Heritage city Anuradhapura is known to the world as a leading Buddhist and cultural Centre in Sri Lanka. Though it is not a major tourist destination, Anuradhapura attracts major religious travellers to its historic locations.
Though the past is something to proud about, the current facilities in the city is too rustic and lack of facilities to the thousands of visitors to this sacred city.
Ashok Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city dating back to early eighties, yet geared to cater and comfort the thousands of pilgrims visiting the city.
Located by the banks of beautiful Nuwara Weva, Hotel Ashok boasts of having the best scenic location with the facilities to make guests feel home.
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| N. B. Ratnayake |
‘We just want to give our guests a feeling of home away from home. Being popular hotel, we at Ashok are always concerned about the guests’ comfort’ said Nihal B. Ratnayake, the Managing Director of the Hotel.
Ashok Hotel has 20 standard rooms including A/C rooms. All the room are facing the Nuwara Weva and over looking the ancient sacred city. Totally Sri Lankan concept, Ashok Hotel is specialized in serving to holiday and religious groups.
‘Hotel Ashok is a family oriented hotel and we cater mainly to families visiting Anuradhapura. Basic family facilities are all met and our main theme is ‘feel home away from home’ said Ratnayake, who is a life member of Anuradhapura Hotelier’s Association.
Hotel always cater to its pilgrims with Sri Lankan cuisine, which is on par with the religious observations. ‘Authentic dishes from the area are in much demand than usual culinary favourites’ said Chef Kumara.
‘Though, we are specialized in Sri Lankan cuisine, we serve accordingly with the guests’ requirements. If we have overseas visitors, we serve Western and Continental dishes. But since lately the arrival of foreign guests has dropped sharply and now we are confined to Sri Lankan travellers only. But in time to come I believe we can go back to the hey days of seventies and early eighties era with good flow of overseas arrivals’ he explained.
Not only pilgrims, but Ashok Hotel is a popular place for holiday makers such as bird watchers, adventure travellers and nature lovers.
Apart from ancient Anuradhapura, travellers can visit historical places like Hasthi kachchi Viharaya, Galpalama, Thanthirimale, Mihintale, Aukana and Wijitha Pura. Also Wilpattu, Ritigala, Maanagala and Polonnaruwa are just a couple of hours drive from the hotel.
‘On request we arrange excursions to these places with an experienced tour guides’ said Shelton Premaratne, the Front Office Manager, who looks after the entire operation of the hotel.
The price ranges from 4700/- per double full board to Rs. 3600/- half board double. ‘Also we have triples and family rooms. The packages for these rooms range from Rs 3500/- to Rs 5000/-‘Shelton said.
For more details call 025 2222753 or 025 5676093. |
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