SummarY

summary of my country

opulation: 21,324,791 (July 2009 estimate)
Capital: Colombo
Legislative Capital: Sri Jayawardanapura-Kotte
Area: 25,332 square miles (65,610 sq km)
Coastline: 833 miles (1,340 km)
Highest Point: Mount Pidurutalagala at 8,281 feet (2,524 m)

Sri Lanka (map) is a large island nation located off of India's southeast coast. Until 1972, it was formally known as Ceylon but today it is officially called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The country has a long history filled with instability and conflict between ethnic groups. Recently though, relative stability has been restored and Sri Lanka's economy is growing.

National Flag

Description of the Flag
Red(dish) rectangular panel bordered yellow containing a yellow lion passant holding a sword upright and four pipul leaves, one in each corner, and next to the hoist two vertical stripes, green and orange, also bordered yellow together. (This flag just does not permit a simple description. I'm sure there must be an official description from legislation in English which would be nice inclusion.)

The lion is heavily based on the Corel Clipart of the national coat of arms (where the lion is the central device). Otherwise the flag dimensions etc. are based on Album des Pavillons (2000) (where all images are "shorter" than designated in writing; I followed text). Colours are also based on the Album's Pantone approximations: dark red 184c, red 206c, orange 151c, yellow 116c, green 356c. If I am not much mistaken, the dark red above is used in the national flag while red (which is still different from the standard red) is used in the naval rank flags. The construction details are given in Album des Pavillons, measuring the rectangular panels and yellow borders, hoistwise to lengthwise (2+21+2):(2+8+8+2+28+2)From

"Specifications for the National Flag of Sri Lanka":

Christopher Southworth was in possession of the official dimensions of this flag from "Specifications for the National Flag of Sri Lanka" issued by the Sri Lanka Standards institution, Colombo,1985. He had obtained this information via the late William G. Crampton, whose name will be familiar to a very great many Vexillological enthusiasts. I altered my original drawing to suit the figures that Chris gave to me, and must say that the first thing about them I did not like were the overall proportion: 75x150.1! As we can see, the Lion is a great deal bigger than the version illustrated in Album des Pavillons 2000, and the width of the vertical yellow borders is slightly thinner than the width of the 2 horizontal ones. An ugly state of affairs indeed, in my opinion.

It is not entirely impossible that these specifications have been revised since 1985, but for posterity, here is my version based on the official figures given at that time, and maintaining the same RGB values as shown above.

History

DK Pocket Book (1997) shows the flag of Kandy, a.k.a. the Lion flag, "which was used as the national flag of Ceylon prior to 1815 when it became a British colony". It is the right part of the current Sri Lankan flag, but there are no leaves in the corners, but "finials derived from the spire on top of a Buddhist temple".

The necessity of a National Flag was discussed even before Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4th, 1948. Mr. A. Sinnalebbe, MP for Batticaloa tabled a motion in the State Council on January 16th, 1948 suggesting that the Lion Flag of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which was taken to Britain in 1815 should be made the National Flag. This was debated and later Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake named an Advisory Committee for the formulation of a National Flag. The Members of the Committee were Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Chairmen), Sir John Kotalawela, Mr. J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. T.B. Jayah, Dr. L.A. Rajapakse, Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam and Senator S. Nadesan, and Dr. Senarath Paranavithana (Secretary).

Although a Committee for the formulation of a national flag was appointed no finality had been reached when the first Independence Day was celebrated on February 4th, 1948. However the Lion Flag fluttered on that day. The Lion Flag and the British Union Jack fluttered on the occasion of the opening of the first Parliament of independent Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on February 11th, 1948. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake unfurled the Lion Flag at the Octagon (Pattirippuwa) during the Independence celebrations held in Kandy on February 12th, 1948.
Collected from http://www.lk/national_flag.html by Dov Gutterman, 8 January 1999.

I have seen two different versions of the flag adopted in February 1948. One is a yellow lion holding a sword in the right hand facing the hoist on a dark red background with four yellow silhouettes of a Buddhist pagoda in four corners with a yellow border and a black thin border inside. The other was exactly the same without the black thin border.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 16 May 2000

From Flags by Carol P. Shaw, Running Press Gem, 1994:

The design of this flag has evolved gradually in an attempt to achieve national unity since the country, then known as Ceylon, gained its independence from Britain in 1948. Originally, the flag's central emblem was a gold lion and sword on a red field, derived from the flag of the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy. As a consequence, it was not popular with the minority groups in the country, and so was amended in 1951 to include a green and orange band, to represent the Muslim and Tamil communities respectively. Finally, when the country adopted the local name of Sri Lanka in 1972, the flag was modified once more, with four leaves of the pipul tree, a Buddhist symbol, added to the four corners of the dark red panel. This version of the flag was in official use from 1978.

In 1972 the leaves replaced "finials" that were previously located in the corners. In 1978 the leaves were made more "natural".

Nick Artimovich, 2 October 1996

The National Flag recommended by the special committee was presented to Parliament by Mr. D.S. Senanayake on March 2nd, 1951 and adopted. It had two strips, one green and the other yellow. Each of these strips had to be equal to one seventh the size of the flag.

When Sri Lanka was first made a Republic in 1972 the stylized Bo Leaves depicted in the National Flag were changed to resemble natural Bo leaves. The amended flag was first unfurled at the Republic Day celebrations held on May 22nd, 1972. The National Flag is incorporated in Section 6 Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of September 09th, 1978.

Except for the new Bo leaves the present flag is the same flag recommended by the National Flag Formulation Committee on March 2nd, 1951.

The Kandy kingdom flag officially hoisted on 4th February 1948 had sinhalese pines in the four corners. On 22nd May 1972 the sinhalese pines were changed to leaves of bo or pipul. On 7th September the was a very small change in the leaves that is very difficult to perceive and a change in the background colour shade

>Wether and Climate

Climate of Sri Lanka, Best in the world and an ideal holiday destination for you!

Sri Lanka is neither too hot nor too cold. There is warmth throughout the year. Temperature is almost the same all the year round; diurnal differences in temperature is very low, less that 5 degrees F. No seasonal changes as regards climate of Sri Lanka is isle as in the west. Average temperature is 80 o F in the lowlands and gradually decreasing while proceeding to the interior highlands but the highest point in Sri Lanka is 8292’, so you see, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for a tourist.

Sri Lanka lies in the tropical zone roughly between 5o N and 10o N latitudes, almost within the belt of calms or Doldrums, which gets conventional rains throughout the year. Though anyone can expect a high temperature according to their circumstances, several factors contribute to an advantageous influence on the climate.

Firstly, this is an small island surrounded by the vast Indian ocean, lying off the tip of the South Indian Peninsula. Secondly, the maximum length and breadth of this being 432 and 224 kms respectively allowing the on-coming sea breeze blowing during the day time spread throughout the island having a favourable effect on this temperature especially in the lowlands and a soothing effect on man, and the average temperature varies 80 degrees F to 84 degrees – 85 degrees F or s degrees F – to 00 degrees F later being the average temperature of the famous town Nuwara Eliya in the Hills.
Visit world famous Garden City of Asia, Nuwara Eliya you will find best climate of Sri Lanka

Though Sri Lanka is always warm and bright and sunny, air is always humid. Percentage of humidity in the air is higher in the wet South West rather than in the eastern dry zone depending on the rains. Towns such as Bandarawela and Badulla are regarded as better health wise, being in the east of the hill country which get less rain and subsequently air is much less humid. So you must spend your hoilday in Bandarawela or Badulla when you visit Sri lanka to experience the best climate of Sri lanka .

Though Ceylon lies within the Rest of Calm, it is also within the area of Indian monsoonal system. Thus the monsoons are really a strong factor modifying the climate of the isle during certain periods of the year. South West monsoons blowing over vast ocean brining with it vast amount of moisture – laden winds, meeting the central hill country drops the moisture on the south west hills and plains, these being on the windward side and passes over the east as a not dry wind, it being the leeward side. This hot dry wind known as kaccan coming down the eastern slopes of the hill country passes at a considerable speed making a loud hooting noise.

In Sinhala hoot is called huva and the people believe that the term huva derived from the word huva (huva >uva). You could hear this noise vibrating through the night in case you spend a night at a town like Bandarawela during the South West monsoonal rains.

Thus the South West of Sri Lanka gets more rain from the South West monsoons from May to July and at the end of the year South East monsoon winds and depressions forming in the bay of Bengal being rains to the East.

Driest part of the island lying to the North West and South West is called the Arid zone. Parts of some wild life sanctuaries as Yala, Bundala, Wilpattu, are lying in these zones provide sufficient water for the flora and fauna in the area unless there is a severe drought, which occurs in a while.

Favourite climate conditions prevalent in Sri Lank, warmth all the year round, temperature conditions in the central hills all encourage the tourist to plan holiday at any time of the year.

UNAWATUNA HOTELS

    
Unawatuna Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Unawatuna Hotels at the picturesque Unawatuna beach and in the interior areas of the village of Unawatuna are in heavy demand all round the year and especially during the main tourist season of Sri Lanka extending from November to April. Unwatuana beach is studded with a cluster of guesthouses: midrange and budget. However Unawatuana sorely lacks luxury hotels of international standing., Unawatuna Beach Resort , Sanmira Renaissance Hotel and Off Rocks are among the larger beachfront hotels on Unawatuana beach. However, the tourists who prefer smaller, individual properties to large generic luxury hotels are bound to discover good options among the small boutique styled villas and guest houses in Unawatuana.

Unawatuana beach is a lovely semi-circular stretch of golden sands fringed with coconut palm trees that hardly exceed a kilometer from the end to end. At both ends, the beach is well protected by headlands. At the northern headland is a gleaming white dagoba: an extraordinary sight on a beach. Protected by extensive coral reef the bay beach affords ideal swimming conditions year-round, even during the monsoon season. During the monsoon the beach would have some brief and intense but warm tropical showers only to be followed by bright sunshine resulting in enjoyable days at the beach one again. Unawatuana Beach is voted as one of the “top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world” by the Discovery Channel and Mark Ellingham, the founder of 'Rough Guides'.

The beach sheltered by the coconut palm trees is well interspersed with restaurants and cafes serving spicy hot local cuisine. Brought straight from the beach, fresh fish, prawns, lobster and crawfish are cooked in show kitchens to serve the tourists at these restaurants. Over and above the delicious sea food are luscious fresh tropical fruits: pineapple, mango, papaya, mangosteen, rambutan, water melon and banana.

6km north of the beach of Unawatuna is Galle, the sea port, home to a multitude of luxury, midrange and budget hotels. The luxury beachfront accommodation at Galle ranges from outstanding top-end hotels to luxury boutique guest houses located within the Galle Dutch Fort (World Heritage Site) at Galle as well as beyond. Amangalla , Tamarind Hill , Jetwing Lighthouse and Galle Fort Hotel , with the distinctive character of each of those, stand apart from the rest of the luxury hotels at Galle.

Unawatuna Hotels on the beach wouldn’t be top-end luxurious hotels, yet Unawatuna beach that affords safe swimming year round and Unawatuana restaurants on the beach that serves sizzling dishes of fresh sea-food are bound to become the overriding factors in the beach holidys at Unawatuana.

1. Unawatuna Hotels- beachfront

Unawatuna Beach Resort
Location: Unawatuna beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 72 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

Sanmira Rennaissance Hotel
Location: Mihiripenna, Unawatuna.
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 24 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Off Rocks
Location: Unawatuna,
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 10 rooms in 2 villas
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Miltons Beach Resort
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: budget hotel
Rooms: 20
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Amanda Beach Villas
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available at a separate land just opposite
Tennis court: not available

Amor Villa
Location: Dalewalla, Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Dalawella Beach Resort
Location: Dalawella, Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Dilakn Guest House
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Joe's Bungalow
Location: Unawatuana
Setting: beachfront
Type: guesthouse
Rooms: 4 bedroom bungalows and 2 villas
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Kings Palm Villa
Location: Thalpe, Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 bedrooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Tarshush Beach Residence
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Sun'n'Sea Hotel
Location: Unawatuana
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 10 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

2. Unawatuna Hotels- Interior

Flower Garden
Location: Wella Dewalaya Road - Unawatuna
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 25 cabanas
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Star Light Hotel
Location: Thalpe, Unawatuana
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 14 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Thambapanni Retreat
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 10 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Mango House Villa
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 bedrooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Black Beauty Guesthouse
Location: Ganahena, Unawatuna
Setting: 100 meters to the beach
Type: guest house
Rooms: 8 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Banana Garden
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: beach is 1 minute walk away
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 bungalows
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Fernando's House
Location: Unawatuna
Setting: 5 minutes walk to the Unawatuna Beach
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Dhammika
Location: 5 minutes walk to Unawatuna Beach
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Kurulla Villa
Location: Aththaragoda, 20 minutes walk to Unawatuna beach
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 bedrooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Nooit Gedacht Ayurveda Health Resort
Location: Unawatuna,
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 bedrooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Nor Lanka Hotel
Location: Parangiyawatta, Unawatuna, 300m off the Galle- Matara Road
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 9 bedrooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Ranthil Resort
Location: Bataduwa Village, Unawatuna,
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Rockside Cabanas
Location: Mihiripenna near Unawatuna.
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Secret Garden Villa
Location: Unawatuana
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

NUWARAEALIYA HOTELS

Nuwara Eliya Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Nuwara Eliya Hotels are invariably set amidst the rings of mountains of the health resort city of Nuwara Eliya (1890 meters above the sea level), the highest town of Sri Lanka. The city of Nuwara Eliya, located 180km away from Colombo, is a plain that nestles in the high mountains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. In the backdrop of the year round salubrious Climate of the Central Highlands, all Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature options in room heating: wood burning fire places (hearths) or electric room heaters. Unlike the luxury hotels and guest houses located in the string of fine bay beaches and numerous tourist attractions of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya Hotels do not feature swimming pools. Wherever a hotel or guest house in Nuwara Eliya features a swimming pool, the guests would find it temperature controlled to avoid the chill brought in by the surrounding high mountains of the Central Highlands. All of Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature pipe-borne hot water.

Nuwara Eliya draws in Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign tourists. During the month of April, the city is overrun by the Sri Lankan tourists from all over the island resulting in a major spike in room rates of Nuwara Eliya budget hotels and mid range Nuwara Eliya Hotels. Then again during the months of August and December, room rates get a boost in view of the school vacations. Should you plan to visit during April or August or December, hotel bookings well in advance of these months would be of great value.

Some of the luxury hotels are renovated, restored or reconstructed colonial buildings: 155 room Grand Hotel at the heart of Nuwara Eliya is a restored colonial bungalow now endowed with a new wing; Heritance Tea Factory in the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya at Kandapola is an ingenious modification of a colonial tea factory with its compartments, machinery and equipment intact. Most of the guest houses too are renovations, restorations and conversions on old colonial bungalows and tea bungalows used by the colonial British businessmen and planters during the 19th century.

The advantages in staying at a Nuwara Eliya Hotel or at a Nuwara Eliya Guest House is numerous: Nuwara Eliya is a fine base to set off exploring the nature World Heritage site of Horton Plains and the nearly one kilometer deep steep escarpment called World’s End; Nuwara Eliya Golf Club which spreads over 90 acres and Queen Victoria Park are situated in the heart of the city; Haggala Botanical Gardens, Galways' Land Bird Sanctuary and Labookele Tea Centre are within few minutes drive. While Lake Gregory affords the opportunities for boating and rowing, Nuwara Eliya Turf Club is open to all visitors for Horse Riding.

Nuwara Eliya is reached by Colombo-Avissawella-Hatton-Nuwara Eliya A7 main motor road. Though Nuwara Eliya isn’t connected by the Railway, the closest railway station at scenic hill country city of Nanu-Oya makes the journey by railway too possible by highland railway line from Colombo via Kandy and Hatton.

Nuwara Eliya Hotels - City

Grand Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 155 rooms
International Star grading:

St Andrew’s Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Galway Forest Lodge
Location: Upper Lake Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Windsor Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 49 rooms
International Star grading:

Glendower Hotel
Location: Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Hotel Sunhill
Location: Unique View Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 22 rooms
International Star grading:

The Trevene Holiday Bungalow
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 10 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Brockenhurst
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Governor's Chalets
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking Lake Gregory
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 wooden chalets
International Star grading: not graded

Hotel Green Garden
Location: opposite Nuwaraeliya Town Hall, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 11 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Alpine Hotel
Location: Haddon Hill Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: budget hotel
Rooms: 25 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Ceybank Rest
Location: Badulla Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 19 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Nuwara Eliya Hotels- interior

Heritance Tea Factory
Location: Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: amidst a tea estate
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 57 rooms
International Star grading: 4 star

Jetwing Warwick Gardens
Location: Ambewela, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: 6 acre estate amidst the mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Avian Breeze
Location: Badulla Road towards Welimada
Setting: on a hillock
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Craigbank
Location: Ambewela, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: 6 acre estate amidst the mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Amaya Langdale
Location: Radalla, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: with a view of mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Westminster House
Location: 4km off the city limit
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Maples Luxury Holiday Resort
Location: Magasthota,Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Forest Dale Holiday Bungalow
Location: Labookelle, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Black Pool Bungalow
Location: 4km’s away From Nuwara Eliya Town
Setting: with a view of Mount Piduruthalagala
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

NILAWELI HOTELS

We dryer at nilaveli beach hotel during our christmas holidays. The place was absolutely beautiful and the staff were extremely friendly. Make sure you take an excursion out to pigeon island to go snorkelling.

Overall, we had a wonderful time at this hotel- the beach is one of the best I have come across- totally unspoilt paradise with great waves. We booked this place through Tangerine Tours (Kamalini was excellent to deal with) and paid about $130 for the deluxe rooms. The hotel itself is very nice- in particular I liked that it wasn't...

Negative sides We paid far too much for the room which is just a bungalow with few equipment and quite old. The beach is close, but it's not woth the price : 200$ / night !!! For comparison - well, price only - the Thai royal suite of Galle face hotel is 250$ and there is no way Nilaveli bungalows...

We were recommended this hotel for its beach at it did not disappointing on that front as it is easily the best hotel in the area - for now. However, the best rooms are the beach facing deluxe rooms as the rest are set away from the beach and can be less comfortable (even crowded feeling). The rooms are spacious...

Nilaveli Beach Hotel has been rebuilt after the Tsunami and you can see that every bit of furniture is new in the garden and in the rooms. Rooms are spacious with AC and simple furnishings.The bathrooms are spacious but lack on decor. The staff is very friendly and they make their best to make you happy, The breakfast buffet has...

This belongs to the Tangerine Group, and has been around since the 1970's, and is the oldest property in the Trincomalee area. It was destroyed by the devastating Asian Tsunami on 26 December 2004, but was rebuilt. Note that the road to Trincomalee is very bad from the Kanthalai tank. The hotel at Nilaveli is about 20 minutes from Trincomalee...

BENTOTA HOTELS

Bentota Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Bentota Hotels at Bentota (62km south of Colombo) ranges from up market hotels and boutique hotels to budget hotels and guest houses.

Bentota features a pristine palm fringed beach; a lagoon set in the tropical greenery; River Bentara Ganga dotted with islets rich in birdlife. And most of all, the prize possession is the Paradise Island: an exotic narrow tongue of land sandwiched between Bentota Beach to the west and Bentota lagoon and River Bentara Ganga to the east. While Bentota Beach from northern end of the peninsula to the southern end is studded with Bentota Hotels, until the neighboring beach of Induruwa, towards inland off Bentota beach too have its own share of Bentota Hotels well set in the all green tropical scenic beauty of the region.

While such are the natural endowments at Bentota, the man-made enrichments too are geared to the industry of inbound tourism to Bentota. Bentota Hotels at Bentota Beach, the prime beach resort of Sri Lanka is well supported by the integrated infrastructure of Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex that occupies the prime land of Bentota: the stretch of land between the Galle Road (A2 main southern road Colombo- Galle-Matara-Hambantota-Wellawaya) and the Colombo-Galle-Matara Railway track that runs right past the Bentota beach.

However the Bentota Hotels established outside of the perimeters of the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex such as inland Bentota Hotels and isolated Bentota Hotels on the beach afar from the main beach of Bentota aren’t serviced by the Bentota National Holiday Resort.

South-western and southern Beaches of Sri Lanka

South-western and southern Beaches of Sri Lanka are the main draw of the visiting tourists keen on Sri Lanka Beach Holidays. BIA Colombo Bandaranayke International Airport (IATA:CMB) is located at the city of Katunayake close to Negombo Beach on the western coast of Sri Lanka. 37km south of the CMB Colombo airport is the heart of Colombo at Fort. Colombo, the capital, the main seaport, the main transportation hub and emporium of Sri Lanka is the regular base of the tourists visiting to Sri Lanka. Having arrived in Sri Lanka, visiting Colombo mustn’t be missed since the capital city, modern and cosmopolitan stands out in sharp contrast to other cities of Sri Lanka. Furthermore visiting Colombo affords the opportunity to visit Kelaniya Royal Temple whose modern murals all over the walls and ceilings enlighten all the visitors of the major landmarks of the 2550 years of recorded history of Sri Lanka.

Once in Colombo, travelling to the finest tropical beaches of Sri Lanka is made convenient. The finest beaches can be reached by main coastal road called Galle Road (A2) as well as by the southern railway line that runs close to motor road till the terminus point at Matara. The southern railway line is being extended from Matara to Hambantota in the Deep South.

The first beach resort south of Colombo is at Wadduwa (30km) and then 10km further south is the beach of Kalutara. 15km south of Kalutara is beach resort of Beruwala. Bentota, the prime beach resort of Sri Lanka is 8km further to the south. From Bentota onwards till Tangalle east of Matara, the coast is studded with fine palm fringed pristine bay beaches: Induruwa; Ahungalle; Ambalangoda; Hikkaduwa; Galle; Unawatuna; Mirissa; Polhena (Matara);Dickwella;Tangalle.

Bentota Hotels by the location

1. Bentota Hotels at the Paradise Island of Bentota (Northern stretch of Bentota Beach)
2. Bentota Hotels at the Southern Stretch of Bentota Beach
3. Bentota Hotels located on the beaches south of the Bentota Beach
4. Bentota Hotels by the Bentota lagoon
5. Bentota Hotels on the banks of Bentara River of Bentota
6. Bentota Hotels at Bentota Inland
7. Hotels at Alutgama Beach immediately north of Bentota Beach (2km)
8. Hotels at Beruwala Beach, north of Aluthgama and Bentota Beach (4km)
9. Hotels at Induruwa Beach immediately south of Bentota Beach (6 km)

1. Bentota Hotels at the Paradise Island (Northern stretch of Bentota Beach)

Bentota Beach Hotel
Location: Bentota Paradise Island
Setting: beachfront and lagoon front
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 135 rooms and 3 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

Hotel Ceysands
Location: Bentota Paradise Island
Setting: beachfront and lagoon front
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 84
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Club Bentota
Location: Bentota Paradise Island
Setting: beachfront and lagoon front
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 146 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

2. Bentota Hotels at the Southern Stretch of Bentota Beach

Vivanta by Taj
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 162
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

The Surf Bentota
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 86
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Club Villa Bentota
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 17 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Serendib
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 90
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Wunderbar Beach Club
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 14 rooms and 01 bungalow
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Amal-Villa Robolgoda
Location: Bentota Beach
Setting: 100 meters inland from the beach
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 06 rooms and 03 apartments
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

3. Bentota Hotels located south of the Bentota Beach

Saman Villas
Location: 3km south of Bentota Bridge
Setting: on a headland on the beach
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 26 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

4. Bentota Hotels by the Bentota lagoon

AIDA Ayurveda & Spa Resort
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: lagoon front
Type: Ayurvedic Health & Spa
Rooms: 19
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Ayurveda Walauwa
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: 50 meters inland from the beach
Type: exclusively for Ayurvedic treatment
Rooms: 20
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

5. Bentota Hotels on the banks of the Bentota River

Bawa House 87
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: on the banks of the Bentota River
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 02
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Bentota River Bungalow & Apartment
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: on banks of the Bentota River
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 02
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Bentota Waterside
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: on the banks of the Bentota River
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 06
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Dalmanuta Gardens
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: on banks of the Bentara River at Bentota
Type: boutique hotel
International Star grading: not graded
Rooms: 09 suits
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

6. Bentota Hotels Inland

Hotel Bentota Village
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: village surroundings
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 14 rooms and 2 apartments
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Susantha’s
Location: within the walking distance of the Bentota Beach
Setting: near to the beach
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 13 rooms and 4 suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Lunuganga
Location: 5km inland from Bentota on Lake Dedduwa.
Setting: Lake surroundings
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: not available
Tennis court: not available

Nisala Arana
Location: 3km inland from the beach
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Sakura Villa Bentota
Location: Bentota
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: guest house
Rooms: 05
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Shangri Lanka Villa Boutique Guest House
Location: Bentota
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: Boutique Hotel
Rooms: 05 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Suhada Villa
Location: Bentota
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: Boutique Hotel
Rooms: 05 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Villa Bentota (formerly Mohotti Walauwa)
Location: Bentota
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 15
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Villa Sri Pali
Location: Bentota
Setting: tropical gardens
Type: guest house
Architecture and landscaping: secluded
Rooms: 3 suits and 2 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

7. Hotels at Alutgama Beach immediately north of Bentota Beach (2km)

Lanka Princess Hotel
Location: Alutgama
Setting: near the beach
Type: budget hotel
Architecture and landscaping: modern
Rooms: 105 rooms and 6 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Nilwala
Location: Kaluwamodara, between Beruwela and Aluthgama
Setting: on the banks of Bentara River at Bentota
Type: villa
Rooms: 10
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Riverdale Eco Resort
Location: Moragolla, Aluthgama
Setting: on the banks of Bentara River at Bentota
Type: villa
Rooms: 10
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

8. Hotels at Beruwala Beach, north of Alutgama and Bentota Beach (8km)

Eden Resort and Spa
Location: Kaluwamodera, Beruwala
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 152 rooms and 6 suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Heritance Ayurveda Mahagedara (formerly Neptune Ayurveda Village)
Location: Moragalla, Beruwala
Setting: beachfront
Type: Ayurveda Resort
Rooms: 64
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Taparosa Footprints
Location: Moragalla, Beruwala
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms and 2 suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

The Palms
Location: Moragalla, Beruwala
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 100
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort
Location: Moragolla, Aluthgama
Setting: beachfront
Type: budget hotel
Rooms: 75
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

9. Hotels at Induruwa Beach immediately south of Bentota Beach (6 km)

Oasey Beach Hotel
Location: Galboda, Induruwa
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 14 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Induruwa Beach Resort
Location: Kaikawala, Induruwa
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 84 rooms and 6 Suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Emerald Bay
Location: Induruwa
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 50 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Location: Induruwa
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 10 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Royal Beach Resort
Location: Induruwa
Setting: beachfront
Type: villa
Rooms: 15 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

GALLE HOTELS

Galle Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Galle is home to a fine selection of budget and luxury accommodation. However, the Mid-range hotels are limited. Luxury hotels and budget guest houses are found within the Galle Dutch Fort, in the city and in the surroundings of Galle. Beach hotels at Unawatuna bay beach, one of the finest beaches of the world, located 5km south of Galle complements the hotel accommodation options available in Galle.

The sea port city of Galle is divided into two sectors: the colonial town called Fort and the new town. In between the two sectors is the Galle International Cricket Stadium. To the east of the Stadium across a coastal street called Bauddhaloka Mawatha is the legendary harbor of Galle.

Galle Hotels located within the Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fort being a World Heritage Site, construction of new buildings isn’t allowed within the site. However Galle Fort has seen a cluster of colonial buildings restored and converted into boutique hotels and villas to bolster the accommodation options to the foreign tourists. The most famous colonial hotel located within premises of Galle Dutch Fort is Amangalla. Formerly known as New Oriental Hotel, this luxury resort retains the decor of the grand bungalows of the British colonial days of Sri Lanka. The other guest houses located within the fort too are renovated colonial villas. Of these guest houses, most are family run enterprises.

Amangalla
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 7 rooms, 6 chambers and 8 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Fort Fifty Inn
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Orchard House
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Fort House
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Fort printer
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Ocean View Guest house
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Ambassador's house
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Rampart View Guest House
Location: Galle
Setting: within the Dutch Fort
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Galle Hotels at New Town of Galle

The new town to the north of Galle Dutch Fort is the hub of commercial activity in the city: banks, Railway station, bus depot, shops and bazzar are clustered together therein. New town is also home to a considerable number of luxury hotels and elegant colonial villas.

Jetwing Lighthouse
Location: 2km away from Galle at Dadella
Setting: beachfront
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 60 rooms and 3 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Closenburg Hotel
Location: Galle harbor, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 20 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Lady Hill Hotel
Location: Dickson Road, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 15 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Hasara
Location: Wekunugoda Road, Galle
Setting: suburban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 15 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Sun House
Location: Upper Dickson Rd, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Villa Golden
Location: Sea Street, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Sayuru Inn
Location: Galle
Setting: riverside
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Galle Hotels located at Thalpe & Dalawela, 8km south of Galle

Five kilometers to the south of Galle is the magnificent Unawatuna Bay Beach. Beyond Unawatuna beach are the unspoilt beaches at Dalawela and Thalpe. While Dalawela is home to a several mid-range guesthouses, Thalpe too is studded with a luxury beachfront villas.

23 Palms
Location: Thalpe, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 2 suits
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hempel House
Location: Thalpe, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Holiday Bungalow in Wackwella
Location: Thalpe, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Victoria
Location: Thalpe, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Villa One Two Five
Location: Thalpe, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Villa Araliya
Location: Heenatigala, Thalpe, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Beach Hut
Location Dalawella, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: guest house
Rooms: 2 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Galle Hotels in the surroundings of Galle city

To the south and north of Galle are fine stretches of beaches. The low lying hills inland from Galle brings about a change of face from sub urban landscape of the coast to village surroundings: paddy fields, coconut groves and tea gardens. In these surroundings are located the eco tourism attractions: Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum; Hiyara Rain forest Park; Samankanda. The beaches as well as the interior areas of Galle feature a number of luxury hotels and budget guest houses.

Aditya Resort
Location: Devenigoda, Rathgama, Galle
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 12 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Apa Villa Illuketiya
Location: 5 km from Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 7 suits in 3 villas
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Kahanda Kanda
Location: 15km from Galle at Angulugaha,
Setting: village surroundings
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 8 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

The Fortress Resort & Spa
Location: 15km south of Galle at Koggala Beach
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 49 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Ambalama Villa
Location: 7 km south of Galle at Dahawella
Setting: beachfront
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 4 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Tamarind Hill
Location: 3 km north of Galle at Dadella
Setting: village surroundings
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 11 rooms and 2 suits
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Malgedara
Location: 10 km south of Galle at Katholuwa, Galle
Setting: village surroundings
Type: luxury boutique hotel
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

KANDY HOTELS

Nuwara Eliya Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Nuwara Eliya Hotels are invariably set amidst the rings of mountains of the health resort city of Nuwara Eliya (1890 meters above the sea level), the highest town of Sri Lanka. The city of Nuwara Eliya, located 180km away from Colombo, is a plain that nestles in the high mountains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. In the backdrop of the year round salubrious Climate of the Central Highlands, all Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature options in room heating: wood burning fire places (hearths) or electric room heaters. Unlike the luxury hotels and guest houses located in the string of fine bay beaches and numerous tourist attractions of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya Hotels do not feature swimming pools. Wherever a hotel or guest house in Nuwara Eliya features a swimming pool, the guests would find it temperature controlled to avoid the chill brought in by the surrounding high mountains of the Central Highlands. All of Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature pipe-borne hot water.

Nuwara Eliya draws in Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign tourists. During the month of April, the city is overrun by the Sri Lankan tourists from all over the island resulting in a major spike in room rates of Nuwara Eliya budget hotels and mid range Nuwara Eliya Hotels. Then again during the months of August and December, room rates get a boost in view of the school vacations. Should you plan to visit during April or August or December, hotel bookings well in advance of these months would be of great value.

Some of the luxury hotels are renovated, restored or reconstructed colonial buildings: 155 room Grand Hotel at the heart of Nuwara Eliya is a restored colonial bungalow now endowed with a new wing; Heritance Tea Factory in the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya at Kandapola is an ingenious modification of a colonial tea factory with its compartments, machinery and equipment intact. Most of the guest houses too are renovations, restorations and conversions on old colonial bungalows and tea bungalows used by the colonial British businessmen and planters during the 19th century.

The advantages in staying at a Nuwara Eliya Hotel or at a Nuwara Eliya Guest House is numerous: Nuwara Eliya is a fine base to set off exploring the nature World Heritage site of Horton Plains and the nearly one kilometer deep steep escarpment called World’s End; Nuwara Eliya Golf Club which spreads over 90 acres and Queen Victoria Park are situated in the heart of the city; Haggala Botanical Gardens, Galways' Land Bird Sanctuary and Labookele Tea Centre are within few minutes drive. While Lake Gregory affords the opportunities for boating and rowing, Nuwara Eliya Turf Club is open to all visitors for Horse Riding.

Nuwara Eliya is reached by Colombo-Avissawella-Hatton-Nuwara Eliya A7 main motor road. Though Nuwara Eliya isn’t connected by the Railway, the closest railway station at scenic hill country city of Nanu-Oya makes the journey by railway too possible by highland railway line from Colombo via Kandy and Hatton.

Nuwara Eliya Hotels - City

Grand Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 155 rooms
International Star grading:

St Andrew’s Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Galway Forest Lodge
Location: Upper Lake Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Windsor Hotel
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 49 rooms
International Star grading:

Glendower Hotel
Location: Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 52 rooms
International Star grading:

Hotel Sunhill
Location: Unique View Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 22 rooms
International Star grading:

The Trevene Holiday Bungalow
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 10 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Brockenhurst
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Governor's Chalets
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking Lake Gregory
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 wooden chalets
International Star grading: not graded

Hotel Green Garden
Location: opposite Nuwaraeliya Town Hall, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 11 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Alpine Hotel
Location: Haddon Hill Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: budget hotel
Rooms: 25 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Ceybank Rest
Location: Badulla Road, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: in the city
Type: guest house
Rooms: 19 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Nuwara Eliya Hotels- interior

Heritance Tea Factory
Location: Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: amidst a tea estate
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 57 rooms
International Star grading: 4 star

Jetwing Warwick Gardens
Location: Ambewela, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: 6 acre estate amidst the mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Avian Breeze
Location: Badulla Road towards Welimada
Setting: on a hillock
Type: guest house
Rooms: 5 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Craigbank
Location: Ambewela, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: 6 acre estate amidst the mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Amaya Langdale
Location: Radalla, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: with a view of mountains
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Westminster House
Location: 4km off the city limit
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Maples Luxury Holiday Resort
Location: Magasthota,Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Forest Dale Holiday Bungalow
Location: Labookelle, Nuwara Eliya
Setting: overlooking tea estates
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

Black Pool Bungalow
Location: 4km’s away From Nuwara Eliya Town
Setting: with a view of Mount Piduruthalagala
Type: guest house
Rooms: 7 rooms
International Star grading: not graded

COLOMBO HOTELS

Colombo Hotels, Sri Lanka.
   
   
Colombo Hotels feature a fair share of top end luxury hotels that are geared towards the requirements of business travelers. Supplementing the top end hotels is a growing number of chic boutique hotels: the transformation of renovated British Colonial Bungalows into boutique hotels has become the trend in Colombo as well as in coastal areas and the Central highlands. Though the budget accommodation options are somewhat limited, the Mid-range hotels have been renovated, new wings added and refurbished to cater to the ever growing demand. While visiting Colombo, the business travelers and holiday makers would find an advance booking of a Colombo hotel is to their advantage in terms of cost and time.

Colombo zones

Greater Colombo consists of fifteen numbered suburbs recognized by area code: Colombo 1 (Fort); Colombo 2 (Slave Island and Union Place); Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya); Colombo 4 (Bambalapitiya); Colombo 5 (Havelock Town and Kirilapone); Colombo 6 (Wellawatte and Pamankada); Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens); Colombo 8 (Borella); Colombo 9 (Dematagoda); Colombo 10 (Maradana and Panchikawatte); Colombo 11 (Pettah); Colombo 12 (Hulftsdorf); Colombo 13 (Kotahena and Bloemendhal); Colombo 14 (Grandpass); Colombo 15 (Mutwal, Modera, Mattakkuliya and Madampitiya)

Colombo Hotels at Fort, the Heart of Colombo

The heart of the city of Colombo with the area code of 1, bustling with commerce is still called Fort, though the colonial Dutch Fort, a fortified city, was demolished in the nineteenth century. Hilton Colombo, one of the finest luxury hotels in Colombo together with Galadari Hotel are located by the leafy Lotus Road at the southern border of Fort area. Ceylon Continental Hotel imposes itself as the immediate neighbor of Galadari Hotel at the round about by the beach where the Janadhipati Mawata (Sinhala: President’s Street) running to the north towards Colombo harbor has Colombo World Center and numerous banking and finance institutions just a few meters ahead.

Immediately to the south of Galadari round-about, at the end of west-bound Lotus Road is the beachfront Promenade of Colombo called Galle Face Green, the southern end of which, meets Galle Face Hotel. The Lotus road itself gives way to Galle road to the south at the Galadari round-about. Beachfront Galle Face Green Promenade, along its stretch faces three of top end hotels over the Galle Road: Hotel Taj Samudra, Ramada Colombo and Cinnamon Grand.

However, Cinnamon Lakeside, the sister hotel of Cinnamon Grand isn’t located at Fort (Colombo1). Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is located at Colombo 2 (Slave Island and Union Place) by Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Street with Beira Lake in the rear side.

Fort (Colombo 1)

Fort Railway Station and Colombo Central Bus stand are located 1km east of Fort. Interspersed among the modern luxury hotels and other modern sky scrapers of Colombo Fort are well maintained colonial buildings still in operation: Cargills department stores at Fort; Presidential secretariat (old parliament); Presidential Villa (Queens House); the foreign ministry (old Legislative Council Building).

Cargills department store is located York Street about 200 meters north of the Ceylon Continental Hotel. Another hundred meters north of Cargills department store is Grand Oriental Hotel (3 star) in front of the main entrance to Colombo harbor. During the colonial era, when the sea-passage was the mode of overseas transpiration, Grand Oriental Hotel provided shelter to passengers arriving Colombo by ocean liners.

Colombo Hotels south of Fort, along the Galle Road

Kollupitiya (Colombo 3), just past Galle Face Green: Juliana, Ranmuthu
Bambalapitiya (Colombo 4), immediately south of Kollupitiya: Hotel Renuka
Wellawatta (Colombo 6), immediately south of Bambalapitiya:Hotel Omega Inn; Global Towers Apartment Hotel; Hotel Sapphire

Colombo Airport

Colombo airport called Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA: CMB) is located 37km of Fort, Colombo at the town of Katunayake, Negombo. Colombo airport, by virtue of its strategically important geographical location, now coupled with on-going development of infrastructure is destined become a regional hub of East-West air routes.

Colombo Hotels in Fort and immediate surroundings

Cinnamon Lakeside
Location: Colombo
Setting: by the lake
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 340 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Galadari Hotel
Location: Fort, Colombo
Setting: heart of Colombo
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 450 luxury rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

Ceylon Continental Hotel
Location: Fort, Colombo
Setting: heart of Colombo
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 250 luxury rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Cinnamon Grand Hotel
Location: Fort, Colombo
Setting: Galle Face
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 501 luxury rooms and suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Taj Samudra
Location: Colombo
Setting: Galle Face
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 300 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

Hilton Colombo Residence
Location: Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: apartment hotel
Rooms: 172 apartments
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: available

Ramada Colombo
Location: Colombo
Setting: Galle Face
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 94 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

The Grand Oriental Hotel
Location: Colombo
Setting: at the entrance to the harbor
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 76 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Galle Face Hotel
Location: Colombo
Setting: Galle Face Green
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 145 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Colombo City Hotel
Location: Echelon Square, Colombo
Setting: heart of Colombo
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 32 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Colombo Hotels along Galle Road: Fort to Wellawatta

Hotel Renuka
Location: Bambalapitiya, 6km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 81 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Casa Colombo
Location: Bambalapitiya, 6km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 12 luxurious suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Global Towers Apartment Hotel
Location: Wellawatte, 6 km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 136 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Concord Hotel
Location: Wellawatte, 8km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 30 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Sapphire
Location: Wellawatte, 8km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 43 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Indra Regent Hotel
Location: Wellawatte, 8km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 29 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Omega Inn
Location: Wellawatte, 8km from Colombo City Center
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 15 luxury rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Colombo Hotels within the city of Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel
Location: Rosemead Place, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 10 suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Park Street Hotel
Location: Park Street, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: boutique hotel
Rooms: 10 rooms and 2 suites
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Janaki
Location: Havelock Town, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 50 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Hotel Sansu
Location: Havelock Town, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 26 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Havelock Place Bungalow
Location: Havelock Place, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Victoria Park Mansions
Location: Daramapala Mawatha, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Horton Place
Location: Horton Place, Colombo
Setting: urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 3 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Colombo Hotels Around The City of Colombo

Lake Lodge
Location: Thalawathugoda, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: 13 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

The Sovereign Corporate Hotel
Location: Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 60 rooms
International Star grading:
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

La Villa Sanctuary
Location: Thalawathugoda, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: luxury hotel
Rooms: two luxury suites
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Paradise Halbarawa
Location: Talahena, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 4 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Rose Villa
Location: Timbirigasyaya, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

Shangri La Resorts and Spa
Location: Kadawata, Colombo
Setting: sub urban
Type: guest house
Rooms: 6 rooms and 2 suites
International Star grading: not graded
Swimming pool: available
Tennis court: not available

>>Air taxi

SriLankan Air Taxi, Sri Lanka.
   
   
SriLankan Airlines operate domestic scheduled flights, chartered flights and scenic flights branded SriLankan Air Taxi to some of the popular tourist destinations in the southern coastal belt and the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The fleet of SriLankan Air Taxis consists of Twin Otter planes on straight floats with a seating capacity for 15 passengers. All otter planes land on identified locations of lakes, lagoons & reservoirs.

Availing of the air taxi service affords the business travelers and leisure travelers with the joy of having breathtaking aerial views of verdant green landscapes, waterways, highlands and beaches. Over and above the scenic beauty, is the advantage of saving 85% of the time spent in surface transport.

SriLankan Air Taxi has made some of the tourist attractions of the island accessible within an hour and now flies to 16 destinations: Kandy (2 sites), Bentota, Nuwara Eliya, Hingurakgoda, Galle (Koggala), Weerawila, Ampara (2 sites), Katunayake, Ratmalana, Trincomalee, Katukurunda, Sigiriya, Dickwella, Kelaniya and Anuradhapura.

Alternatively, SriLankan Air Taxis can be chartered privately as long there is a suitable landing area. Flights are operated only during day light hours and during acceptable Weather conditions.
In the event of a canceled flight, the crew will help you to source alternative transport.

Operator: SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Airline Centre, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Operating Hours Monday to Friday 0815 - 1645 hrs
   
       
   
SriLankan Air Taxi Highlights
   
   
SriLankan Air Taxi, Sri Lanka.
SriLankan Airlines operate domestic flights branded SriLankan Air Taxis to some of the popular tourist destinations in the southern coastal belt and the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The fleet of SriLankan Air Taxis consists of Twin Otter planes on straight floats with a seating capacity for 15 passengers. All otter planes land on identified locations of lakes, lagoons & reservoirs.

Availing of the air taxi service affords the business travelers and leisure travelers with the joy of having breathtaking aerial views of verdant green landscapes, waterways, highlands and beaches. Over and above the scenic beauty is advantage of saving 85% of the time spent in surface transport.


Operator: SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Airline Centre, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Operating Hours Monday to Friday 0815 - 1645 hrs

SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
Connecting to SriLankan Airlines international flights will operate daily.
Destinations of scheduled flights: Bentota (BJT), Koggala (KCT), Dikwella (DIW)

Transpot In Sri Lanka

Public Transportation in Sri Lanka
Experience the modern and old transport systems

Public Transportation in Sri Lanka is based mainly on the road network which is centred on Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. Good network of metalled roads exists in Sri Lanka linking all major towns and tourist destinations such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Galle, kataragama, Puttalama, etc. There is also an extensive railway network but it is largely a legacy of British colonial rule and is less appropriate for the modern transport requirements of Sri Lanka. There are also navigable waterways, harbours and airports, including an international airport, located in Katunayake, 22 miles north of Colombo. The highways and roadways around the capital are in very good condition and being upgraded constanstaly.

Traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 56 km per hr in built up areas for cars and two wheelers and 72 km per hr in the countryside. General road and driving information on Sri Lanka is available from the Automobile Association of Ceylon, which also sells a guide to Lankan road rules and road signs called The Highway Code.

Like other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka too is infamous for its chaotic traffic. And if you are coming to Sri Lanka from the United States, give yourself time to get used to people driving on the ‘wrong' side of the street, as cars here drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, the public transport system of this country leaves you with plenty of options to choose from.
 
By Air

When you fly into Sri Lanka, then that you will land at the Bandaranaike International Airport, situated 22 km north of the commercial capital Colombo, this airport is the only port of entry for international travellers. Mini Buses and taxis operate between the airport and the various other cities of the country. Sri Lanka has some domestic passenger flights; and they operate chartered flights from the Ratmalana Airport near Colombo and Minneriya.

Sri Lanka's national carrier is ‘Air Lanka’ and there are several international flights that connect the country to various global destinations. These include Indian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, British Airways, , Condor Airlines, K.L.M. Royal Dutch Airlines, Gulf Air, Thai Airways, Aeroflot, and Kuwait Airways.
 
By Road

Road network is the backbone of Sri Lanka. Over 70% of the nation's traffic traverses the country using the good network of metalled roads that exist here. The average speed limit of traffic within city limits is 50 – 60 km per hour, while it is up to 80 km per hour up on the highway. You will need an international driving permit to drive on these roads.
 
Three Wheeler, very popular public transportation in Sri Lanka

The most common mode of public transportation in Sri Lanka is via a three wheeler is also known as a tuk tuk, Three Wheeler taxi is an accepted mode of daily transportation in Sri Lanka. These operate in a manner similar to taxis, and are a highly cost-efficient way to get around. These are available as local transport in Colombo and many provincial towns. These taxis do not have meters so please negotiate a rate with the driver before you get on. If you are aware of the distance to your destination a thumb rule for bargaining is at the rate of 20 to 30 rupees per km. Your trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without a ride on one of these colourful three wheelers.
 
Taxis

Taxis are easily found in the major cities, but the taxis, like the tuk tuks, are not metered. So, it is best to settle a fare before you begin your journey. In Colombo and its suburbs you can get radio cabs, which are metered at the rate of Rs. 28 for the first km and Rs. 24 per additional km thereafter. There is no charge for calling these cabs and they can be rented for inter city trips also. You don't have to tip the taxi driver in this part of the world.
 
Rental cars

Most hotels recommend specifically rented cabs, which usually turn out cheaper. Other modes of transport include renting cars (which often come with their own drivers). Often the automobile itself is free, whereas the driver will charge a small fee for his services. Some chauffeur/guides are government-licensed; some are extremely knowledgeable and multi-lingual, specialising in historical and cultural knowledge, and environment/natural history for your visits to the ancient sites and the natural reserves.
 
Hire a Car

Cars are available for self-drive and also with drivers. If you are uncomfortable to driving conditions in Sri Lanka where having to make unexpected manoeuvres then best to go with the option of car with a driver. Self-drive cars can be hired for US $ 300 per month or US $ 20 – 25 per day with a minimum running distance. If you want to experience the challenging road and driving conditions in Sri Lanka, then you can always rent a car and drive your way around the country, though this is not a popular option. Renting a car does not require lengthy credit checks. However, to avoid all the hassle and make the best use of your time, it is advisable to rent a chauffer-driven car or coach. These are easily available facilities will help up to double up as your guide to the land, its culture and people. Most of these vehicles are air conditioned and offer a comfortable ride.

Chauffer driven coaches are also readily available and these are probably the best way to travel in Sri-Lanka, the dual advantages being that the responsibility for the vehicle rests with the driver who also doubles up as a guide. Rates for air conditioned coaches vary with the capacity, make and condition and can ranging from US 50 cents per Km per Person.These coaches of 26 passenger capacity going up to coaches with 40 passenger capacity. Non a/c coaches are much cheaper at less than US 10 cents per km per person. The driver has to be paid a daily allowance of US 50 cents to US $1 per day.
 
Buses

A nation wide network of buses operates in Sri Lanka comprising ‘public’ or ‘peoples’ or worker owned buses referred to as CTB (Ceylon Transport Board) buses, wholly government owned buses. A network of privately owned buses complements this network of government-run buses. Public bus transport in Sri Lanka ranks as one of the cheapest in the world. Express bus services offer a more comfortable and faster means of transportation. Buses Express bus services run to all major towns.

You will find buses everywhere. They're most of times are crowded and uncomfortable, but they get you around for almost nothing; it costs about a dollar to get half-way across Sri Lanka. Air Conditioned private buses run most routes for twice the price, which offers a guaranteed seat. However, they're still uncomfortable. Bus stations are confusing places, especially the big ones, but almost everyone will be delighted to practice their English and help you.
 
Trains

The rail lines that across Sri Lanka are a legacy of British rule. There are four main rail lines, across this island, and this network covers all the major towns and important tourist spots across the country. The first line extends from Colombo to Matara along the west coast. The main line runs from Colombo to Badulla, which covers route to Nuwara Eliya as well. The Railway system in Sri Lanka is very picturesque when entering the hill country because of the winding tracks along the mountains especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. Make sure, if you can, to sit on the right side of the train, as it offers the better view. Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system serving all major towns and cities in the island except for the North and the East. There are special Observation cars for tourists that like to take in the scenery.

This line also branches out to Kandy and is probably the most picturesque journey that you can take. You will be able to witness the stunning view of the hills as the train makes its way around gorgeous waterfalls and verdant tea gardens. The third and northern line runs to Anuradhapura, the ancient city capital. Fourth rail line runs from Colombo to Batticaloa, the East coast. Travelling by train is more comfortable and picturesque and even less expensive than buses. The trains normally have three classes, with first class being the best and most expensive. These trains also offer air-conditioned coaches, observation saloons and sleeping berths. These are typically more comfortable than the other coaches. Advance reservations can only be made for first class travel. There are an Intercity Express Train running from Colombo to Kandy. The Viceroy Special is a must if you want to experience a luxurious journey a trip on the 75-year-old passenger steam train, Viceroy Special is a must. This private train is decorated in period style and has two air-conditioned observation saloon carriages. Each saloon comes with its own smoking lounge and a modern toilet. There is a restaurant on board to fulfil your cravings, while you enjoy the scenic view as the train travels through the spectacular countryside.