Wake up to stunning scenes, call of birds

By gushing crys- tal streams or stunning mountain scapes or the deep azure sea, Ceylon Hotels Corporation has to their name, many of the country's most beautiful locations. Their rest houses, built before modern hotels, some dating back a century or so have a special ambience and "homeliness" that attract tourists, both local and foreign.

Imagine yourself, lounging on the verandah of Polonnaruwa Rest House, sipping hot tea watching the sun set over the rippling water of the Parakrama Samudraya. Imagine waking up at Hotel Seruwa and stealing out before anyone else to watch flocks of birds feeding in the dawn light. Better still, think of a stingingly cold stream bath in the Belihul Oya at noon and returning to the Rest House for a hot rice and curry. If you are adventurous enough, then think of river rafting down the gushing rapids of the Kelani below the Kithulagala Rest House.

This is but a glimpse of the endless variety and possibilities that the Ceylon Hotels Corporation Rest Houses offer. Many of these locations were hand-picked by top government officials when the CHC was incorporated in 1967.

At a CHC Rest House you don't have to mind a dress code. Sarong and no shirt is just as welcome as smart attire. Service is personalised due to the small number of rooms.

This week The Sunday Times has tied up with CHC to bring readers a super deal. Simply answer the question on the coupon given below and mail it to-

CHC Quiz
PO Box 1136
Colombo

The first four lucky names drawn will receive a weekend for two (Friday dinner to Sunday lunch) at any of the four rest houses featured on this page.

Polonnaruwa Rest House

This is where Queen Elizabeth 11 stayed a night when she visited Sri Lanka in 1954.

Ideally located on the banks of one of the largest man made tanks in the country, Parakrama Samudraya, the Rest House at Polonnaruwa is a wonderful weekend getaway.

The ruins of the ancient kingdom lie virtually in its backyard. Freshly caught lake fish will be prepared to suit your palate.

Boating on the lake can be arranged at request.

Wild life enthusiasts can drive down to the Minneriya National Park where large herds of elephant are a common sight.

The resthouse has 10 double rooms, restaurant and bar.

Hotel Seruwa

40 air conditioned rooms with lake frontage, Hotel Seruwa offers a different product from the traditional Rest House.

In the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, Seruwa is located very close to the statue of Parakramabahu. The archeological sites are just five minutes away.

But the biggest attraction at Seruwa is the abundance of bird life. Here the lake becomes a marshy grassy feeding ground for hundreds of birds whose shrill calls may well wake you up in the morning. Hotel Seruwa also has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and boating facilities.

Kitulgala Rest House

Kitulgala was made famous when the World War II film Bridge on the River Kwai made the beautiful Kelani Ganga their location.

The Rest House is perched on the river bank, not far from the film location. The sound of gushing water rings in your ears.

Several companies offer white water rafting on the Kelani here. But remember, everyone on board must row.

Settle just for a river bath? Well the location is ideal.

Beli Lena, where remains of prehistoric people were found is also close by.

20 rooms, restaurant and bar.

Belihul Oya Rest House

Popular wayside stop en route to Bandarawela, Belihul Oya Rest House can be your base for an unforgettable weekend holiday.

The clear cold waters of the stream that flows around the Rest House is ideal for bathing. Mind the sting of the cold water though. From this location there is a foot path to World's End through Non Pareil Estate. An eight kilometre trek is recommended for the fit and healthy since a lot of arduous climbing is involved.

The scenic Samanalawewa Reservoir is close by. So is the highest water fall in Sri Lanka - Bambarakanda falls, 790 feet- in Kalupahana.

10 rooms, restaurant and bar.

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