In
the misty hills above Kandy town, a new hotel takes shape. Against the lush
mountainous greenery that provides backdrop, the Le Kandyan commands attention
flaunting its brick red painted pillars and neatly tiled roof. Definitely a
theme hotel, it has attempted to recapture the glory of the Kandyan era by
recreating the architecture, handicrafts and paintwork done in those times.
The drive upto the hotel, from the turn off near the Kandy Water Supply Board at Getambe is uphill, and when you get there, the view is superb. The best view is from the ‘mandapa’ area above the pool from where a whole panorama of mountains from Bible rock to Matale is visible. To get to the reception, you drive round the hotel along a flower lined tarred road. Terraced lawns surround the imposing building. The reception is a large open area dominated by lotus headed pillars looking out into the view. The actual reception counter is in the middle of this area and on the four corners are wooden pillars, which are actual eighteenth century productions obtained from old Kandyan buildings.
Pillars
dominate the structure, designed by Suchith Mohotti Associates, carved and
painted to the styles of that era. Other real antiques have been obtained for
doorways and to decorate the building. The different parts of the hotel have
Sinhala names. The bar is called ‘Dumbara’ and the main restaurant ‘Rasa
Wasala’ and the banquet Hall ‘Magul Maduwa’. Tey (tea) is the
coffee shop where the hotel will hold tea demonstrations for visitors. The 100
rooms of the hotel are spread out in two wings which flank the main structure
with the restaurants and pool. Almost all the rooms command a view of the
distant mountains and again have Kandyan motifs and decor. In the south wing
-known as Dakshina Prasada- the corridor outside the rooms overlook a huge
natural rock boulder, a created waterfall flows down its smooth surface,
collecting into a stream at the bottom. The four suites of the hotel are also on
Kandyan themes, even named after four ministers of the Kandyan court,
Ehelepola, Monarawila, Keppetipola and Pilimatalawa.
The pool, claimed to be the largest in the Kandy area overlooks the view, affording visitors the chance to sip chilled drinks by the pool bar and watch the clouds flitting overhead changing hues with the sun. For the sporty, there is a gym, squash and tennis court. A discotheque- yet to be completed- below the pool is reached by a spiral stairway. A billiard room, shopping arcade and mini library offers more recreation facilities. Those interested in the outdoors can trek into the forested area on the hills behind the hotel.
Quite a large facility is devoted to Ayurvedic massage and herbal treatment called Panchakarma. It will be run by a specialist Ayurvedic physician. This part of the hotel has mud coloured rough walls and a light watery blue ceiling. This, the hotel staff say, is to create a soothing feeling when clients are lying down on the treatment beds.
Even in the menu, the Kandyan theme is not forgotten. For an entree the F & B manager recommends Bouillabaisse Le Kandyan, which is a Sri Lankan adaptation of a French soup using five varieties of fish. It is flavoured with Brandy and served with garlic toast. A tasty main course, La Darne de Seer Bataleeya is a seer fish dish with cashewnuts ( hence the reference to Bataleeya, better known today as Kajugama of lissome lasses in cloth and jacket ) served with potato.
Sri Lankan fare is also available. The Rajabojun serves rice with a variety of local delicacies like polos, koonissa and pickle. The coffee shop serves tea cocktails. All the menu cards are held in painted wooden panels cut to various shapes, the a la carte menu is in the shape of a pus kola potha.
Although Le Kandyan is quite close to Kandy town its location does not encompass the clutter of the city. The mist clad hills above and around the hotel are forested or smooth grassy slopes and the view -is arguably the best view from Kandy. Le Kandyan is truly reminiscent of a palace among the hills.
The rates for the coming months are, upto September this year Rs. 4000 double and Rs. 2250 a single full board. From September to December 14th, Rs. 3500 full board for a double and Rs. 2000 for a single. All are nett rates.
This week the offer going out is for a holiday in the cool misty hills of Kandy. Le Kandyan, the newest holiday destination in the hill capital, overlooking the Dumabara valley is offering readers three packages of free weekends, when the hotel officially opens beginning of August. To be eligible for this super prize, simply answer the question on the coupon given below and each of the first three correct entires drawn would be entitled to a free weekend package for two ( Friday night to Sunday lunch) at the Le Kandyan.
The Sunday Times
P.O Box 1136
Colombo.
email: editor@suntimes.is.lk
Entries should reach us before July 30. Watch out for the names of the winners in the Travel Page on August 3.
Q: What is the hotel Banquet hall called?
A:..............................................................................................................
Name:.............................................................................................................
Address:....................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
In The Sunday Times of July 6 the Travel page featured the two rest houses in Anuradhapura for a comfortable and atmospheric holiday among the history and beauty of the ancient city. In association with Quickshaws the managing company, we offered readers the chance to experience the delicious food and superb service of the rest houses by winning three wonderful weekends for two.
Well, we had a flood of entries and here are our three lucky winners who can now look forward to an unforgettable weekend in Anuradhapura.
1. Nishan Magodaratne
No. 134, "Ratnagiri",
Tantirimulla,
Panadura.
2. Patricia Kroon
382, Sea view Avenue,
Colombo 3.
3. T. Ranjan
No. 45, Station Road,
Dehiwala.
Your entries were the first three correct ones drawn, and you can choose either rest house, Nuwarawewa or Tisa wewa as your holiday spot. Quickshaws will be in touch with you shortly.
We thank all you readers who wrote in, and if you were not among the winners today, don’t despair.
The Sunday Times has got many more exciting holiday packages from some of the country’s most exotic holiday spots lined up for you.
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