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| Sunday, 31 July 2005 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Kavudulla National Park nets over Rs. 100,000 in ticket sales Kavudulla in the Polonnaruwa District was declared a National Park on April 1, 2002. It is the 15th National Park in the country and spans across 6,900 hectares. The National Park high in biodiversity is home to several animals including fauna and flora. Visitors to the National Park these days can see herds of elephants. There were more than 10,000 visitors both foreign and local this season. The park earned an income of over Rs. 100,000 from ticket sales, a spokesman for the Wildlife Department said. The easiest way to reach the park from Colombo is from Habarana. At the Habarana junction travel along the Trincomalee Road until you reach the Hatharaskotuwa junction and proceed towards Galoya Railway Station Junction where you can reach the main entrance of the Kavudulla National Park. From Colombo it is about 197 kilometres. If a visitor wishes to reach the park from Polonnaruwa, he should use the Habarana-Polonnaruwa road and reach the 45th kilometer post. From there he should proceed on the Minneriya-Galoya road through Rotawewa to reach the park. Close to the west end of the park is a small rocky mountain area while the east end of the park is covered by the Kavudulla reservoir. The Kavudulu Wewa spans from the South to the North of the park up to Kantale. The National Park experiences dry weather from April to October and even during this period as there is no scarcity of food or water it is a natural habitat for elephants. During the rainy season the trees and shrubs grow very well and therefore the park is a natural habitat for animals such as antelopes, spotted deer and wild boar who live on grass. Fox and Bears could also be observed. Visitors can also observe flocks of native as well as migrant birds near the Kavudulla Reservoir. The Minneriya Yodha Ela is the main supplier of water to the Kavudulla reservoir. At present we are building the Warden's Bunglow and the official quarters in the park but we don't have accommodation for guests in the park, the spokesman said. Kavudulu Wewa According to the Mahavamsa, this is one of the thousand wewas built by King Mahasen. This was made by constructing a wall across Kavudulu Oya. According to legend this was done by the wife of King Mahasen. Water for this wewa was supplied by a six-foot long canal starting from the Minneriya Wewa. Source: National Parks of Sri Lanka by P. M. Seneviratne. ############ Riverina Hotel reopens tomorrow After extensive renovation, the Riverina Hotel (part of Confifi Group Hotels) on Beruwela's famed Golden Mile is yet another representation of the 'new era' of beach resorts in Sri Lanka. The hotel will be reopened tomorrow. Set amidst an attractively landscaped garden and overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 192 well-appointed rooms, a grand ballroom and three restaurants, two bars, a discotheque - all reflecting the spirit of the resort - beauty, tranquillity, hospitality and leisure. The recently renovated and redesigned sea-side rooms include modern furniture and fittings in pastel and earthy shades. Facilities in all rooms include attached bathroom with bath or shower, satellite TV channels, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and direct dial facilities. The resort features a host of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, some of which are shared with its sister property Club Palm Garden. These include tennis courts, swimming pool, horse riding, gift and bookshop, fully equipped gymnasium and games' room. With its own 'mini kiddies' club', a fully supervised indoor and outdoor play area is available to children between 3-12. Water sports facilities such as jet scooters, water scooters, speed boats for deep sea fishing, boats for river cruising, banana boats, canoes, snorkelling equipment and wind surfs are available at the nearby Confifi Marina. Incorporating the world's oldest and most comprehensive systems of natural medicine, Riverina Hotel's traditional Ayurveda villa offers a variety of treatment that are not only luxurious and deeply relaxing, but are profoundly healing in nature. The coffee shop offers an a la carte menu selection and the main restaurant, with new interiors and tropically themed artwork, serves a hearty buffet breakfast. During lunch and dinner, the focus turns to a selection of set menus or fun-filled theme nights such as a Sri Lankan night, Mediterranean, Chinese or barbecue night. The pool bar serves light snacks and a selection of cocktails and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. The Lounge bar, popular among the resort's guests, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for both relaxing and socialising. For those in a more upbeat mood - the discotheque provides live music and a selection of entertaining shows performed by the resort's very talented animation team. Access website for more information - www.riverinahotels.com ########### British Airways, Air Sahara sign MoU British Airways and Air Sahara have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer customers a better travel experience and to better connect India and the world. British Airways and Air Sahara have agreed to evaluate schedules, routes, flights, ground services and their frequent flyer programs to identify opportunities which will enable the two airlines to add value to existing customers as well to the fast growing India market. The two airlines will also explore the potential for codeshare opportunities subject to government approval. Apart from extending their mutual networks, each airline will benefit extensively from the others' experience and expertise in their regions. The airlines envisage signing a full agreement in due course. British Airways' Commercial Director Martin George, said: "India is a very important market for British Airways, indicated by our 75-year history in the country. During the next year, we will increase frequencies between the UK and India by more than 100 per cent including the start of a new route between Bangalore and London Heathrow. "We believe that a strategic alliance with an innovative and progressive airline, Air Sahara, will be an integral ingredient in ensuring that British Airways customers have smoother transits to the growing list of Air Sahara's Indian and regional destinations. India is one of the world's fastest growing air travel markets and as a country, has a lot to offer to international trade and tourism and we are keen to continue to invest in India." |
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