Interesting locations for holidays

Tissamaharama
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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
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