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Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

4 STARS COLONIAL HOTEL | 275 A/C ROOMS & SUITES

The Mount Lavinia Hotel is a legacy of Sri Lanka ‘s Colonial Heritage. It stands as a monument to the forbidden love of a Governor General and a local mestizo dancer who cast a spell on his heart.

Time stands still in the corridors of this grand old building that whisper legends of love and adventure.

Step back in time to experience old Ceylon and enjoy grandeur and mystery, her intoxicating beaches and most of all the enchantment of her people at this premier heritage hotel, 12 kilometres from the Colombo city centre and an hour and half from the Colombo International airport.

The History

Old Ceylon was under the rule of the British crown. Sir Thomas Maitland was leaving the shores of a country he had called home for over six years. He was also leaving behind the woman he loved. Social convention and duty to his King was taking him away from her.

But what he did not know, was that he was leaving behind a legacy to their love that would be immortalized.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel is built up around the original residence of Sir Thomas Maitland who was the Governor General of Ceylon from 1805-1811. It was at a welcoming party held in his honour on his arrival in the island that he set his eyes upon Lovina whose father was the Headman of the troupe.

Sir Thomas was smitten by her smile and charms and soon found himself obsessed by her and taking any measures possible to see more of her.

And thus was built, what is now, the Mount Lavinia Hotel. As it was highly unconventional for an unmarried British Officer to be seen associating with a local dancing girl Sir Thomas and his lover met in secret. She was smuggled into his mansion through a secret tunnel that led from her fathers well into a wine cellar in the house.

Thomas Maitland ultimately left the country (in 1811) for Malta where he lived and died as a bachelor. The tunnel was eventually sealed up in 1920 and the Gypsy village that surrounded the Governor’s mansion developed into a modern bustling city that took its name from the beautiful Lovina. But the Governor’s home which he named Mount Lavinia House and his monument to his only love has been preserved within the walls and high ceilings of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, where its staff and management alike take pride and glory in its rich history.

ACCOMMODATION

Set foot inside the Mount Lavinia Hotel and be engulfed in the breathtaking beauty of the premises. All 275 rooms have an individual personality where colonial architecture and modern amenities blend perfectly with the lull of the ocean. A stay at the hotel is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Majority of rooms with Sea View and private balcony

Air Conditioning
IDD Telephones
Wireless Internet
24 hour room service
24 hour safety locker service
Laundry valet service
Satellite Television
Hair dryer
Mini bar

CUISINE

With restaurants and bars with varying atmospheres and cuisines, The Mount Lavinia Hotel offers one of the widest choices in dining in Sri Lanka. Fine dining at The Mount Lavinia Hotel reflects the hotel’s exclusive luxurious feel and includes traits of Sri Lanka’s powerful dining traditions. Dining at The Mount Lavinia Hotel is truly an experience to be cherished.

Seafood Cove
Dine on the most exquisite seafood freshly caught, straight from the Indian Ocean. The Sea Food Cove is a restaurant located on the Beach which has a Sea Food market concept. You are able to choose the Sea Food of your choice prepared to suit your individual taste right there, be it grilled, cooked, sautéed, fried or baked…..

Governor’s Restaurant
The Governor’s restaurant is open 24/7 and is a place to enjoy the luxury and a quintessential traditional meal in an old style Ceylonese restaurant. A fusion of Western and Eastern menus conjures up the magic of a bygone era.

The Terrace
Dine under the stars and be seduced by the soft tropical breezes that will make your evenings even more enchanting when you choose the Terrace. Lounge by the pool in this cool and airy setting or enjoy a snack while taking in the view of the Colombo city skyline in the background. Named by Newsweek as one of the “World’s best gathering places” this is a location sort after by tourists and locals alike. The Governor’s High Tea is served on the terrace while you watch a spectacular sunset. Sip fresh Ceylon tea served with traditional English fruit cake, butter cakes, scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream, sandwiches, asparagus rolls fresh tropical fruit, and in the evening, enjoy movies by moonlight.

Café Lavinia

Fancy lattes & smooth mochas, an exclusive variety of great European breads, yummy chocolate bakery, fun snacks & sandwiches anytime, healthy salads and daily changing soups, smoothies, milk shakes & freshly squeezed juices to go, premium teas, coffee mornings and late night desserts.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel has a range of bars, including the Lobby bar where you can relax and sip your drink while the Hotel’s grand piano serenades you with magnificent views of the vast Indian ocean and the Terrace bar which is open till late and is the best place to get yourself a cocktail while watching the sun dip over the horizon. The tropical bar which is a beach cabana style tavern is where you can savour the taste and aroma of traditional blues as well as the world’s finest beverages. Located on the sandy beach you can always hop out of the sun and into the shade of the bar for a cool refreshing beer or cocktail.

Products & Services: Extensive secluded beach frontage, 24 Hour coffee shop, Indoor and outdoor bars and dining facilities, Seafood restaurant on the beach, Other specialty restaurants, Spacious terrace overlooking the bay and Colombo skyline with dining facilities, Swimming pool, Banquet and conference facilities, Shopping Arcade, Business Centre, Sports facilities – tennis, beach volley, pool table, other indoor games and animation, gymnasium, international hotel school.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in Time or later Check-out time can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Lighthouse Spa Hotel Community pool opens in Galle

The Lighthouse Community Pool by SOS Velsen, Adopt Sri Lanka and Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel and Spa was declared open by Julian Bolling as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the devastating Tsunami of 2004.

Four entities with one common goal teamed up soon after to decide that they had to do something for the future generations to prepare them should a similar situation arise.

Swim Lanka headed by Julian Bolling, a former Sri Lankan Olympic Swimmer had the expertise and the technical know how to get such a programme going – to teach the village children and adults alike to swim.

Thus came together a team of people, institutions and sporting academics to mute the idea of a pool for the community – the funds from Adopt Sri Lanka and SOS Velsen, the technical know how from Swim Lanka and Christina Fonce and the land, the construction and the continued maintenance and sustaining of the pool, the coaches and the facility itself by Jetwing Lighthouse.

The design and the architecture in keeping with the hotel was a contribution by Channa Daswatta, a prodigy of the legendary Geoffrey Bawa. The result was a spectacular modern day swimming pool with changing rooms, an administrative facility and even a viewing gallery for parents to watch.

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Elephant Reach Hotel, Yala, Sri Lanka

DELUXE NATURE RESORT | 21 A/C CHALETS

Elephant Reach Hotel is a new property located at the southern most point of Sri Lanka and approximately 265 km from the capital city of Colombo. The hotel is conveniently located with easy access to all the wonderful sites in the region.

This unique nature resort sits on 4 acres and consists of 21 well appointed chalets which are built under the shades of tropical trees such as Palu, Kohomba, Mango & Kadju (cashew) and is in close proximity to Yala National Park, Bundala Bird Sanctuary, historic town of Kataragama, Kirinda and Sithulpahuwa. Kataragama is older than history – a holy city that draws Buddhists, Hindus and followers of Islam. It is a city that is closely associated with the culture of Sri Lanka, a place where thousands of pilgrims from all three faiths flock for thanksgiving and to request favours of the God.

You will experience the most picturesque drives in Sri Lanka along the endless span of ocean on your way to Elephant Reach from the Bandaranayake International Airport and as you continue further you will come across many historical places of interest and breathtaking vistas.

From the moment you step into the Elephant Reach Hotel, you will served on by a gracious staff, that believe that making you feel at home is their divine destiny.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation at Elephant Reach consists of twenty-one [21] well appointed chalets, most of which are interconnecting and decorated to blend with the natural surroundings whilst assuring privacy and security. All chalets are equipped with Electronic Safes, fully stocked Mini Bar, 20inch TV with satellite channels, DVD Player, Hair Dryer, Complimentary Tea & Coffee making facilities, spacious bath with Hot & Cold water, and of course Air Conditioning.

CUISINE

At meal times there’s absolutely no shortage of choice. From international cuisine of almost any variety to a spread of local delicacies, the hotels chefs are experts in every kind of culinary delight.

Products & Services: 21 well appointed air conditioned chalets, Bath/Shower, WC, Telephone, Radio, Satellite TV, Room service, Activities and sites in the surrounding areas.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in Time or later Check-out time can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Kirinda, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Sri Lanka Tourism helps fund temple mural restoration

Gothami Viharaya located in the heart of Colombo, is home to some of the most beautiful murals, painted by, world renowned Sri Lankan artist George Keyt. The restoration of the temple and its murals; a project costing over Rs.70 million is funded by the temple’s Dayaka Sabha ,The George Keyt Foundation and well wishers.

The Ministry of Tourism’s pledge of Rs1. 5 million, towards this gigantic task, recognizes these paintings, as being of immense cultural value – high on the list of Sri Lanka’s many treasures and of delight to both visiting tourists and locals alike.

George Keyt is often considered Sri Lanka’s most distinguished and renowned modern painter. Keyt’s dominant style is influenced by cubism and also influenced, he has said, by his contemporary {en:Henri Matisse}.

In addition to being a painter, Keyt is considered one of contemporary Sri Lanka’s foremost poets. He outlined his perceptions and practice as a painter in a few notable essays on the vision of the painter. One of his most notable literary works was the translation of the Gita Govinda into English and Sinhalese, which translations were illustrated by his own elegant line drawings (see Martin Russell collection and Amerasinghe collections).

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Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

FAMILY BEACH RESORT | 146 DELUXE A/C ROOMS AND CHALETS

The Club Hotel Dolphin is in Waikkal, a northern suburb of Negombo. The hotel is set in lush tropical gardens just steps away from the beach and has become a popular first-stop for most travellers as its location is only 12miles from the Bandaranaike International Airport and 35miles from Colombo, the capital.

At Club Hotel Dolphin, there’s fun for the whole family! Catch some sun, sand and surf on the private beach, there’s games in the activity pool, sports, horse-riding or theme shows. If relaxation is the order of the day, then just kick back and lounge by the poolside or treat yourself to a massage at the Pavilion Spa. There’s something for everyone at Club Hotel Dolphin, which is why the hotel is a popular destination for active family holidays.

ACCOMMODATION

Sustain the spirit of fun and laughter in each deluxe room that overlooks the main pool with its cheerful furnishings complemented by vibrant colour. It’s a fusion of tradition with contemporary design. Fancy a bit more subtality..? Then choose a soothingly furnished private chalet set in tropical gardens with fantastic views of the ocean.

Deluxe Rooms have private balconies facing the activity pool, with en-suite baths and showers, hair dryer IDD phone facilities, cable TV, DVD player and piped music.

Chalets are set in the quieter tropical garden area with direct beach access, closer to the main pool. All chalets have en-suite baths and showers, hair dryer IDD phone facilities, cable TV, DVD player, piped music and also includes tea/coffee-making facilities and a private terrace/patio to each room.

Club Hotel Dolphin has 2 luxury suites appointed with modern amenities and furnished in fine fabrics. The suites boast surround sound entertainment systems, security safes, refrigerator, twin attached bathrooms with bathrobe/slippers, and their own sitting areas.

CUISINE

The Miami Restaurant offers guests a choice of seafood and fine dining “Table D’hote and A la carte” facilities. For the all inclusive guests there are breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, which are generally a fusion of eastern, western and local cuisine. There’s Indian, Chinese, Italian, American and other themed nights, including a weekly barbeque night and an “Around the World” International buffet night.

The food is sumptuous and the fresh local seafood is absolutely “out of this world”. The Club Hotel Dolphin also offers morning snacks which include sandwiches, fruit salads, burgers & chips, salad bar, fruit juices, tea & coffee.

There’s afternoon tea [or coffee] as well, which consists of the finest Ceylon teas freshly grown a hundred miles away, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches and as always on the western coast, a spectacular sunset.

FACILITIES

Sports/Games: Kayaking on the river, archery, tennis, badminton and beach volleyball, aerobics, pool volleyball, bocce, croquette, biking, horse riding, mini golf and soft ball cricket.

Indoors there are Squash courts, table tennis, darts and billiards/pool/snooker along with board games such as carrom, chess and draughts.

Entertainment: Nightclub, disco and karaoke. Live music, magic shows, cultural shows, animation, special games and activities for children, fire limbo, puppet shows, etc.

Excursions: Colombo shopping experience and the Dutch canal boat ride are an absolute must do.

Othe facilities include a cyber café, business centre, fitness centre with qualified gym instructor, Sala Spa and library.

Products & Services: 96 air-conditioned guestrooms with balconies or terraces and sea view, 50 A/C cottages with terrace. Variety of food and drinks by award winning culinary team, Sumptuous buffets and A la carte, Miami Restaurant with sea food specialty, Oruwa Pool Bar and Miami bar, non all inclusive – Karaoke Bar and Disco Bar opened every other night, one of the largest swimming pools in Sri Lanka, out door fresh water swimming pool including Children’s section, Ayurveda health centre, hair dressing salon and shops, telephone with IDD facility, piped music, laundry services, extra beds and cots for children.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 12 miles

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Club Hotel Dolphin invests USD5m on refurbishment

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KumbukRiver among the world’s best again

Sri Lanka’s KumbukRiver has been picked among the world’s 10 best eco-lodges, for the 2nd year running by the World Travel Awards.

The 7th Frontier, an ad agency which developed and promotes this eco lodge, said in a press release that KumbukRiver, a 14-acre up-market eco-lodge by the waters of Kumbukkan Oya in Buttala is famous internationally for a spellbinding 40ft elephant edifice which serves as an exclusive villa for visitors. It will vie for the top slot when professionals from over 160,000 travel agents in over 200 countries vote for the Green Awards category at the 15 year-old event hailed as the most coveted awards scheme of the travel and tourism industry.

The nomination by the WTA puts the eco-lodge from Buttala on the world tourism map, not for the first time, with KumbukRiver securing two other international accolades. KumbukRiver was short-listed for an award at the Virgin-Responsible Tourism Awards last year, while Times-Online voted it among the world’s 50 best green places to stay, making KumbukRiver the hottest Sri Lankan destination in the world of responsible tourism, the release said.

Source: SundayTimes.lk

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Victoria Golf and Country Resort

Some golf courses have a splendid undulating terrain over which the holes are routed. Some golf courses have a scenic backdrop of hills and lakes, which excite the senses. However, the Victoria Golf Course near Kandy is blessed with both attributes

– Donald Steel, Golf Architect

THE COURSE

Victoria offers a unique golfing challenge to players of all abilities, and is rated amongst the 100 most beautiful courses in the world by Golf Digest.

Set within the grounds of a former mixed farm the 6945 yard par 73 Championship layout has taken full advantage of the existing undulating terrain, with coconut and majestic hardwood trees incorporated into the overall design.

Former European ladies Champion Katrina Douglas remarked in 1998: “This will be one of the top 10 golf courses in the world. The setting is spectacular and the course offers a test to even the most accomplished of players”.

Victoria Golf & Country Resort – Reservations

CLUB HOUSE AND FACILITIES

Victoria has a charming clubhouse enjoying majestic views and offering full dining and catering facilities. A new Pro Shop caters for all golfers’ needs, including hire of golf clubs if required.

Practice facilities include a spectacular 300yard driving range and a large putting green. A new swimming pool complex is now open for a relaxing swim after a round of golf

Visit the Herbal Centre where you can indulge yourself with a stress relieving herbal massage.

ACCOMMODATION

The Victoria Golf & Country Resort offers chalet accommodation, each chalet consisting of two spacious double bedrooms with en-suite facilities and all modern amenities. There are various options including those for visiting golfers and their families.

Each room has a verandah enjoying views across the fairways. The chalets are located close to the clubhouse and swimming pool complex – but far enough away to provide an oasis of peace with only the birds to disturb you.

Meals consist of continental, eastern or local cuisine available at the clubhouse.

Victoria Golf & Country Resort – Reservations

TOURNAMENTS

The Donald Steel Trophy: In January 1999, the inaugural Donald Steel Trophy was played on the occasion of the opening of the Victoria Golf Club. This has become an annual fixture and The Ebert Pot, The Pam Fernando Trophy and the Victoria Bowl have been added to this golfing weekend, the last two events being for ladies.

The popularity of this truly amateur annual tournament has spread far and wide with golfers from as far away as Canada and New Zealand making the effort to participate and enjoy the highest levels of sportsmanship combined with the exceptional hospitality – A la Sri Lankan.

The tournament is acknowledged as one of the leading competitive events on the Sri Lanka Golf Calendar. The competition attracted over 100 players from about 15 countries last year.

Victoria Golf & Country Resort – Reservations

Sri Lankan Golf Festival: This is the island’s premier golf tournament, held in October. A truly international event features four days of golf with golfers of all abilities competing for numerous prizes

Address: Rajawela, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 125KM

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka

This video post is intended to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting the orphanage…Enjoy!

<br /><a href=”http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=309090af-7f42-4427-98e4-3278a1b90cbd” mce_href=”http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=309090af-7f42-4427-98e4-3278a1b90cbd” target=”_new” title=”Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka”>Video: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka</a>

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was started in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife on a twenty-five acre coconut estate on the Maha Oya river at Rambukkana. The orphanage was primarily designed to afford care and protection to the many baby elephants found in the jungle without their mothers. Initially this orphanage was at the Wilpattu National Park, then shifted to the tourist complex at Bentota and then to the Dehiwala Zoo. From the Zoo it was shifted to Pinnawela. At the time, the orphanage had five baby elephants which formed its nucleus. It was hoped that this facility would attract both local and foreign visitors, the income from which would help to maintain the orphanage.

The orphanage is now home to about 60 elephants, out of which many are baby elephants found, abandoned or orphaned in the wild. They are being cared, fed and trained by the wild life authorities. The orphanage has become a resounding success and is acclaimed as the only one of its kind in the world.

The best time to visit is during the feeding times, when one will have the opportunity of seeing the baby elephants being bottle-fed. Visitors can accompany the elephants to the river close-by and join them taking their daily bath.

<br /><a href=”http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=63f303ee-2f66-4a31-b087-1f17a6591609″ mce_href=”http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=63f303ee-2f66-4a31-b087-1f17a6591609″ target=”_new” title=”Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage”>Video: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage</a>

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Sri lanka jungle adventures – Adventure tourism a growing…

Lazy summer days at the beach getting a tan are passé as Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) is marketing the country as an adventure destination with adventure seekers being identified as a potential growth market.

“Adventurous holidays are a rapidly growing trend in global tourism and an increasing number of travellers are seeking out new adventure destinations like Sri Lanka having done the usual African Safaris,” said SLTPB Managing Director, Dileep Mudadeniya.

“The adventure tag fits in very well to Sri Lanka given the number of fantastic adventure and wildlife activities we have on offer,” he said. Sri Lanka is a land where you can glimpse a wild elephant, gaze at the pristine grace of a leopard, see a nesting turtle lay its eggs on the beach or witness the dazzling display of peacock feathers. The country is blessed with an abundance of natural diversity despite its small size. This astounding diversity is largely due to its dramatically different terrains ranging from coastal plains to hill country and lush rainforests to arid dry zones. Large areas rich in flora and fauna are conserved in 13 national parks across the country and over 100 other protected areas.

This is not surprising given the country’s 2000-year old history of conservation. What was probably the world’s first wildlife sanctuary was created here in 3rd Century BC.A trip to Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks is memorable as one is greeted by the sounds of numerous birdcalls. As you enter a park with an expert tracker in a four-wheel drive vehicle, the jungle comes alive with a myriad sights, sounds and motions. As the vehicle bumps along rutty jungle tracks, the scenery is constantly changing. Monkeys scamper across the path casting anxious glances at the vehicle.

A peacock slowly opens its plumage and strikes up a regal pose for the cameras. A cuddly white rabbit hops into view, stops and looks enquiringly and disappears among the foliage just as quickly. Wildlife and nature conservation in Sri Lanka has a long history. The country’s traditional law has reference to forests where the felling of timber is prohibited. Ancient Sri Lanka also had reservoirs built in the forests so that wild animals would not need to enter human settlements in search of water. There are many tanks and waterways in and around the wildlife parks of Sri Lanka and there are plenty of crocodiles in the water.

Water Monitors, Iguanas and a variety of lizards also inhabit the jungles of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka has more than 950,000 hectares of national parks, sanctuaries and nature reserves. Popular among them are the Bundala National Park, Horton Plains, Kumana Bird Park, Sinharaja Forest, Wasgomuwa National Park, Wilpattu National Park and Yala National Park and the Habarana Safari Park. Large and small herds of elephants are a common sight at the Yala National Park. It also has the largest leopard population in Sri Lanka. Common also are large herds of Spotted Deer and S?mbhar, Wild Buffalo, bears and different species of monkey are also in plenty. Among the primates are several species of monkeys including the macaque and the large-eyed Loris.

The scaly pangolin can also be spotted along with wild buffalo, giant squirrel, wild boar, jungle cat and the cat-like palm quivet. The wildlife parks are also home to a variety of birds. Peacocks, painted storks, herons, parrots, spoonbills, bee-eaters, hornbills, woodpeckers and many more of over 450 species of birds can be observed. Some of them are migrant and seasonal. The Siberian duck for instance fly away from the winter to the moderate climate in Sri Lanka. Twenty-six species of birds are endemic to Sri Lanka. Apart from birds, the other brilliantly coloured creatures seen flying in the island’s skies are over 250 species of butterfly, most of them found in the foothills up to about 900 metres.

Sri Lanka also has an intriguing number of creatures that slither, swim or jump, with 54 species of freshwater fish, and a variety of frogs and reptiles. In addition, there are 3,350 species of flowering plants, lush tropical fruits, majestic tall trees, lush undergrowth, and rare orchids and medicinal plants. Wildlife trips offering tourists up-close views of nature’s beauty and beasts in their natural habitat are a fast-growing niche and form part of Sri Lanka’s eco-tourism industry. The animals, despite being wild, aren’t prone to attack and even though game-hunting draws tourists to certain countries, in Sri Lanka, guests shoot with their cameras and not their rifles.

Source: Al Bawada.com

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Sri Lanka’s spas give an unrivalled sense of well-being

As many as 6,500 registered {en:Ayurveda} practitioners, many of whom have undergone a seven-year course followed by two years in a conventional hospital, are now catering to the needs of an increasing numbers of tourists to Sri Lanka.

In addition to the Ayurveda clinics, many luxurious hotels and beach resorts have a spa or massage centre. The principles and techniques of this ancient medical approach are still being used to promote a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, as part of a pleasurable holiday.

Ayurveda is believed to have originated at the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India more than 3000 years ago. ‘It is the oldest and most holistic medical system available on the planet today and is widely used in Sri Lanka,’ says Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

Ayurveda uses leaves, flowers, barks, roots and berries to cleanse the blood and the body of impurities. ‘It is the traditional system of medicine practiced in Sri Lanka. Ruins of ancient hospitals with medicinal baths and toilets dating back to the 4th Century BC can be seen even today in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura in north central Sri Lanka,’ adds Mudadeniya.

The basis of Ayurveda is the belief in a combination of five basic elements forming three types of energy within the body: vatha (a combination of air & space), pitha (fire and water) and kappha (earth and water). Ayurvedic practitioners believe that illness arises when these energies are out of balance, and work to restore harmony.

Among the newest to offer in-house Ayurvedic therapy for visitors is Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in the coastal fishing town of Negombo. The first health holiday resort to be established on the west coast of the country, it provides a quiet and peaceful environment for providing preventive and curative treatment with the help of a team of highly qualified Ayurveda practitioners.

Accommodation is provided in small villas with modern facilities including luxurious bathrooms and featuring traditional architecture creating a village atmosphere for the visitors. Outdoor baths in a small courtyard in each villa allows visitors to enjoy herbal baths in the privacy of their own pavilions.

There are many luxurious Spas featuring Ayurvedic treatment around Sri Lanka, many of them along the western coast. Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort in Beruwala has been a pioneer, providing Ayurveda treatment for over two decades.

‘The importance of Ayurveda is underscored by the fact that a separate ministry has been established to develop the country’s traditional medical system,’ says Mudadeniya. ‘The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine overlooks the several Ayurvedic Hospitals and over ten thousand registered ayurvedic physicians in the country,’ he adds. Each physician has to undergo a seven-year training period before being allowed to practice.

The holistic approach to health, where body, mind and soul are inextricably linked, seeks to balance the body’s energies to ensure good health and a feeling of well-being. A comprehensive treatment includes massage, herbal baths, oil treatment and a special diet, as well as meditation, yoga and music.

Ayurveda is used to treat everything from stress to diabetes, migraine, asthma, arthritis and high-blood pressure, to help boost the immune system and even help in delaying the ageing process.

Ayurveda’s pharmacopoeia of preparations includes a vast range of leaves, roots, bark, resin, spices and fruits. Used with the experience of 3000 years, the ingredients of Ayurveda continue to work their restorative and healing magic, and can easily be experienced by visitors to Sri Lanka.

For any visitor, the wild natural beauty of the country including scenic waterfalls, spice and tea plantations, bird and wildlife reserves and tropical jungle excursions are experiences that would remain as cherished memories. The Ayurvedic Spa experience will be something tangible to take away.

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Related Posts

This video post is intended to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting the orphanage…Enjoy!