2nd November 1997

Travel

Sheer luxury in the jungle

Five star luxuries in a jungle setting. Deer Park, the newer of the two Jinasena Group Hotels in Giritale has managed to combine total comfort and a wooded setting convincingly.

The resort, in keeping with the times, consists of low roofed one-or-two storey chalets spread across 11 acres.

Opened in April 1996, the hotel has performed well in the short time and now attracts large crowds of visitors coming to Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya as well as other archaeological sites around.

The turn off from the main Polonnaruwa road takes you along the banks of the picturesque Giritale tank before driving into the hotel. The driveway leads to the reception and then to the car park at the far end of the hotel.

The main building houses the restaurant and a first floor coffee shop, conference room and bar. Behind this is a swimming pool built in three levels.

The deep end is separate and is only connected to the rest of the pool by a waterfall across which a thick log has been laid as a bridge. The shallow pool flows into a mini baby pool. Tiled ledges in the pool makes it possible to just sit and relax in the water watching the birds on the trees above.

The rooms are spread in the entire area. The garden landscaping makes up for the lack of a lake view. In little corners, pink and white lotuses bloom wildly in man made ponds and paved pathways traverse through grassy lawns dotted with large trees.

The rooms are the epitome of luxury. The standard room comes in two types, a single storey room and a two storey unit where the bedroom is upstairs while the sitting, dressing and bathrooms are downstairs. The deluxe rooms are carpeted and much larger.

All have a TV and a mini bar.

The bathrooms are innovatively designed with an open-air concept; they lead to a small garden area complete with a tree and birds chirping on the mesh overhead. Candles, mosquito coils and umbrellas are thoughtfully provided. Wood is used extensively to create a cosy atmosphere.

The main dining room is glass panelled so visitors could enjoy a view of the gardens and the pool while tucking into their meals. Outside on the terrace guests could enjoy a leisurely snack or cup of tree in the fresh air. The hopper boutique serves Sri Lankan cuisine in a unique mud hut type specialty restaurant with a red ceiling. Here traditional music and dancers hold forth as visitors enjoy spicy fare like kottu, string hoppers, hoppers and rice.

Guests at the hotel are offered a range of activities and excursions.

A fully equipped gym and squash courts inside the resort will keep any fitness fan busy.

The location of Deer Park provides opportunity for a number of excursions. One of the favourites is to the Wasgomuwa National Park about 93 km from the hotel.

Deer Park can provide help for amateur bird watchers if they are interested in trekking to the tank early in the morning to view the abundant bird life there.

Bicycles are offered at low rates for those wishing to explore the scenic and wild neighbourhood more intimately. Day excursions are organised to the Minneriya Tank. Then of course, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya are close by.

Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's ayurvedic massage and steam bath offer. On a lazy, star studded night you can request a garden barbeque or watch traditional performances on the open air platform.

Deer Park rooms are sold locally at Rs. 3950 full board double and Rs. 3200 full board single. Children under 6 years are free. All are nett rates.

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