Author Archive

Jungle Beach Resort – brand new boutique hotel comes to Sri Lanka’s East Coast!

17 May 2012 by

We are extremely excited to announce the arrival of Jungle Beach to Sri Lanka’s East Coast! Spectacularly set amongst some brilliant beaches and teeming jungles, this seems as though it will be the east coast’s first proper boutique hotel – something we have been waiting desperately for!

 

The hotel is located just a short drive north from the old naval port of Trincomalee, so is within easy reach of the various colonial relics in the area and the great diving experienced just off the coast. It is nestled in amongst a10-acre estate, with the Indian Ocean on the one side and a lagoon on the other providing a great option for those wanting to see the pristine beaches of the east coast while still enjoying some of the fantastic wildlife that Sri Lanka has to offer.

 

Jungle Beach will be the latest member added to the growing UGA resorts portfolio, in which Ulagalla in the Cultural Triangle belongs. It consists of 50 ‘modern and luxurious’ cabins which have been designed with nature in mind, with the idea that over time they will seamlessly blend in with their natural surroundings. The 650 square feet cabins feature king size beds, entertainment systems (although with all this nature around who needs a TV?!) and outdoor rain showers, as well as a spa, gym and open air restaurant – you can even organize to have your evening meal out on the beach under the stars.

 

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Kandy Esala Perahera Dates Confirmed!!

11 November 2011 by

We have finally been given the dates and details for next year’s Esala Perahera! Yay!

The festival, held in the city of Kandy, is thought to be a fusion of two Peraheras (Processions), the Esala and the Dalada. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the original Esala Perahera is a ritual enacted to request rainfall from the Gods. The more recent Dalada Perahera began when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

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Rafting and Canyoning in Kithugalla

1 November 2011 by

Now I must be honest, I am not really a great connoisseur of ‘adventure’ sports. Out of my friends I am definitely the biggest wimp, jumping out of my seat watching the ‘Scream’ spoof horror movies and avoiding anything that seems potentially limb breaking. So it was with a rather heavy heart that I agreed to partake in this next chapter of my Sri Lankan adventure, being nudged into it by my new bosses.

My fear and reluctance however, was misplaced as the day I spent with the crew at Borderlands, Kithugala was one of the most enjoyable of my trip. Specializing in white-water rafting and canyoning on the Kelani Ganga and its tributaries, Borderlands is the only rafting centre in Kithugala to provide safety kayakers as standard when white-water rafting. The presence of safety kayakers is essential in making sure that the river is safe to raft.

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The Sinharaja Rain Forest

27 September 2011 by

Continuing on the wildlife theme from my last blog entry, I have recently returned from an overnight stay in the Singharaja Rainforest at Martin Wijesinghe’s Lodge. Located within the Singharaja buffer zone, just a few minutes’ walk from the national park boundary, Martins Lodge is a no frills accommodation option. However, due to its incredible location, fantastic hospitality and wonderful views, this place is a wildlife enthusiasts dream.

Arriving at the park gate early in the morning, I acquired a pair of leech socks from the friendly vendor and set off with my guides Luxman and Sunil, up the rough track to Martin’s Lodge. About 5 minutes in, Sunil directed us off the track onto a faint path through the jungle. Climbing staircases made entirely of tree roots, using banisters made from lianas, we trekked up and down for a while before coming to a river containing a series of rather rickety randomly placed stepping stones. I am certainly not the steadiest of feet (some may call me clumsy), but with a helping hand from Sunil, I made it to the otherside, and up one more staircase to Martin’s Lodge. (more…)

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Leopards, Tuskers and Sloth Bears with Kulu Safaris in Yala National Park

20 September 2011 by

During my current trip to Sri Lanka I was fortunate enough to head off to Yala National Park’s Block 1 on a camping safari with Kulu Safaris.
Led by the passionate and informative Steuart Roelofsz, the one night safari has certainly been the biggest highlight of my trip so far. After being picked up from the road in Kulu’s hardy Landcruiser and braving the innumerable potholes on the entrance road, we finally made it into the national park and within 5 minutes had already spotted a tusker elephant having an afternoon siesta by the water hole.

The camp, located 45 minutes into the park beside a beautiful patch of river is incredibly comfortable for something so mobile. The ‘rooms’ are all large tents with a small living area and separate bedroom, and can even accommodate families as there is a small additional room for the children’s beds. Just outside of your tent is a private portaloo as well as a bucket shower which can be filled with warm water by the staff.
The food was a delicious array of Sri Lankan dishes, all served at a table on the river bank (or in the case of breakfast, in the river itself), allowing you to really enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife. (more…)

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