Awakening of a tourist promise unexplored, under- travelled
View(s):The southern tip of Sri Lanka is opening up to live a tourist promise for the discerning traveller in the quest for an unexplored and largely under travelled region opened up by the Ruhunu Tourist Board.
Authorities have plans to develop this area by highlighting a number of tourist attractions like the Ridigama Safari Park, the botanical gardens, the Madunagala hot water springs, Deniyaya or the small Nuwara Eliya that is popular for adventure sports, and carnivals and exhibitions during December.Speaking with the Business Times, Ruhunu Tourist Board Chairman Janath Chandrasiri said that plans were underway to provide necessary infrastructure for the development of a boat safari for travellers. In this regard, they would be looking at establishing two jetties, changing rooms, wash rooms and rest rooms for backpackers with opportunities to visit the islands of Del Duwa, Godahena and the mask museum in Ambalangoda.
He noted that the carnival held is a key attraction in the area during the December month called Rhythm of Nature for five days with an exhibition, stalls from the government and private institutions.
Among other plans for tourism development the authorities have selected three villages for home stay projects in the Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts. In this respect, Mr. Chandrasiri explained that they had selected
15 home stays in Godahena, Ambalangoda in the Galle district; 15 home stays in Mideripitiya, Kotapola in the Matara district; and 20 home stays in Rekawa, Tangalle in the Hambantota district.While expectations are high on big demand from tourists in future, at present there is a low number of backpackers; group travellers and free individual travellers, the Ruhunu Tourist Board Chairman said.The Ruhunu Tourist Board has also established three information centres in Bentara which is visited by about 50 tourists per day, in Galle that attracts about 200 per day and in Deniyaya that draws about 20 per day during the peak season, Mr. Chandrasiri explained.
Moreover, the government has plans to develop the Suriyawewa hot water springs in Madunagala where the authorities have a state run hotel with about 11 rooms called Eco Resort.The Madunagala project would be given a cash infusion of Rs.1.7 million to upgrade the site which is one of the main spots in the country that has hot water springs.In 2006 authorities were able to develop it up to six springs, a place that was frequented by Buddhist Arahants (sages of the higher order) about 2000 years back.The Eco Resort hotel run by the authorities has become popular among locals, Mr. Chandrasiri said adding that they hope to attract more international visitors to the resort which is located about 20 kms from the Hambantota town.
The hotel that commenced with four rooms in 2006 comprises two luxury rooms and two family rooms with food prepared by a cook available at the premises.
In future there are plans to have a swimming pool to be constructed at a cost of Rs.500,000.Requests have also been made to establish dormitories and a convention hall that could accommodate at least 500 persons.In addition a restaurant would also be established in Madunagala at a cost of Rs.200,000 this year to ensure that food is available for holidaymakers.
These efforts have been brought about to ensure that travellers would be able to explore some of the lesser known attractions on the Southern coast with a history dating back to over 2000 years. (SD)