Travel

Novel features at Leisure World

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Sri Lanka's first ever theme park, "The Leisure World' will celebrate its third anniversary this year introducing a number of novelities for the entertainment of public, especially school children.

A new instalment `Aqua Trail’ Pic. by- Geeth de Mel

`The Leisure World' which is located in a 57 acre extent of land at Kaluaggala, Hanwella was ceremonially opened for public in 2006 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The theme park consists of Amusement and Water related entertainment activities and the six- acre Rain Forest, Game Park, Aqua Trail, Relaxing Chair and Bumper Car are the new additions in the `Leisure World'.

At a press briefing, `Leisure World', General Manager Rezwan Mohamed said for the first time in Sri Lanka, a new item of helicopter rides will be introduced for visitors, commencing from the forthcoming school vacation in August.

He said the Defence Ministry had given the approval to commence the helicopter rides and it will be conducted in collaboration with the Decan Aviation in Colombo and a sum of Rs. 4500 for a 10 -minute duration ride will be levied from each person," Leisure World, Guest Relation Executive, Yaseer Saleem said.

`Leisure World', Sales and Marketing Executive Sanoji Wijesundera said "Apart from the new additions, crescent swing, Swing Around, Boat riding, Octopus, Lazy River, Kiddies Pool, Wave Pool, Log Flume and Thunder Cruise are the other existing games at the park. She also said between 100 to 1000 visitors would enjoy at the `Leisure World' each day and a large number of visitors are expected during the school holidays.

Unique waterfall tour in Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is blessed with a host of beautiful waterfalls, particularly showcased by Devon and St. Clair. Both are on the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya Highway. Although little known to tourists, the majestic Sheen waterfall at Poondaluoya road, is yet another spectacular site.

The unique and novel 'Waterfall Tour' offered by Alpine Hotel and Alpine Eco Adventure Travels, Nuwara Eliya, has been formulated in a manner that the visitor could enjoy the beautiful views of more than 17 gorgeous and breathtaking waterfalls in panoramic landscapes, in and around ideally climatic 'Little England', Nuwara Eliya.

Each waterfall is different in shape, size and beauty, as well as location. The appearance of the waterfalls are at its best during the rainy season. On rainy days there is a cluster of waterfalls from each waterfall. This is a unique phenomenon that can be seen in Nuwara Eliya. It is said that such cluster waterfalls are not found in any part of Asia.

This unique 'Waterfall Tour' has been designed by leading hotelier, Chairman/Managing Director, Alpine Hotel and Alpine Eco Adventure Travels, Nuwara Eliya. Mahinda Kumara is also the President of Nuwara Eliya Hoteliers' Association. This waterfall tour has been designed by Mahinda Kumara after a long research and has already become extremely popular not only among foreign tourists but Sri Lankans alike.

This unique Waterfall Tour begins from Nuwara Eliya and covers Blackpool junction, Nanu Oya, Thalawakelle, Pundaluoya, Kothmale, Thawalanthenna, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya.

The 'Waterfall Tour' covers Glenfalls Waterfall, Lovers' Leep Waterfall, Silver Falls, Sheen Waterfall, St. Andrew's Waterfall, Devon Waterfall, St. Clair Waterfall, Garandi Ella Waterfall, Ramboda Waterfall One, Ramboda Fall Two. The Ihala Divithura Waterfall, Helboda Waterfall, Glasso Waterfall One, Glasso Waterfall Two, Windy Corner Waterfall One, Windy Corner Waterfall Two and Sheen Hilltop Waterfall.

The ideal time for this unique six-hour Waterfall Tour and extraordinary phenomenon is the rainy season, says Mahinda Kumara, the designer of this unique feature.

Dream holiday package from SriLankan

It's soon going to be the August school vacation - thousands of young boys and girls - all waiting for a well earned and long deserved break. Holidays have always been magical and memorable experiences with SriLankan Holidays, the leisure arm of Sri Lankan Airlines.

It's time you treated your children, and even yourselves, to the four exciting Mega 999 holidays in Bangkok and Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or the Maldives.

Exciting no doubt ... now you can actually EXTEND your dream holiday by purchasing two extra nights at selected hotels.

Valid from the time you read this right until 31 August 2009, these four Mega 999 packages treat you with airfare with all taxes, 02 nights / 03 days hotel accommodation with breakfast on twin sharing basis and return airport transfers at destination.

That's not all Thailand, Singapore and the Maldives will be exempt from tourist visa fees, while Malaysian visa fee will be absorbed by SriLankan Holidays.

Drop-dead shopping in Bangkok and exciting sea-shore activities in Pattaya over two long nights are all yours for Rs. 31,999/- where you can treat yourself to three selected tours.

You can also win upto 2 extra nights for just 01 rupee while travelling on selected flights.

Added to this are also Temple and City Tours plus transfers to MBK Mall (at Bangkok only), Free Entrance to Siam Park at Bangkok (without transfers), a Special Discount Coupon at King Power Duty Free, and a free mobile SIM card !!!

So does Kuala Lumpur, exciting in the day and always buzzing with energy at night, bring you 02 nights for only Rs. 31,999/- with an extra night at a selected hotel thrown for just 01 Rupee !

There's also Singapore, the Lion City, roaring and beckoning you with 2 nights for Rs. 34,999 with its city tour and additional night at a selected hotel thrown for only 01 Rupee.

And if you love the sun and the sand and the sea you can laze on the pristine white sands or explore the clear azure waters of the Maldivian archipelago. 02 nights in the Maldives is only Rs. 31,999 away with two selected tours thrown in for good measure.

All Mega 999 packages also give you generous excess baggage allowances on your return flight and earn you frequent flyer miles too. So why read on when mega holidays await you ... grab that phone and call SriLankan Holidays at 019733 3838 or contact your nearest travel agent.

An unforgettable evening at Mt.Lavinia beach

Gatherings by the beach can be quite a feat. Nothing makes an occasion more perfect than a place with a beautiful view, soothing ambience, good service and impeccable food. One can have the most unforgettable fete by the beach at the Lavinia Breeze Grand Marquee. The Lavinia Breeze Grand Marquee is strategically located in the sprawling beach of Mount Lavinia, accessible to the business and commercial zones of the city but certainly away from its hustle and bustle.

It is perhaps the only approved venue by the beach with a deep red canopy perfect for grand wedding receptions, family reunions, a school get-together, teemed parties, business functions, soirees and children's parties. The Grand Marquee is also known for its culinary delights. It serves a wide array of authentic western and eastern dishes that are both mouthwatering and healthy.

Whatever the celebration is, their menu can be festooned to match each occasion.

Truly, the Grand Marquee lives up to its standards of excellence and exceeds expectations of "a function area with a view".

There can only be a few dining experiences and parties that can match the joys of a tantalizing melange of exquisite food and a place like the Lavinia Breeze Grand Marquee.