Interesting locations for holidays

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, lush landscaped gardens, large man made lakes or reservoirs, gushing rivers - Ceylon Hotels Corporation's wide and varied portfolio of 19 properties has been an integral part of Sri Lanka's social, cultural and architectural heritage for the past 40 years.

Originally intended to house British Civil Servants during their extensive travels in remote out posts in colonial Ceylon, many of the properties were designed and built to resemble the style and architecture of old English Inns and Country Homes.

Realizing that tourism was one of the fastest growing industries in the World and identifying the vast potential that existed within the Ceylon Hotels Corporation properties, the reigning government in 1967 undertook an extensive development of these properties in order to lure more tourists to visit this resplendent Island.

Under the vision and direction of the Group Chairman, Sanjiv Gardiner and his dynamic new team of professionals, further plans are well under way to extensively develop and improve the standards of services and facilities within the CHC properties, which are advantageously located and economically priced to cater to the different market segments that exist amongst local and international tourism (i.e. honeymooners, adventure lovers, school educational trips, senior citizens, etc)

Sigiriya

Grand Ella

Kithulgala

Belihul Oya

To step inside a Ceylon Hotels Corporation property is like stepping into the page of an encyclopedia of Sri Lanka. There is so much to do and so much more to learn with a host of activities ranging from rock climbing to river rafting, nature walks, river bathing, barbecues, cultural and archaeological excursions, boat rides, fishing, jungle safaris, a visit to the Zoo and more.

Those interested in walking on the 'wild side' of life, will never forget the Tissamaharama Rest House which is a mere 30-minutes drive to 'Yala National Safari Park'.

A rejuvenating retreat from the daily rigors of urban living, with an extraordinary and refreshing array of features and scenically located by the ancient Tissa Wewa, the Tissamaharama Resort comprise 50 rooms, a main dining restaurant, spacious pool area, volleyball court and tennis courts.

It is also strategically located close to many places of religious and cultural interest such as much visited Shrine in Kataragama, Built in the 1870's as a circuit Bungalow for British Government Agents, with the first British GA occupant being W. Harington, the Polonnaruwa Rest House was carefully refurbished in the style of the early 1950's, whilst retaining its colonial charm, after been taken over by the then Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1954 and thereafter by Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) in 1968.

Seamlessly blending the power of nature, the Polonnaruwa Rest House offers a breath-taking and panoramic view of Sri Lanka's largest man made lake Parakrama Samudraya from many of its simple, yet tastefully designed 9 rooms and very own 'Queen's Suite'- built in 1954 to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Sri Lanka.

All rooms and suites are fully air-conditioned and furnished with TV and mini-bar. The spacious restaurant provides both indoor and alfresco dining and can accommodate as many as 150 persons.

A team of talented chefs concoct a mouth-watering selection of Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan dishes and a preparation of 'home' favourites, which are popular amongst the locals and tourists who visit! Adjoining the rest house is the museum and within walking distance is the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya (Nissanka Council Chamber) with the ruins of King Nissankamalla's palace. This presents guests with an opportunity to educate themselves on the history and culture that Sri Lanka is so famous for.

The cycle safaris to the Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, organised by the rest house on a regular basis, also prove to be quite an attraction.

The rest house has also become an ideal location for boating and fishing or a break in journey before driving on to Kandy. A drive to the east will take you to the hot & cold springs of Maduru Oya, and to the west side of th e Minneriya Tank. Wild life enthusiasts can make a visit to the Wasgamuwa National Park, south of the rest house.

Just 12km east of the ruins of the great city of Anuradhapura, the sacred mountain of Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to the island of Sri lanka in the 2nd Century B.C. Set close to this historic site is the Hotel Mihintale - an aesthetic of conformity coupled with modern elegance and ancient splendor, which is most apparent in each of its 10 rooms.

Situated close to the eighth wonder of the World, Sigiriya Rest House comprises 14 rooms designed in local simplicity. One can enjoy a magnificent view and a visit to the Rest House poses the perfect opportunity for both adults and children to explore the famed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

An ideal stopover for those making their way to Bandarawela, Ella or Badulla, the 14-roomed Belihuloya Rest House is dramatically perched on the banks of the Belihuoya River. Set against a backdrop of delightful isolation, where seclusion meets natural wild beauty, many enjoy breaking journey to an enticing river bath, followed by a sumptuous lunch and an afternoon siesta. The highest water fall in Sri Lanka is within close proximity to the Rest House and is a must see before your onward journey.

Nineteen spacious guest rooms, lounge bar, restaurant to accommodate up to 300 persons serving both Eastern & Western culinary delights with a special emphasis on authentic Sri Lankan dishes during weekend buffet lunches, room service, laundry services and a natural rock pool are amongst the facilities and services that one can enjoy at the at Kitulgala Rest House.

Just across the River is a primeval forest with an abundance of flora and fauna and home to as many as 54 rare species of birds, including the indigenous white owl. Another very interesting fact about the Kitulgalla Rest House is its claim to fame as the location for David Lean?s award winning movie Bridge on the River Kwai.

A popular spot for white water rafting, boating, jungle trekking, outdoor camping, mountain biking, bird watching, a tour of the water falls or a dinner-a-deux in the gardens - Kitulgala Rest House can be that perfect location for a family retreat, adventure holiday or a romantic get-away.

Kitulgala Rest House also proves to be a convenient stopover for a sumptuous lunch or dinner or an overnight stay whilst making your way up to Kandy or Nuwara Eliya.

Set amidst a vibrant garden and widely regarded as a honeymooner's paradise, the breathtakingly beautiful Grand Ella Motel is situated on the Colombo Badulla road and is blessed with a year around cool yet comfortable climate of 20-22C which can be enjoyed from any one of its 14 rooms.

Guests can also enjoy sumptuous cuisine or take a trekking expedition to the surrounding countryside.

Its key goal being to embrace the island's raw wilderness and secluded privacy, Lihiniya Surf Hotel offer 86 well appointed and stylishly designed rooms and suites, each with a breath taking view of what is known to be ?the longest stretch of beach on the south west coast.

Its ayurvedic retreat offers a carefully developed and comprehensive approach to physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing through the many treatments. With the assistance of an Ayurvedic Physician, guests are invited to visit the Herbal Centre where they can learn about medicinal herbs, trees and flowers that provide the base of oils and treatments used in the Ayurvedic process.

That's not all, for those who like to keep themselves active; the Resort also offers many exciting out door activities including a licensed diving centre. The hotel also boasts a sprawling lush green garden and a spacious restaurant with al fresco dining.

One can enjoy a barbecue dinner by the pool or seafood favorites on the beach. The wide stretch of very safe beach allows children ample space for fun and frolic or a busy day of sand castle building.

Ceylon Hotels Corporation has also recently introduced a range of very affordable tour packages, which includes * 01 night & 02 days tour to Kataragama * 02 nights & 03 days tour to Kataragama * 01 night & 02 days tour to Kandy * 02 night & 03 days tours to Kandy / Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa * 02 nights & 03 days tours to Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Ella * Zoo Tour.

Anuskha Lovell