TV Times

TV Times

Orient Hotel:Centre for adventure activities
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Bandarawela is a popular holiday resort among foreign and Sri Lankan holidaymakers. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, forests, steep peaks, majestic waterfalls and archaeological sites with rich farmland and tea gardens, Bandarawela is a centrally located place. It is not only an ideal place for A relaxed holiday, but also a center for adventure tourism.

Orient Hotel in Bandarawela is the flagship hotel of the city, which is situated in this salubrious setting close to the centre of the town. Set about 3800 feet above sea level Orient Hotel has 50 rooms including two luxury suites, ‘Rama Seetha’ and ‘Paradise’ both equipped with all facilities including private Jacuzzi in rooms.

“Jacuzzis are the latest addition to the hotels luxury rooms, which were refurbished at the cost of 7.4 million rupees last November. We are the biggest hotel in Bandarawela, highly popular among the travel agents for our personalized service” said Revatha Hettiarachy, the General Manager of the Hotel.

Television, mini bar, telephone and hot and cold water are the other facilities available at the hotel. Karaoke Lounge bar, beer garden, fitness centre, conference facilities, laundry, 24-hour room service and games like billiards and snooker enhance the facilities added to the hotels recreation list. Live music, Karaoke competition, kids shows and theme nights are some of the attractions lined up for the festive season at the hotel.

‘Outdoor bar-b-que dinners and garden parties will be on during this period. Also we promote adventure tours for adventure lovers’ Revatha said. Day tours to Lipton’s Seat in Haputale, Pilkington Point at Poonagala and St Catherine’ Seat in Nayabedda, Bogoda Bridge off Hali Ela, Buduruwagala ancient monuments in Tanamalwila, Dowa Rock temple are popular places for the day excursions.

‘These places are situated within one to two hour drive from the hotel. We provide professional butler service with breakfast and picnic lunch according to the choice of the guests. We could also provide expert guidance to travellers so that they could enjoy their tour to the maximum.’ Revatha explained about the services.

Horton Plains, Yala Wild Life Sanctuary, Uda Walawe, Tea Plantation, Camping at picturesque locations, Gem Mines, Sri Lanka’s aborigines, the Veddhas at Mahiyangana, Mountain Biking, Trekking & Walking, Tangamale Bird Sanctuary, Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary, the Unspoilt Beaches of Arugam Bay are some of the long journey excursions. ‘From these tours, camping at Horton Plains, Namunukula Range, Boralanda and Uda Walawae are very popular among Sri Lankan travellers. The facilities at the campsites include, tents, food and beverages (as requested) , security, and other basic facilities.

‘We provide all these and guidance’ he said. Bandarawela was known as just a relaxingvacation venue for years but it has changed the table from lazy holidayplan to active vacation plan.

Orient Hotel is the first nature based Hotel in the region to promote mountaineering, trekking, camping and other outdoor excursions for the holiday makers. Bandarawela has become a base for adventure activities since lately, thanks to the GM of the Orient, Ravatha. The MD of the hotel is Mr. C. S. Perera, a professional .Chartered Accountant.

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