Hotel Kabalana: Pharaoh’s palace in South Sri Lanka
Kathaluwa/ Kabalana in Ahangama, a small fishing hamlet in the deep south of the Galle District, was not a major tourist destination few years back. Though it has a long lonely stretch of almost unspoiled beach, Ahangama became world famous for its ‘Stilt Fishing’, one of the most unique and old fishing technique that can be seen only in this stretch of the beach in Sri Lanka.
Apart from the ‘Stilt Fishing’, Ahangma is now slowly awaking for the visitors from around the world to Sri Lanka’s only real theme based purpose built hotel- Hotel Kabalana.
Hotel Kabalana is located directly facing the prime surfing spot on Ahangama Beach. Experience the ambience of a Pharaoh’s palace in ancient Egypt with the very best in modern amenities and comforts, as well as the authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.
Hotel Kabalana is a recreation of ancient Egypt’s Pharaoh Theme, where the property is built as real life Gods, signs and statues, guarding the Pharaoh’s Palace. The entire hotel is designed to suit the theme including bed room, main lobby, banquets and even dining area.
Hotel Kabalana boasts of having 45 theme based bed rooms including 20 deluxe rooms, 10 superior rooms, 12 villas and one big traditional Kabalana Bungalow.
Opened in April 2017, Hotel Kabalana, took the name of the surrounding village.
‘The original structure is a walawwa type building, now used as the Bungalow. The new theme building was completed in April last year. We operate this hotel as a theme resort and its every corner is manifesting of ancient Egypt’s Pharaoh Theme, conceptualised by two brothers-Sampath and Ranjan Masekorala, the MD and Chairman accordingly’ said Dinesh Ekanayake, the General Manager of the Hotel.
Superior rooms are comfortable and spacious with high ceilings, French doors, antique wallpaper, and rich tropical hardwood floors. Balcony views are toward the jungle or the ocean. Ocean view rooms offer a spectacular view of the Ahangama coastline stretching away to the south. Your room is a sanctuary nestled along a corridor guarded by statues of the ancient Egyptian deity Anubis – Protector of Sleep.
All rooms come with a wardrobe equipped with a secure-safe, bathrobes, and bath slippers. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. A special feature is the electronic smart toilet, which offers the most modern comforts in personal hygiene.
‘This is the very first time that a Sri Lankan hotel offers an intelligent toilet to its guests. This toilet is all programmed and operates accordingly ‘explained GM Ekanayake.
In the fashion of another famous Winter Palace beside the Egyptian Nile these rooms evoke a bygone era with rich textures, exotic natural woods, and overstated palatial furnishings – while providing the most modern amenities – to compliment your wish for a vacation you will remember with a smile.
Hotel Kabalana offers two dining options for its guests. Al Fresco Garden Restaurant and main Coffee Shop, both are open to beautiful sunset in the evening.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of cuisine around the globe with a great choice of Asian, Sri Lankan and Western delights.
‘Elegantly designed to cater your requirement, with the capacity of holding 400 crowd gathering without congestion, our banquet hall is equipped with the special lighting effect to match the theme of the event. We take pride in saying that we are the only banquet hall in the area, to have the Egyptian paintings and sculptures, that makes us unique’ explained Dinesh about the banquet facilities.
Pix by Neil Siriweera
For more details call 0763601235, 0773393398, 0912282589 or log onto www.kabalana.com
