94 • LIFESTYLE

Category: Destinations

  • Palmstone Retreat – An idyllic hideaway

    Surrounded by thick rainforests, mesmerizing waterfalls and streams, Kithulgala is a well-loved location among adrenaline junkies. 

    The Oscar-winning 1957 David Lean movie, Bridge on the River Kwai was also filmed at Kithulgala, giving this region more popularity. According to the locals, the remains of the train that blew up in the final scene can still be found in the Maskeliya river.

    Tucked away in a dense rainforest, is a small luxury boutique hotel named Palmstone Retreat where your love for nature and adventure is combined.

    Location 

    From the Kithulgala main town, you will have to travel 6km up the hills to reach Palmstone Retreat. The road to Palmstone Retreat is not the smoothest. But you will be treated to a picture perfect view on your way to the top.

    If your vehicle has less ground clearance it would be pretty challenging to travel on this road. An SUV or a 4×4 with enough ground clearance is strongly recommended.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d15839.99210051416!2d80.423923!3d7.009514!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xd5b56557c29b312e!2sPalmstone%20Retreat!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1568652991109!5m2!1sen!2slk&w=1000&h=200]

    Accommodation

    At Plamstone Retreat, there are three Chalets. These Chalets are built among thickets, overlooking the lush waterfall. Each Chalet has two connecting suites named as Nelum and Araliya.

    Confusing? Think of it as a simple cottage that has two rooms and can be accessed through a passage. Each Chalet can accommodate up to a maximum of 04 people.

    We stayed in a Nelum suite and this spacious room is equipped with a King Sized bed, a mini couch, a vanity, a 40” Flat screen TV with Satellite TV, a closet, an iron+ironing board, a hairdryer, a safe, a mini-bar and bathroom slippers. The en-suite bathroom is also spacious and has an inbuilt Jacuzzi. Also, there is a private deck built in each suite, facing the gushing stream.

    You will receive the same amenities at Araliya suite except for the inbuilt Jacuzzi. Instead, you will get a private plunge pool as well as a sauna for further relaxation. Palmstone Retreat is a perfect place for you to literally disconnect from the virtual world as there will be no mobile phone coverage. Nonetheless there will be complimentary Wi-Fi in each suite.

    Architecture 

    The Chalets at Palmstone Retreat are built in a way to blend in with the lush greenery at the property. All the suites are spacious and designed in a way to get plenty of sunlight during the day. The wooden floors perfectly match with the walls and the large windows give a fantastic view of the beautiful waterfall. Unfortunately, the suite we stayed in, the view was blocked by the neighbouring rubber trees.

    Due to the bad weather, the pool was not in its best condition. Nevertheless, the staff at Palmstone Retreat did try their best to clean it up but the heavy showers kept them from succeeding.

    Food

    The lobby which also acts as the main dining area is built right by the pool. You can either enjoy your meals at the restaurant or dine in at the deck in your suite. For lunch, we had Sweet Corn Soup followed by Egg Fried Rice with Devilled Chicken and Chopsuey. For dinner, we were served Chicken Minnestroni Soup for a starter. For the main course, we had Caper Marinated Chicken with Cheese on top followed by a decadent serving of Chocolate Mousse.

    Other Activities 

    Palmstone Retreat is built, bordering an enchanting waterfall. Right towards the end of the garden, there is a natural pool that will literally call you for a dive. You can also visit the popular Mannakethi Ella which is located just 30 – 40 minutes away from the Retreat. The hotel staff will accompany you on your trek and will provide you with life jackets upon your request. Apart from these sites, white-water rafting, jungle trekking, bird watching and cave exploration are some of the most popular activities in Kithulgala. The staff at Palmstone Retreat will arrange any of the above-mentioned activities upon your request. A TV lounge, as well as a pool table, are also available if you wish to spend your time indoors.  

    Kithulgala is home to some of the densest rainforests in Sri Lanka. If you are an adrenaline junkie, visit Kithulgala from January to July as the weather in these months favor all the water sports activities such as white water rafting and abseiling. However, if you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and unwind, September would be the best month to visit Palmstone Retreat as the weather would be calmer and inviting. 

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  • Thalduwa Island Villas – A beguiling escape to serenity

    The southern coastline of Sri Lanka is home to some of the most pristine beaches, UNESCO world heritage sites as well as plenty of artistic boutique hotels and villas.

    If you are a traveller who seeks authentic experience in a location that draws inspiration from the region, Ahangama is the place for you. Combined with a surfing – friendly community, Ahangama, in my opinion, is now budding to be the new attraction in the South of Sri Lanka.

    Located away from the sandy bays and on the Goviyapana river, is a ravishing island known as Thalduwa Island – a sanatorium to mangrove, wildlife and a collection of four Dutch colonial villas.

    Location

    Exiting from the Southern Highway and drive down the Galle – Hambantota (A002) road till you reach Thalduwa Road. About 2 kilometres into the Thalduwa Road, you will see a small path that will lead you the collection at Thalduwa Island Villas.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3968.128167406102!2d80.3786727143419!3d5.977083495670619!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ae114bb1f67af1f%3A0x46aad9ca1e2f3d3!2sThalduwa+Island+Villas!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1565614733795!5m2!1sen!2slk&w=1000&h=200]

    Accommodation

    Thalduwa Island villas consist of four different villas namely, Karmel Villa, Sisila Villa, Mr T Villa, and Vador Villa. Each villa is inspired by different cultural elements of both the eastern and the western world. Sisila Villa – the largest villa in the collection, reflects modern architectural elements combined with traditional Sri Lankan elements.

    Each room at Karmel Villa is outfitted with either a single or a double bed, a desk, a closet, a large mirror, attached bathrooms and of course a signature style bathtub. The bathtubs are evidently inspired by medieval Sri Lanka and it reminded me of the folklore that described the luxurious baths infused with sandalwood and various other exotic ingredients taken by the ancient kings and queens. Although I must say, for me sleeping next to a bathtub was a little bit eerie.

    The main living room is equipped with a large TV and a DVD Player as well as a large comfy couch that can easily accommodate about 02 – 06 people easily. The kitchenette is also located right at the corner of the living area and it is well equipped with a fully functioning refrigerator and a stove. If you wish to cook a meal or even make some snacks, you will find all the equipment needed, except for the ingredients.

    Architecture

    Karmel Villa which I stayed in, has altogether five rooms out of which two are located facing the mangroves of Goviyapana river. As you enter into this villa, you will be transported to a place where traditional architecture seamlessly blended in with the western culture. The Pavilion which can also be transformed into a dining place is located right by the pool and adjoining it is a wooden deck hidden that will let you enjoy unprecedented beauty of the Goviyapana river.

    The pool is in the perfect size for a private villa. The water does not contain a lot of chlorine which is beneficial for your skin. One thing we noticed about the pool is that during the day, the water absorbs the heat and emits it during the night, making the pool slightly warm.

    One of the important things that I noticed in this living area is the large statue of Lord Buddha. It’s important to note that although these properties are owned by non-Sri Lankans, their respect and love for the Sri Lankan culture were well reflected in each villa. If you stay at Sisila Villa, you will also notice the different retro-style posters that will surely be nostalgic.

    Food

    Without a doubt, the chef at Thalduwa Island Villa knows how to impress their guests with a gastronomical feast. For lunch, we had Paratha with spicy chicken curry and noodles. The paratha was soft and it paired well with the spiciness of the chicken curry. The noodles were flavoursome and had generous portions of chicken pieces mixed. For dinner, we opted for chicken shawarma accompanied with french fries and a fresh garden salad. It was a dish that combined all the right Mediterranean flavours.

    Activities

    The most popular activity in Thalduwa is paddleboarding on Goviyapana river. In my opinion, it’s the best way to explore Thalduwa island and experience the serene beauty of it. If you wish to participate in a yoga session, the staff can arrange you one upon your request. You can simply paddleboard it to the nearby location for Yoga and paddle your way back to the villa. The staff at Thalduwa Island Villas is very helpful and attentive to your needs.

    Visit their website to know more about other sites and places you can visit in the vicinity. What are your thoughts about this gorgeous collection of villas? Let me know in the comments below.

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  • 15 Hotels that are Perfect for a Romantic Day Out

    In Sri Lanka, not all of us have the opportunity to spend a night out with our partner or friends. Here’s a list of places where you can spend the day without breaking your bank.

    All of the selected hotels are located within an hour away from Colombo, allowing you to make the most of your day. You can always use the expressways for a hassle-free drive as well.
    All the rates are either for a base category double room or a twin room, excluding meals unless otherwise specified. The day rooms are usually available from 10 AM to 5 PM but the time may vary depending on the occupancy and hotel policies.

    Hotel Kabalana Galle

    Facing the graceful southern beach, Hotel Kabalana is located at one of the prime surfing areas in Ahangama beach. Inspired by the ambience of ancient Egypt, this hotel provides its guests with a swimming pool, an Ayurveda spa, a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop.

    Price – 5,000 LKR (Including lunch and evening tea)

    Coco Bay Unawatuna

    This beachfront hotel is located in Unawatuna, a few meters away from the access road to the Southern Express Way. All their rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, satellite TV, a minibar, a Jacuzzi or a private pool. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a pool table as well.

    Price – 7,000 LKR

    Turyaa Kalutara

    Turya is a 5-star hotel owned by the Turyaa Hotels which is located in a 6 acres oceanfront land. It has 2 pools, a sauna, a spa, a gym and a library too. They have five room categories and each has its own private balcony. There are five restaurants and a coffee shop in Turyaa.

    Price – 8,300 LKR

    Timeless Villa

    Timeless Villa is a small boutique hotel located in Ahangama. It has altogether 05 sea view rooms and a standard air-conditioned room is equipped with a mini bar, satellite TV, hot water facility and WiFi. They also have their own restaurant but you can opt for dining in.

    Price – 8,500 LKR

    Camelot Beach Hotel

    Located in the Portutota Road – Negombo, Camelot Hotel is the perfect spot for you to relax and unwind. The hotel offers you a restaurant with two bars and selected rooms with private balconies.

    Price – 10,000 LKR (including lunch)

    Yara Galle Fort

    Yara Galle Fort Hotel is located in the ever so popular Galle Fort. Although there’s no pool in this hotel, the interior and amenities will remind you of the colonial times. This hotel includes 14 luxury rooms with free WiFi, a restaurant and a coffee shop.

    Price – 10,000 LKR

    The Fortress Resort and Spa

    Another unique property located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the Fortress Resort & Spa. This luxury boutique hotel has a very large pool, a spa, three restaurants including a special seafood restaurant and a tea lounge. For a day, their rates include, access to the pool access, two cocktails, lunch, WiFi and reserved sun-bed for each.

    Price – 11,000 LKR

    Villa Thawthisa

    This luxury boutique hotel is located in the Unawatuna peninsula. The famous Japanese Peace Temple is just 600 meters away from this property. It has two ocean facing outdoor pools, all day restaurant and a fitness centre. All rooms are available with free WiFi. They also have rooms with private pools as well.

    Price – 12,000 LKR

    Club Waskaduwa Resort & Spa

    Located in Waskaduwa, this property is just one hour drive from Colombo. It has an outdoor pool, all-day restaurant, a spa and a bar. Their rather large garden is the perfect setting for glorious sunsets.

    Price – 13,000 LKR (including lunch for two)

    Arie Lagoon

    Arie Lagoon is another one of my favourite properties in Negombo. Located in between the ocean and the lagoon this hotel has two large pools, two restaurants, three bars, a spa and a gym. Also on demand, they will arrange your activities such as cycling and water sports. They have five different room categories including Premier Deluxe with Plunge Pool.

    Price – 13,000 LKR (Including welcome drink, lunch and evening snack)

    Amari Galle

    Amari is a beachfront property owned by the well know Onyx group. With 172 rooms under 06 different categories, a unique pool, a lounge, kids area, spa, fitness centre, two restaurants and a rooftop bar, this 5-star hotel provides you with many facilities.

    Price – 14,000 LKR (Lunch buffet 3,500 LKR)

    Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw

    Located in the calm Chilaw cost, this award-winning property is picturesque and features a large outdoor pool, spa, gym, two restaurants and a bar. On request, they will arrange beach volleyball, cycling, water polo and boat rides too. They have five room categories including Water Villas with Jacuzzi.

    Price – 16,900 LKR

    Le Grand, Galle

    The newest addition to the Asia Leisure group, this 5-star hotel is now one of the premium hotels in Galle with majestic views of the famous Galle Fort. This property has a large pool next to the beach, a spa, three restaurants and a gym. They offer five categories of rooms fitted with either a Jacuzzi or a private plunge.

    Price – 16,000 LKR (Pool charge is 1,500 LKR per person)

    Aditya Resort Hikkaduwa

    Aditya Resort is a boutique hotel with 16 suites. Every suite includes private plunge pools, jacuzzies or lap pools. 10 of the 16 suites are with an ocean view whereas the remaining have a garden view. They do have a pool, a spa and a restaurant.

    Price – 19,000 LKR

    Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

    Taj Bentota is another upscale hotel and this hotel has a large pool, three restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre. All the rooms have king-size beds and complimentary WiFi.

    Price – 26,000 LKR

     

    Disclaimer: All of these offers are valid for Sri Lankans only. Given rates and services may vary depending on the availability and hotel policies. All photo copyrights and all rights are reserved by the respective owners.

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  • Amagi Aria – Beyond the ordinary comfort

    Negombo is a modest beach town located just 10km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The friendly local community, freshly caught fish, the lagoon and the beach are some of the main reasons why I love visiting Negombo. Inevitably, above-mentioned reasons do attract many local and foreign tourists thus housing plenty of hotels and guest houses of all scales and sizes.

    One such hotel that caught my attention when I was looking for a place to stay in Negombo last year was Amagi Aria, a four-star hotel that belongs to Amagi Hotels.

    Location

    The journey to Amagi Aria will not take more than an hour from Colombo and less than 20 minutes from Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake. Framed against the picture-perfect lagoon is the deck that will surely allow you to enjoy a glorious sunset. The hotel is situated in an ideal location where travelers can easily access the beach and other attractions in Negombo.

    Accommodation

    Amagi Aria offers you 68 guest rooms including 02 suites that are sophisticated and equipped with modern amenities. The Standard rooms offer you a garden view with the pool moreover the Deluxe rooms as well as the suites, offer you a glorious view of the lagoon and the city.

    The Deluxe room that I stayed in didn’t have the best view of the lagoon however, the balcony served as a great place to relax. Each of the rooms are furnished with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a cupboard. The bathrooms are spacious and have hot water facilities. The rooms are designed with a simple and minimalistic theme.

    The pool at Amagi Aira, in my opinion may not be one of the best pools I’ve seen in a hotel. It is located right by the reception and it’s quite small in size.

    Food

    The main restaurants at Amagi Aria are Moya, Pontoon, Catamaran, Tree House, Sunset Deck, and the Lagoon. For both dinner and breakfast, I dined at the Catamaran restaurant which is the all-day dining restaurant. For both meals, they had a buffet with a variety of food items but I was not totally impressed by the range.

    Breakfast was a spread that had a mix of both Sri Lankan and Western Cuisine. If you wish to dine while enjoying the sunrise or the sunset at the lagoon, Moya, Pontoon and the Tree House are the ones for you.

    Other Facilities

    The picturesque lagoon is not the only thing that you can look forward to at Amagi Aria. In fact, they offer water sports facilities, a gym and a spa to let you make the most of your vacation. The hotel would also arrange city tours upon your request.

    Framing the magnificent lagoon, Amagi Aria aims to offer you a memorable service. Comment your thoughts on this hotel below.

     

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  • 18 Faces Boutique Hotel – A hidden bliss you can escape to

    With a living monument, the city of Galle has transformed itself to become one of the most visited and revered historical sites in Sri Lanka. A stroll in the fort will show you how the old buildings have converted this iconic fortress into an epic tourists destination.

    Although there are numerous hotels & villas to stay at Galle Fort, staying there could be quiet expensive. Earlier this year, I visited 18 Faces – an upcoming boutique hotel that not only fit my budget but also cozy and intimate. Keep reading to find out more about this newbie in Galle!

    Location

    18 Faces hotel is located just 3km away from Galle Town. Once you get to the main town of Galle, in less than 15 minutes you can reach 18 Faces hotel. Spoiler Alert – the hotel does not treat you for a magnificent beach view yet you will be treated with a well-maintained garden and an Instagram worthy pool.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3967.6596588927127!2d80.20195885147936!3d6.041350530232139!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ae1739360477649%3A0x2f9a87d462477558!2s18+Faces+Boutique+Hotel!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1553775292816&w=1000&h=200]

    Architecture

    Like any other boutique hotel, 18 Faces hotel has paid keen attention to detail on the interior and exterior of the hotel. The rooms are spacious enough yet cozy. Each room has its own attached bathroom with hot water facility, a cupboard, a TV, a Bluetooth speaker, a mini fridge with beverages, a large mirror and of course a very comfortable bed. Each room has it’s a distinct aroma that surprisingly calms and soothes you, especially in the night. To keep in line with the name of the hotel, headboard of the bed is decorated with the faces of uniquely Sri Lankan masks and characters from old folklore. I must admit, it was creepy and scary at first but I feel like it added more character and dimension to the interior of the hotel.

    The restaurant also carries the same rustic but modern style. The yellow and blue furnishing added a nice pop of colour while the wooden stairs and white walls balance the interior out. As mentioned, the pool at 18 Faces hotel is one of my favourite pools. It’s small yet cozy and intimate. There’s even a huge floating flamingo to keep you accompanied. The pool, to my knowledge, is open even during the night.

    Accommodation & Food

    18 Faces Boutique hotel offers stays only on B&B thus far. But with plenty of eateries in and around Galle Fort, you will get the perfect opportunity to explore the dynamics of authentic Sri Lankan Southern cuisine. Pictured below is the English breakfast I had and even though it looks like I had little to nothing, it was filling. Also, you can always ask for more.

    Additional

    If you wish to explore the city faster, 18 Faces Boutique hotel can provide you with scooters (motorcycles) at a reasonable daily flat rate. All you have to do is asking the staff and they will assist you. With under 120 USD, I was able to get the best out of my mini vacation.

    If you have been to 18 Faces, let me know your thoughts about this place and if you haven’t do definitely pay them a visit.

     

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  • Traveling Tips to Negombo

    Traveling Tips to Negombo

    After many months of silence, I am back with another article. Although I love everything about Galle, I constantly remind myself that as a traveler, I have to visit and explore other wonderful cities and places in Sri Lanka. Negombo is one location that is quite underrated and here are my tips for you if you decide to visit Negombo to explore and  find out why it’s reputed as the ‘Little Rome’ in Sri Lanka.

    Timing of your trip

    Planning is key if you want to have a less chaotic vacation. After all, we want to take a break, relax and unwind during our vacation. But if the destination you are off to is busy and chaotic, you will most likely end up in a location filled with people. Try to avoid busy months such as April, August and December and do travel on weekdays instead of weekends. It would only take about maximum of 2 hours to reach Negombo through  the Katunayake Expressway from Colombo and only 10 to 15 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport.

    Pro Tip – Avoid morning hours from 7AM to 9AM and evening hours 6PM to 8PM to enjoy a traffic free ride.

    Choosing the right accommodation

    Being an urban tourist destination means there are plenty of hotels and guest houses of all scales and sizes in the area. From luxury hotels to boutiques hotels, budget hotels and even private villas, Negombo is filled with all sorts of hotels and guest houses. Do your research before picking up a place to see if it fits your budget and would provide you with a decent service. Don’t be deceived by the pictures you see online. Be sure to check the reviews and ratings on booking websites and even on Google Local Guides to get an idea about a particular property before you make your reservation.

    A 360 Virtual Tour is also another comprehensive way to find out more about the exterior as well as the interior of a certain property so be sure to check it out if your desired hotel has a virtual tour published either on Google Street View or  on their own website. For my stay I chose Amagi Aria – a newly established four star hotel in Negombo. Comment below if you’d like to see a review on it.

    Pro Tip – DM a local travel blogger to find out unbiased information about suitable accommodation.

    What to see in Negombo

    Oddly enough, Negombo is not one of the most picturesque cities in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, the city is filled with many important sites and here are some of the places you can visit in Negombo.

    Negombo Fish Markets

    From mackerels to prawns and lobsters, the Negombo Fish markets are the home to an array of fish caught freshly by the local fishermen. Visit the market early in the morning to get a first hand experience on fish auctioning and selling.

    Hamilton (Dutch) Canal

    Built in the early 1800 by the British, the Hamilton Canal is one of the most noteworthy sites  in Negombo. It connects Puttalam to Colombo and the walkways along the canal would give you a glimpse of the daily lives of local fishermen and villagers. Named after the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce in 1802, Garvin Hamilton – the canal was added to the east of the earlier cut canal by Sinhalese king at the time and the Dutch rulers.

    Angurukaramulla Temple

    Situated towards the eastern part of the Negombo town, the Angurukaramulla Temple is distinctively known for the 6m-long reclining Buddha Statue, sitting on a dragon head. The hallways are filled with mural and various statutes that depict characters and scenarios from Buddhist Literature.

    Duwa Church

    Once it was the home to the magnificent statue of Christ – Duwa Church is highly popular among the catholics in Sri Lanka for its passion play, a spiritual exercise performed for over 400 years. The area around the church almost replicates a scene from Nazareth thanks to the white sand and the beach. Once you enter into the church premises, you will feel that this is not just another church, but a place that holds many untold stories.

    Dutch Fort

    Built by the Portuguese initially, the fort once acted as one of the crucial locations to defense Colombo during the Dutch invasion. Unfortunately, only the main entrance and some walls are all what remain today. So do not expect to see a fort that is similar to the ones in Galle or Mannar.

    Pro Tip – Don’t be afraid to explore through small, remote roads as they lead to the most unexpected sites. However, make sure that you are not alone in your expedition to find these pleasing sites.

    So for your next vacation, go to Negombo and experience the locality, talk to the locals and see for yourself what makes Negombo a special destination.

  • Yaathra by Jetwing – Cruise in Style

    Kerala – God’s own country filled with coconut trees, aromatic spices and elegant houseboats. One might wish to go to Kerala just to experience a lavish stay at one of the houseboats but did you know that you could experience the same here in Sri Lanka? Located in Bentota – Yaathra by Jetwing is the first houseboat of it’s kind in Sri Lanka. The easitest and the fastest way to reach there is by Southern Expressway (E02) and from the exit at Aluthgama it would only take maximum of 45 mins. for you to reach Yaathra down the ‘Elpitiya Road’.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3964.8712569382515!2d80.02029821486231!3d6.41058019536169!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ae22c10de00f815%3A0x1241ebd1e2112601!2sYathra+by+Jetwing!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1515654221065&w=1000&h=200]

     

    Built by the ever popular Niel Marine and designed exclusively by Mrs. Sunela Jayawardena – Yaathra aims to offer a luxurious cruising experience to both local and foreign tourists. Located amidst unique mangrove and distinctive trees and plants, Yaathra is the best way to explore the scenic beauty that Dedduwa Lagoon has to offer. With two air conditioned luxury cabins along with attached bathrooms, one dining area, a rooftop deck and a gaelly – the houseboat is built to perfection using eco friendly and sustainable material such as bamboos, wood and dried coconut branches and provides the guests with an elegant yet a very comfortable environment to relax whilst enjoying the natural habitat. The bathrooms are well equipped with hot and cold water and with a jacuzzi facing the river, you can truly relax and unwind.

    Be sure to check out the sunset from the private balconies in each cabin as it is certainly one of the most breathtaking views I have seen. Food at Yaathra is divine and depending on what the local fishermen catch you can indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with signature fish curries. The houseboat is an ideal site for a couple on their honeymoon and they also offer a special package which includes helicopter or seaplane transfers.

    The houseboat cruises for five (05) hours starting from Dedduwa Boat House, goes upto Horawala and comes back to the boat house. You can choose the saling times as you wish but the recommended times would be 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (03 hours) & 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (02 hours).  As the houseboat journeys on Benthara River, guests can witness for themselves why Benthara river is known for its rich biodiversity. The lagoon and the banks of the river provide shelter to different types of authentic birds and creatures and if you observe well you may even spot ‘Fishing Cats’ also known as Handun Diviya wandering around. Captain Leel – the master behind the helm with his expertise would take you on a smooth sail and would also share a tale or two about the locale. So be sure to have a chat with him when you are on board.

    Apart from cruising along on Benthara River, guests can also be involved in several other activities. You can visit Galpaatha Raja Maha Viharaya which is important historically as well as religiously in Sri Lanka and is frequently visited by the Buddhists. If you seek for more adventure, visit Bawa House – home of world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and engage in the Bawa Trail to witness his intricate designs, his mysterious lifestyle and legacy he has left behind. You could also experience the boat rides Bawa House offers – all you have to do is inform the staff at Yaathra and they would do the needful for you. Guests can also go fishing while the boat is anchored at the deck and you can also go canoeing with the assistance of the staff around the houseboat however, I would not recommend swimming in the river because the possibility for you to become a meal for a crocodile is very high.

    If you wish to spend your next vacation at Yaathra I must say this is on the pricier side as the prices range from 40,000 LKR – 50,000 LKR. Nevertheless, in my opinion I believe the service you get at Yaathra is definitely impeccable. Captain Leel and his staff is not only welcoming but friendly and very attentive to your needs and would make sure that your stay at Yaathra is a remarkable one. Although Yaathra offers several packages you can always customize your package and with no corkage charged Yaathra could be your next stop for an ultimate night out with friends and family.

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    Review of Yaathra by Jetwing - The first ever houseboat experience in Sri Lanka

  • City Stay – Stay closer to Galle

    If you have any plans to travel in Sri Lanka, Galle is one of the destinations you must visit. It is one of the most breathtaking and beautiful cities in the country filled with ancient value and a mesmerizing coast line. The Dutch Fort in Galle stands out than anything else in the city as it is one of the finest human creations which even survived the 2004 Tsunami disaster.

    If you want to experience Galle at its best, spare one or two complete days for it. There are many places you can visit and engage in a variety of activities. If you are a nature lover and want to experience the habitat of sea creatures and sea turtles in particular; Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre in Mahamodara is the place for you to be. If you are a historian; Galle fort is certainly for you as it has several museums and old churches which show case the architecture of old Ceylon. Several outlets inside fort rent out bicycles and I believe it is the best way to explore the city without a hassle. How can we forget the infamous light house? Be sure check it out too!

    While everything awaits you at Galle, be wise when choosing your accommodation. You are privileged if you get to stay in the Dutch Fort, yet the amount you have to pay for a night would make you think twice about staying at the Fort. The best option would be to have your overnight stay outside the Fort. It will surely save you some cash which can be used to travel a bit more or try out the local cuisine.

    Recently I stayed a couple of nights at “City Stay”  – a small affordable luxury hotel located few miles away from Galle City near the Southern Expressway entry road. City Stay is a newly opened compact, yet a cosy hotel with a very friendly staff. There are only four rooms in total  – one triple room and two double rooms. Interior wise no two rooms are same as each room has its own colour theme. The one we stayed was in orange theme and the other rooms follow colour themes of red, blue and purple. I personally prefer the red room which is a double room as I find that room to be a bit of romantic than the rest. The rooms are clean and tidy and the paintings in the rooms create the perfect ambience to relax. The rooms are quite spacious and enough for two. A large wardrobe and a mini fridge can be found in each room. The bathroom is equipped with modern fittings and is relatively large. Even though it is a newly opened hotel it is disappointing to see some of the bath-ware broken. However, no major damage was there in the bathroom and of course, there’s hot water to compensate! There is also a rooftop, but the access would not be easy and there is not splendid view.

    Their restaurant, Orangery has a red and black theme which I loved. They do not have a buffet but the Chef at City Stay doesn’t fail to satisfy your taste buds. A friendly Chef who first feast your eyes through the presentation of food. We got to choose from a variety of food items from their a-la-carte menu. The food was freshly prepared and was not too oily or too dry. Food at City Stay contains authentic Sri Lankan spices like cinnamon, cloves, curry leaves, lemongrass etc. and you can get your favourite dish in the way you want it with just a simple request. Definitely recommend you to have at least one meal from their restaurant.

    At the entrance of the hotel you will see a white Tuk-tuk. Do not hesitate to ask for a ride and be sure to engage in a conversation with the driver and he will share tales from this legendary city like the one which local believe that Jungle Beach is the part which was brought down by Hanuman from India.

  • Travelling Tips to Polonnaruwa

    Polonnaruwa is one of the most sacred and ancient cities in Sri Lanka. Also Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is one of the cities which portraits the pride and the cultural enrichment Sri Lanka once had. If you are interested in history and archaeology; the ancient city of Polonnaruwa would be the ideal place for you to start your exploration on ancient Sri Lanka.

    Here are few tips I have for you if you are planning to visit this legendary city.

    Tip #1 – Avoid the crowd

    I personally prefer to go on vacation during off seasons. I believe it is the best way to relax and enjoy the stay without having much of a hassle. Polonnaruwa is highly visited by children during school holidays. Try to avoid months such as December, August and April since these holidays are sure to fill up the city with parents and children. Also go on weekdays as opposed to weekends as it would surely allow you to be more relaxed on your sightseeing tour.

    Tip #2 – Be best of friends with water and sunscreen 

    Polonnaruwa has proven to be one of the hottest cities in the country. The temperature at Polonnaruwa can go up to 35 °C causing an extreme level of humidity as well. This could cause you to dehydrate therefore drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. Also this is a city which requires a lot of sunscreens so make sure you slather yourself with a lot of sunscreens before heading out to the city in the sun.

    Tip #3 – Try the local cuisine 

    If you stay at a hotel surely they would let you indulge in a western cuisine as well. But if you wish to have an authentic taste of Polonnaruwa you’ve got to try a freshwater fish curry. Hotel Giritale staff was nice enough to prepare a dish of freshwater fish curry for us when we requested one without any additional cost. Definitely it was one of the best curry dishes I have tasted so do not forget to try this dish out while you are in Polonnaruwa.

    Tip #4 – Do your research 

    We Sri Lankans take these places for granted. Since small we have been bombarded with history lessons to a point where we have actually forgotten the value of these heritage sites. Do refresh your memory on these sites before you visit them as it would surely be helpful to find these sites. Also try to know the untold stories. It is known that during the British Regime the Gal Vihara Statues were harmed by a British Official by shooting at them who allegedly wanted to know whether these statues have hidden powers. The minute he fired the bullets and turned back he was attacked by a wild elephant and was killed. If you look closely you could see the damaged spots on the statues.

    Tip #5 – Do not be afraid to explore 

    Apart from the already known sites, Polonnaruwa has some places which are hardly been visited by the tourists. Do not feel intimidated by the long route on the east bank of Parakrama Samudra which would take you to a huge rock of approximately 100 meters high. Climb that rock before the sunset and you will be treating yourself to a breathtaking and a mesmerising view of the sunset. For me, it was the best way to end my stay at Polonnaruwa.

    I hope these tips would be helpful for you if you are planning to visit Polonnaruwa. It’s a living city which speaks it’s pride of our country immensely.

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    Travelling Tips to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka