Feel the perfume of vanilla plants

Vaniliya Tourist Village

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

One view gives the Kothmale Hydro Power station. The other side gives the ancient second largest Mahaweli Maha Seya, the rear shows a mountain chain. All round you feel the perfume of vanilla plants.

With the intention to attract and cater to tourists, both local and foreign, and to make their stay a memorable one during their leisure, Vanilla International has now created an innovative tourist village called "Vaniliya Village".

Vaniliya Tourist Village which is located in 42 acres in an environmentally beautiful location with scenery, in a salubrious climate has been designed and created in an Eco-friendly way enhancing its beauty.

Explaining his views Managing Director Lakshman Hemakumara said," at the moment we have spent around Rs. 120 million for this Eco-friendly hotel and it has been opened to the public from last March.Our chairman is Gounchi Compgnolo, an Italian.

"I have had 12 years experience as a landscaping consultant in Italy. Our hotel has been designed and created on my architechtual experiences. Facilities for both local and foreign guests make their stay extraordinary and memorable.

We have three lodges Meti geya(clay house), Rock bungalow and wooden castle. Each lodge consists of 3 double rooms ranging at 75 $. For foreigners between 80-90 $, he pointed out.

The Vaniliya Village consists comfortable accommodation facilities, restaurant serving delicious cuisine (prepared with organic vegetables and fruits), Bar, Swimming pool, Ayurvedic Herbal-oil massage unit, flower cultivation (which is grown for export purpose), Vanilla cultivation spread within the hotel premises and an Aquarium with a variety of fishes.

Lakshman further said," I'am planing to build a pool which can conduct a Poruwa Ceremony in the middle of the pool, which is very unique. I have already planned it and early next year work will begin, he noted.

Media Director Chanuka Situge said, they get bookings every week and there was a good response from both local and foreign.

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