Category: Travel

The best thing about camping are the wide open spaces, the views, the hiking, the wildlife and so much more! If you truly want to get away from it all and experience nature in its purest glory, there is a place that will make your camping experience a wild/not-so-wild one, whichever way you prefer!

Mahoora Tented Safari Camps give you the chance to see camping at its best. Choose from numerous locations and enjoy your stay with a team of individuals who set the benchmark for safari camping in Sri Lanka with ethical and environmentally-friendly accommodation options. The staff are warm and welcoming, the food delicious and staying overnight in a tent is an experience not easily forgotten. Situated in several strategic and advantageous locations alongside the boundaries of various national parks, Mahoora, with their unique ‘pack in-pack out’ private tented safari camp concept, is the best way to experience the call of the wild.

“Mahoora carbon neutral tented safaris have been providing the best wildlife camping experience in Sri Lanka since 1998 and we are fully equipped to cater to every need of our guests. We are the only safari camp that offers a high-end sit down meal service, serving a five-course lunch and a seven-course dinner. Every meal is an experience on its own, with food being cooked in the presence of our guests. Our customised menu is based on clients’ preferences along with our own signature dishes,” said Channa Jayasundara, a consultant with Eco Team Sri Lanka which is the managing company of Mahoora Tented Safari Camps

Accommodation

If you’re expecting to be jammed into a tent with hardly enough space to move around in, you will be pleasantly surprised. The tented accommodation is very spacious and is divided into two categories called Mahoora Elite and Mahoora Explorer. The former is set with a touch of luxury, providing more space for guests who prefer comfort during their stay. The latter, which lives up to its name, is chosen by the more adventurous guests; travelling light if possible is advised.

Both types of tents are very comfortable, have an en-suite bathroom, carpeted flooring, hot water and mosquito netting. The décor is very much in keeping with the forest theme which blends perfectly with its surroundings. Electricity is provided round the clock for both tent options, but the lighting is dimmed to prevent mosquitoes and insects entering and it also advisable to keep the tent zipper closed for the same reason.

Meals

In keeping with a Sri Lankan jungle experience, local dishes including fresh juices are available and you are recommended to try out the millet porridge. However, a Continental breakfast is also served. Eat up as the jungle air does increase your appetite, especially after an early morning safari! Tea/coffee, fresh fruits, snacks, juices, soft drinks and water will be provided on request during the day, but save space for the freshly-prepared Sri Lankan lunch and the mouth-watering local desserts that await you.

Dinner is truly exciting as a 7-course menu with a BBQ is served around the campfire. However, the real highlight of the evening is after dinner; the night walk through the jungle is one of the most interesting things you can experience, as you get to see and appreciate the nocturnal wildlife. Do remember to keep your head low to avoid branches getting in your eyes; it is also a good idea to wear sneakers or any other protective footwear and the use of a mosquito/insect repellent is advised.

 

Wildlife

All Mahoora safari adventures are conducted in special custom-made jeeps exclusive to them, and you will always be accompanied by a professional naturalist. We got Saranga Mendis and he is amazing! Saranga’s earliest and fondest memories of his childhood revolve around wildlife, having developed a love for nature at a very young age, which is evident when he speaks about the flora and fauna during the safari. The rest of the staff is also very courteous, going out of their way to personalise your stay and make you feel at home.

 

Wilpattu National Park is located in the Northwest dry zone of Sri Lanka and is named after the existence of ‘willus’ (natural lakes) and is a unique feature in the park. The park is home to several species of mammals, endemic birds and reptiles; it is among the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka. There are spotted deer in abundance which totally gives you Bambi vibes, Muntjac or barking deer, the nocturnal mouse-deer and the sambur deer, which is the largest of the four species of deer in the country. The enigmatic and elusive leopards are the highlight of any safari in Wilpattu and count yourself lucky if you catch a glimpse of one. We didn’t, but we did see a sloth bear and her cub. The little one was curious and came forward to investigate, but its mum called it back. We were informed by Saranga that bears use a series of tongue clicks and grunts to communicate amongst their kind.

Seeing the changeable hawk-eagle or crested hawk-eagle in a tree was magnificent, but we had to practically beg the peacock to open up its feathers which it did for just a few seconds. Saranga provided a feathery fact about these birds: the peacocks fake their ‘copulatory call’, pretending to mate even when they are not. This is in order to convince females they are more sexually active and therefore genetically fitter than their rivals!

All too soon, your visit will draw to a close, but the memories will travel with you and Mahoora Tented Safari Camps wait to welcome you back to the wild once again.

For more information, log on to www.mahoora.lk

Written by Michelle Alles

Conveniently and centrally located within the Cultural Triangle and in close proximity to the magnificent Sigirya Rock, SigiriyaJungles opened its doors to the public one year ago with the intention of offering typical Sri Lankan experiences to holiday goers from around the world. It has since then, become a journey of discovery and the epitomy of luxury.

Chairman of SigiriyaJungles and former President of SLAITO Devindre Senaratne said, “It brings us great joy and a sense of fulfillment to have reached this wonderful milestone. During this one year SigiriyaJungles was busy with multiple tasks, among which were marketing it to a rapidly growing international clientele, increasing awareness and creating a distinct demand for the brand.”

“SigiriyaJungles is proud to offer guests a true and a real feeling of living in Sri Lanka with our smiling faces and hospitality, mouth-watering Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisine, natural surroundings, our creative undisturbed architecture and luxurious living. We’re also committed to the region and over 60% of our staff is from the region,” he added.

Committed to protecting nature, the hotel has implemented environmentally-friendly practices throughout its operations – from recycling overflow water, to harnessing natural sunlight, to cutting down on electricity consumption, re-using of waste and using of electronic buggy carts with zero-carbon emissions. In fact only environmentally friendly products are used to preserve and scrub the floors and walls. “This is our commitment towards positive hospitality. The hotel is committed to delivering memorable holidays, exceptional standards of service and journeys that keep the conservation of the planet in mind”, Senaratne elaborated.

A few months ago, the Management of SigiriyaJungles initiated a program showing its commitment towards positive hospitality and sustainable development among the hotel staff. The program was aimed at developing home-grown produce and eliminating waste management. This effort was recognised when SigiriyaJungles was awarded the 2^nd Prize in the category of ‘Classified Hotels’ in the Home Garden Competition in the Central Province jointly organised by the Governor’s Office and the Agricultural Department Kandy. This has further motivated the staff to improve on this venture and take it to greater heights.

The nearby Audangawa temple is the main focal point where most of the villagers congregate to fulfill their religious obligations and discuss the progress of the village. During the past one year, SigiriyaJungles built a Sangavasaya for the 250 year old temple and thus nurtured and fostered its bond with the village.

Through its sister company JourneyScapes, it also maintains the Moragaswewa Maha Vidyalaya which is about five kilometres from the hotel and consists of 240 students. The hotel continually supports the development of the school in an effort to raise its standards and this includes focusing on the health and well-being of the children.

SigiriyaJungles continuously offers guests indulgent getaways and remains committed to delivering memorable holidays and exceptional standards of service and hospitality. The hotel features 60 lavishly furnished rooms overlooking the Sigiriya rock fortress, a stunning and unique swimming pool, vibrant outdoor spaces, locally-inspired dining and a 100ft bridge that offers breath-taking views of the Sigirya Rock.

They say travel broadens the mind, but if you can’t take a long trip, that’s fine. A weekend at this luxury boutique hotel might be all you need for that mind-broadening travel experience. Placed among the Top 3 on the TripAdvisor list, the surroundings make for a peaceful and relaxing time away from the bustle of the city, if a break is what you’ve been craving.

Just 10 minutes away from the town of Kandy, lies the lap of luxury with staff to pamper your every need, delicious cuisine, breath-taking views and much more. This luxury boutique hotel, known as The Elephant Stables is nestled on a little hill, and provides the perfect weekend getaway destination for tourists and even local travellers seeking the ultimate luxurious experience.

The colonial bungalow was previously the home of Sir Cudah Ratwatte, the patriarch of the island’s leading aristocratic family. Many elephants were once housed in the gardens of his old plantation, hence the name ‘The Elephant Stables’. It is said that the stones making up the wall surrounding the property had been carried and set in place by the pachyderms.

The rooms are classy and tastefully furnished in a lovely blend of Colonial and modern styles, featuring the cream of interior design in the country. The room categories consist of Pepper, Lemongrass, Saffron, Citronella and Vanilla which are located on the upper floor of the property and provide delightful views of the garden, pool and the misty Knuckles Mountains in the distance. The Cottage Suite is nothing short of delightful; standing in the garden overlooking the back lawn and the pool, this is the perfect choice for a family of 4 that require a substantial amount of space.

You will feel like a queen that’s just alighted from her palanquin when you are escorted into the Luxury Tent, a 915 sq. ft. tented suite which is the largest permanent tented structure in Sri Lanka and one of the largest tented bedrooms in the entire world. The fully air conditioned tent is partitioned with curtains that separate the living and dining areas from the master bedroom with a large 4 poster bed as well as a second bedroom with two single 4 poster beds. A beautiful bathroom with polished cement walls has been built inside the tent.

Sir David Lean Bungalow is the jewel in the crown of The Elephant Stables with a 7 star rating. Located about 4 km away from the main hotel on top of a ridge at Anniewatte with a magnificent view, it is hard not to feel like you’re being taken back in time as you step into one of the most important colonial bungalows in Kandy. The bungalow is steeped in history, being the location for the filming of major scenes of Sir David Lean’s epic wartime masterpiece ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ in 1957. The interior of the bungalow is full of extremely rare and beautiful antique furniture including collections that were made especially for Queen Elizabeth’s state visit in 1954 to Ceylon, as it was known back then. Avail yourself of the exclusive private chef to provide delicious meals for you, or feel free to sample the variety of cuisines on offer at the main hotel with complimentary transport provided.

Prepare yourself for a journey of gastronomic delights as the chef at The Elephant Stables more than excels in delivering mouth-watering fare. English, Continental or the traditional Sri Lankan breakfast is served to start your day. Sightseeing in Kandy can get pretty busy, so the hotel staff keeps that in mind and aims to serve a quick, yet appetizing lunch that includes pastas, sandwiches and salads. If you happen to order the Thai Red Curry with noodles, I suggest you choose beef as the meat is really tender and cooked to perfection. Their dessert menu includes a scrumptious Chocolate Lava Cake and a selection of homemade ice cream which is quite tempting, even if you’re feeling stuffed.

Tea is served with a selection of scones, cakes and pastries along with a pot of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Sunsets on the property are glorious and just sitting on the lawn and taking in all the natural beauty around you brings a feeling of tranquillity like no other. Ranil Samarasooriya, CEO of The Elephant Stables, definitely knows guests’ deluxe holiday requirements. The hotel has been running for the past 6 years and has won the TripAdvisor Excellence Award consecutively for the past 3 years.

The lobby is a lovely place to relax in before dinner if the weather is rainy, but if the sky is clear, seat yourself under the stars and enjoy a 3 course dinner menu, which always includes a Sri Lankan rice and curry option. Another set menu offers an optional Asian Fusion or Western dining selection and special meals (Halal, gluten-free or vegetarian, etc.) are available on request.

The Elephant Stables offer day excursions from Kandy to places of interest, such as the Cultural Triangle and the tea estates of the Hill Country. The more adventurous guests can try White Water Rafting at Kithulgala or trekking in the Knuckles mountains. Unlike many luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, The Elephant Stables welcomes families and promises a fantastic vacation experience for travellers of all ages.

For more details, contact them on +94 112 821515 or email reservations@elephantstables.com or visit http://elephantstables.com/

By Michelle Alles

Nepal is a heartbreakingly beautiful country you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Hilltops covered in ice merging with clouds, dusty city roads, adorable toddlers playing and rolling with street dogs in the central square are colourful sights you rarely see in another country. And according to reviews online and also through my first-hand experience, Nepal is perhaps the safest country for a girl to travel alone. Of course it helps to know someone in country beforehand to ensure security and the online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com definitely came in handy while planning the trip.

My trip to Kathmandu, Nepal was scheduled for the month of October. Given that this is the peak month for tourism the flight rates were extremely high. The best time for travel with reasonable air ticket rates would be in March or April, when it is slightly cold but manageable. However, if one is looking for the cheapest flights to Nepal, December would be the best month to consider travelling although it is the winter season. My first thoughts however when landing in Kathmandu were: this does not look like an international airport, are we landing at the wrong airport? Of course it is wrong to judge a book by its cover, the Tribhuvan International Airport is smaller in size, and rustic in style caters to a diverse range of international flights as well as an influx of tourists every day. Visa procedures was on arrival and as a first time traveler was free of charge, thus my first steps in the country was extreme happiness while being expectant about the rest of my stay.

Kathmandu is the nerve centre of Nepal’s tourism and the country’s economy. The city is situated in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by four major mountains of Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. In the historical context the Kathmandu valley and the adjoining areas were also known as the Nepal Mandala (Mandala also meaning country). Kathmandu Valley comprises of three districts Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, home to about a twelfth of Nepal’s population and seven World Heritage sites.  Thamel Chowk situated a little over 5 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport is the tourist hub of Kathmandu. This is a haven for tourists visiting the country where most budget hotels and the shopping district of Kathmandu which caters to tourists exist. You can spend hours on end just walking around, getting lost in the experience and exploring not only shops with trinkets or souvenirs but also be immersed in second hand book shops. Rustic coffee places that offer delicious breakfast platers and at night, pubs with live music are the thing of Thamel. The night life is as bustling as the day in this tourist hub. The culture shock was indeed minimal given that it is quite similar to that of Pettah at mid-day without definitely the cat-calling. Following the tragic earthquake in 2015 although much work has been done Kathmandu, is still recovering from its after effects.

In terms of accommodation booking.com is a reliable source, and so is Airbnb. I would recommend to use Airbnb if you are traveling with a partner, if not booking.com would be the best and safer option. However ensure to read through all the reviews before making a booking. However, given that it is Nepal and the opportunity for bargaining is immense, it will not be difficult to find a cheap yet quality location within the tourist hub of Thamel. In terms of planning, a mistake I made was having a set plan with limited options for flexibility. As a result of booking online a cancellation fee was included on the accommodation options providing me with little to no option but having to stick to ‘the plan’. Therefore it is advisable to only book for your accommodation for the first day and go with the flow based on your liking and preference. My recommendations for Kathmandu would be Himalayan Oasis Hotel as an option for comfortable accommodation on a budget. Tibet Peace Inn is also another recommendation although not directly situated in Thamel, was also quite reasonable however comfort-wise not so, the staff however was very helpful.

Nepali cuisine is exquisite in its own unique way. Unlike the general combination of rice and curries with spices in the South Asian countries, Nepal has very distinguished dishes which you do not get elsewhere. The ‘Momo’ (secretly I have been wishing to try this since forever) is a type of South Asian dumpling with a meat or other form of filling that is a traditional delicacy in Nepal. One of the most popular fast foods it is served with one or two varieties of dipping sauce with either steamed momo immersed in meat broth or fried. Momo’s with buffalo filling was probably my favourite from the vast range available at almost every restaurant in Kathmandu. In addition, I tried out a platter of scrumptious Newari cuisine, which tantalized my taste buds. The dish was centered on beaten rice (like rice flakes, very crispy), with a variety of roasted and cooked meat (one of which was buffalo), and vegetables. It was extremely spicy but definitely yummy! Dhau or traditional yogurt in an earthen bowl is very much similar to the Sri Lankan ‘mee kiri’ with a pinch of ‘paani’. There is also a very small place close to the Basantapur Durbar Square where I tried a very filling and tasty Lassi. If ever in Kathmandu, one must definitely have tea at ‘Mama’s Tea Shop’ at the Basantapur Durbar Square. Sitting under the stars on a night with a clear sky amidst the bustling crowds at the Square, while sipping hot hot tea and engaged in ripe conversation was definitely a treat beyond compare, and probably one of the best parts of the trip. The tea and conversation were both delicious and I positively went back for more.

Traveling in Kathmandu especially is difficult, as the roads are in quite a bad condition. Given that they also do not have railway network, the easiest way to travel as I would rate is either by foot, if the location is close, bike or scooty if you can rent one, or by taxi (bargain, bargain or ask for a meter). And ensure to equip yourself with a shawl or a mask as a result of the dust and pollution. I was lucky to have a very special friend who ensured safe passage throughout the entire trip. So thank you Dilip for taking the trouble to help me in navigating around Nepal.

Walking through the streets of Kathamandu is very diverse, where you are exposed to magical medieval temple strewn alleyways as well as very modern shops, bazars and street vendors at the same time. Traveling alone can be both an exhilarating and scary experience that you must expose yourself to at least once in your life to fully perhaps understand one’s behaviour traits on a deeper level. It was indeed an exquisite and exhilarating experience.

 

Written by Hasangani Edema

In line with the company’s vision to offer exclusive leisure properties at key selected destinations, Asia Leisure, a subsidiary of Asia Capital PLC opened its 5^th leisure property in the southern coastal belt, ‘The Habitat’ Kosgoda on the 28th November 2017. Initiated with an investment value of USD 5 million (over LKR 750 million) in partnership with a consortium of Japanese investors, The Habitat provides a plethora of modern luxuries to travellers amidst an alluring atmosphere infused with azure hues of a beach front property situated near a silky stretch of sand where sea turtles frequent. The property is located in Kosgoda in the southern coast of Sri Lanka within 95 kilometers from Colombo and 55 Kilometers from Galle. The tropical themed opening of The Habitat was graced by long-term patrons of Asia Leisure and Asia Capital.

Commenting on the Company’s latest venture, Group Chief Executive Officer/ Director of Asia Capital, Stefan Abeyesinhe said, “Our Brand of leisure properties focus on catering to modern travellers who seek a sense of wonder, a desire to explore nature’s glory as well as the local essence of their destination combined with modern day comforts. The Habitat exemplifies this unique combination in terms of locality, the quintessential beauty of the property and the modern amenities and services that we offer.”

The Habitat will be a small-scale luxury hotel that offers all the modern day requirements such as Wi-Fi, room service and its key differentiation being its 26 deluxe rooms as well as two suites offering ocean views from all angles of the room. The property will cater to its clientele’s high expectations with two specialty restaurants, a bar, a magnificent pool lying close to the turquoise Indian Ocean, luxurious Ayrvedic bath amenities, spa facilities, a gym and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Consequently, guests at The Habitat can look forward to indulge in a luxurious holiday experience and explore the region’s many attractions.

The Habitat provides easy access to a number of local attractions including the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, River safari opportunities in nearby Madu River, water sports for the adventurous, a Moonstone mine, a traditional mask workshop and museum in Ambalangoda, the UNESCO heritage site of Galle Fort and whale watching in nearby Mirissa.

“The Habitat will remain true to our signature brand of excellent service standards combined with personalization and customization for the benefit of our guests. We consistently provide superior service elements to our guests at all our properties with specific focus on allowing each guest to experience a truly personal service that far exceeds their expectation during the stay,” commented Chief Executive Officer/ Director of Asia Leisure, Reyhan Morris.

The Habitat is the ideal holiday home for beach lovers with a penchant towards exploration. Guests at this seafront property can experience a blissful beach holiday experience complete with ample opportunities to laze on the beach, engage in water sports, relaxing hours spent at the spa and savouring delectable and fresh fare served at the two restaurants, Salt and Teppan or even unwind at the Crimson Pool Bar and Moonu the Main Bar.

Asia Leisure operates a number of luxury leisure properties including Shinagawa Beach in Balapitiya, Tamarind Hill in Galle, Taprobana in Wadduwa, The River House in Balapitiya, and the latest addition The Habitat in Kosgoda. Asia Leisure is currently engaged in an expansion drive to establish multiple properties in Galle, city hotels in Colombo and the Maldives.

Located off the beaten track in the wilds of Gampola is a hidden gem of a boutique villa called Mount Havana. This five-bedroomed villa is set within 25 acres of tea and mixed crop land and aims to give guests an experience of untamed beauty and natural wonder.

Apart from the beauty of the property, the comfort at the villas, the serenity of the surroundings and the absolute attention to detail, Mount Havana has a certain uniqueness to it. The entire property boasts of sustainability towards its environment, community and guest experience.

Mount Havana is self-sustainable by growing all the produce that is required to fulfill the in-house menu, which comprises delicious dishes made from ingredients taken from the gardens. “All the produce is grown in our gardens and every dish is fresh and free of any pesticides,” said Yohan Fonseka, Business Development Manager at Mount Havana. “Even the milk in your tea, the spices in your meals, and the coffee that you drink is made from produce at our property.

In addition, Mount Havana maintains a healthy carbon footprint by using biogas in the kitchens, for cooking and heating of water.

Mount Havana is owned by Dinesh Saparamadu who had the vision of creating this natural getaway.  “My aim is to offer guests something different. Our guests must experience Sri Lanka’s endemic birds, butterflies and fauna and flora in their natural habitat and be able to disconnect from the rest of the world and relax and recharge themselves,” said Saparamadu.

Adding to that, General Manager Mr. Saman said, “We are in the process of replanting our herbal garden. It will include many more varieties of ayurvedic plants that will be used in our inhouse applications. This will be both a value addition to the bio diversity as well as a good educational tool.”

Apart from the sprawling gardens, Mount Havana has an infinity pool, an outdoor dining area, and a beautiful collection of art on display.

Mount Havana is surrounded by some of Sri Lanka’s finest ancient wonders such as the Embekke Devalaya, Gadaladeniya and Lankatileka temples where history is etched on to temple walls, windows and doors. For guests who are into hiking, the trails through the Ambuluwawa mountains is worth exploring. These are just some of the beautiful sites that can be accessed from Mount Havana.

For more information, visit the Mount Havana website on www.mounthavana.com