides the perfect ambience for fine dining. As for the culinary experience, every meal presents a variety of delicious dishes created and served with variation and innovation introducing new, interesting and healthy ways of cooking even every day vegetables and fruits. Taking a cue from our very well-informed tracker, Nalinda, who is a 'natural' Naturalist, one involuntarily holds one's breath so as not to disturb the bird and animal life whilst taking the fascinating jungle trek into the 'Purana Gama' (ancient village), where differently-abled Gunaratne, holds court in the wattle and daub dwelling, which is part of the original ancient village. The concept of re-creating a village on the lines of our ancestors is a brilliant plan, and one which Guneratne will see come to fruition, whilst tending his little 'chena' growing a few varieties of indigenous vegetables and fruits. He carves items out of coconut shells in his spare time, and served us a steaming indigenous brew of a local herb in coconut shell cups with jaggery (candy from the kitul tree). Kandalama, unique in every aspect spans over a kilometre, consisting of two wings joined by endless columned corridors winding in and out under the overhang of an enormous liana festooned rock. For recreation, apart from three swimming pools, there are archaeological excursions, elephant rides, cycling tours and nature walks ~ being located in the middle of the Cultural Triangle, the possibilities are numerous. One also comes across strategically placed board games - chess, drafts, darts, in the corridors outside the lounges; carom, and billiards for those with a fondness for baize; a gym for the fitness enthusiast. And for evening entertainment pleasant live music is provided by local entertainers at the Lounge Bar. The well selected piped music is also very soothing to the ears. The environmental policy of the hotel is something to admire and behold. That it is strictly adhered to is evident in the state of the surroundings, which speaks for itself. Not a piece of paper or polythene mars the pristine beauty of the gardens and the jungle. They also raise funds for their social and cultural development projects by selling local items such as used Sri Lankan stamps.This palace in the jungle, with all its grandeur and awe inspiring vastness also has a warm, pulsating core - its staff. The heart of Kandalama is a team, a family, of committed individuals who work silently and industriously - but always with a smile - to keep it beating. The Sri Lankan charm is their theme from the time you arrive until you say your goodbyes ... always with a promise to return! Air Arabia crosses two million passenger milestone Air Arabia LLC, the first and only low-fares airline in the Middle East and North Africa, has just crossed the two million passenger milestone since it started operations in October 2003. Air Arabia's Head of Marketing, Duncan Osborne met Mohammed Abu Zeid, an Egyptian national, travelling to Alexandria with his family at the check in counter and presented them with a holiday for two to any Air Arabia destination. Egyptian National, Mohammed Abu Zeid said "My family and I are thrilled to have won the holiday. This is the first time we have flown with Air Arabia but all our friends and family have recommended it because the fares are so low. We used to go home to Cairo once a year but can now afford to go more often to visit our family as the fares are so affordable. Air Arabia already has a number of significant achievements its first two years of operation, with financial break-even in year one in followed by record profits in year two as well as strong fleet growth and expansion to 25 destinations. Air Arabia's Head of Marketing Duncan Osborne said, "Air Arabia is truly an airline for the people and we see that in the people who fly with us who come from all walks of life and from across the Middle East. We are thrilled to have reached this major milestone today and shall continue to offer flights at affordable fares to more customers across the region." Emirates celebrates 20 years with special fares Emirates will celebrate 20 years of its operations in Sri Lanka this month, with special fares to 19 destinations in nine countries. The Dubai-based international airline commenced services to Colombo, its fifth destination on April 1, and has consistently enhanced its service and product to remain one of the most preferred international airlines serving Colombo. The special fares are valid only on flights operated by Emirates and for bookings made in April, with outbound travel before the end of the month. "Our 20 years of successful operations in Sri Lanka marks yet another
milestone for the airline," said Tissa Bibile, Emirates' Area Manager Sri
Lanka and Maldives. "It is heartening to note that during this long journey,
we have had tremendous support from our customers as well as from the travel
community." |
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