Paragliding in Sri Lanka

Known to be an energetic flying sport, Paragliding is one of the newest recreational activities in the world. This enthralling sport originated during the 1940’s. Many people and countries across the world have recognised this sport as full of fun, convenient and a safe way of soaring in the open air.
Although the sport became a favourite among the adventure sport enthusiast since the 1940’s it made its mark in Sri Lanka only during recent times. This was done to cater to the needs and demands of the international traveller. Since then, the sport has become ever so popular in this island destination. The progress of Paragliding in Sri Lanka bears testimony to the fact that foreign travellers and adventurists find it exciting and convenient to venture out in this sport here.
Conducive climate conditions and physical features of Sri Lanka have made it an ideal destination for paragliding throughout the year. This sport has become an important tourist attraction to the country. A midway glide for any normal pilot will take about 25 minutes.
This adventurous sport can be experienced in places such as the Ella Adventure Park. It is a renowned hotel located in the wilderness of Ella city, which is approximately 202 kilometres from Colombo. Ella lies in the central mountainous region and is in the south of Nuwara Eliya. It also lies close to Bandarawela. Currently this hotel is the only provider of paragliding in the country.
Paragliding expeditions are at present carried out above the Makaldeniya ridge. This offers the paraglider the opportunity to indulge in the charming panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Paragliding in Sri Lanka has increased in popularity whereby one of the main reasons for its attractiveness is the safety measures that have been taken. The favourable environmental conditions are also considered to be another reason.

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Sober Island Navy Resort - Trincomalee

The Sober Island Resort, located in magnificent Trincomalee harbour is the few island resorts in Sri Lanka. The Sober Island had been a major transit camp between Europe, Far East and South East Asia during the time of the British rule in Sri Lanka. Sober Island was first occupied by "Admiral Jacob Blaquet de la Haye" in 1672 and by "Admiral Suffren" in 1782. The British took over the island after the Treaty of Paris in 1784 and later developed for their military requirements. The 175 acres Island elevating nearly 200 meters from the sea level was called “Isle du Soleit” by French meaning “Island of Sun” which was developed by Sri Lanka Navy as per the two site plans drawn in 1919 and 1922. There are French graves, World War II gun positions, underground ammunition storage complexes and many ruins from the British time which can be seen even today.

Sober Island Resort would be an ideal and unique holiday resort with beautiful tropical beach, jungle and historical artifacts for individuals as well as corporate packages.

The guest can enjoy the luxury accommodation with a World War II vintage bar and restaurant, hiking, sea bathing, diving, snorkeling, adventure sport, kayaking, angling, sailing, high speed boating, camping or simply enjoying the quite hide out amidst the jungle whilst listening to the soothing voices of various birds. A small cricket pitch built by the Britishers in early 19th century and the tennis court are also available for the guests to reflex muscles.

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Ella Adventure Park, Ella

 

Ella Vally in Dawn

Overview of Ella Adventure Park, Ella lies in one of the most scenic parts of the hill country, on the Ella Wellawaya road south from Nuwara Eliya, and relatively close to the lesser-known hill station of Bandarawela. This eco-friendly park nestles on the banks of Kirindi river, six miles to the south of Ella village, and is at peace with a breathtaking terrain of tropical rain forest, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls.The park, opened at the turn of the century, will entice those seeking both the solitude or an unspoilt jungle setting or the chance to indulge in a range of challenging outdoor activities. The cosseted or faint-hearted should look elsewhere. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the simplicity of the comfortable yet rustic accommodation. Standard and deluxe rooms are scattered around the main resort area, in 12 acres of tropical forest. Across the Ella-Wellaweya road, the park stretches over another 38 acres. Here there are also eco lodges, jungle cabins and camp sites in the valley below, a 20-minute trek through jungle.Facilities at Ella Adventure Park Ten chalets, including one tree house, were largely constructed with local materials and blend into this most natural of outdoor settings, so much so that you sense you are living alone in the forest. All possess shower and h/c water. The restaurant serves Sri Lankan and Western dishes. The emphasis is on outdoor living and indoor communal areas, such as bars or lounges, are limited. Camping facilities (with toilets) for up to 200 people.

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Northcove Cabanas - Bogawantalawa

Northcove cabanas are situated in the far end of a tea estate called Loinorn,  in Bagawanthalawa. You can get there along two routes. Either via Avissawella -> Ginigathhena -> Hatton -> Norwood -> Bagawanthalawa -> Campion bazar -> Northcove or Avissawella -> Ratnapura -> Balangoda -> Pinnawala -> Campion bazar -> Northcove. It's 29 km from Norwood along the B329 road. Altitude of the place is well above 1650 meters, hence its quite cool (worsen by frequent winds).

The cabanas are facing the lush  green Loinorn tea estate, producing a picturesque view that visitors will never forget. It gives you a feeling of "totally  isolated from the rest of the world" when you get there. You see nothing in the near vicinity other than the tea estate and the jungle. Just behind the cabanas, guess what... It's the Horton plains. Workers there mention about existence of a foot path leading to the entrance of the park.

The place has two cabanas; each comprises of two bedrooms (triple)  and a bathroom. So, 12 persons can comfortably stay there at a time. Cook(s) and gas are available for which you have to pay separately. Hot water, boiled using wood, is also available (again, charged separately).  Electricity is produced by a mini hydro plant situated just down the little stream that flows through the cabana premises.

This place seems to be well maintained by its caretakers. Food prepared by cooks are tasty and there service is also admirable. It's a place to be visited by a nature lover.

Entrance 

Sripada Mountain Range

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Eco Village Holiday Resort - Kamburupitiya

The Eco Village Holiday Resort in Kamburupitiya is a one of best known Eco resort hotel in Kamburupitiya, Matara down south of Sri Lanka.

Surrounding the beautiful Lenabatuwa natural lake and Vilpita rain forest the Eco Village Resort is perfect place for anyone for looking for peace and tranquility combined with outstanding Sri Lankan hospitality.

Relaxation on your veranda watching the birds flying in to trees is definitely an unforgettable moment. You can taste Sri Lankan Indian Chinese and Western foods with our staff’s grate hospitality within the covered floating ferry. After having the boat ride and fish hunting you can feel comfortable sleep until hearing the bird’s sounds in morning time.

Location and Settings

Eco Village Resort kamburupitiya is locating 180 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport takes you through the city centre of Colombo, passing with the sunny beach coastal way Mount Lavinia and the resort towns of Wadduwa, Hikkadduwa, Galle and Matara. In front of the ancient Matara Bodiya you can take Kamburupitiya road which on your left side. 19 km drive through the Kamburupitiya road with in 25 minutes you can reach to the Kamburupitiya small city with passing the Thihagoda junction. Center of the Kamburupitiya junction you can find Gathara road. After come 3 km via the Gathara road you can find the Eco village Resort.

How be at Eco Village.

Nearest train station: Matara, 19 km north.
Nearest bus station: Kamburupitiya Town 2.4 km.
Nearest motorway: Gathara Road adjacent to Hotel.
Nearest city centre: Matara, 19 km south.

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Vil Uyana Luxury Boutique Hotel - Dambulla

Luxurious Accommodation at Sri Lanka Holidays Jetwing Vil Uyana is in the form of 25 individual dwellings on stilts situated in three distinct habitats - water, paddy field and forest. These huge, luxurious dwellings, connected by wooden walkways, have timber flooring, ceilings of rattan and bamboo, and sloping roofs thatched with coconut palm. Furnished with luxurious king size beds, each dwelling has a private outdoor deck with scenic views and an outdoor dining area. Some have plunge pools on the deck and even private swimming pools. The bathrooms are spacious and elegantly designed with a large sunken bathtub and rain showers. Other facilities include a/c, IDD telephone, mini bar, 29” flat screen TV and satellite channels, coffee/tea making facilities, Bose DVD/CD Home Entertainment system, electronic safe, and even your own sarong, pair of reed slippers and umbrella.
With a deep satisfied sigh the dark cloak of night gives in to the break of day. In the distance a lone Nightjar bids a last farewell. The eastern sky brightens with a rosy blush as wispy swirls of blue mist lets go of the water and hangs still in the air. A gentle breeze parts its soft veil to offer a fleeting glimpse of dark steeped silhouettes rising up above the lake, the occasional glow of golden lamps still twinkle invitingly.

Location
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Jetwing Vil Uyana is one of the most conveniently located hotels to the attractions of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Deep in the central plains of the island close to the famous Sigiriya Rock, the hotel is 163 km from the capital Colombo.
Although the journey is fairly long being around 5 – 6 hours, it is a truly inspiring one, taking you Northwards offering a glimpse of the amazing contrasts in climate and scenery you encounter further inland away from the popular beaches our island is so famed for. There are two main routes: the longer, more scenic route through the ancient hill country capital of Kandy or the shorter one through Kurunegala to Dambulla, then further into the rural heartland across lush paddy fields and villages into the hamlet of Rangirigama.
If you do not wish to opt for our airport pick up service, the route to Dambulla is well travelled – with public and private buses from the Colombo. Take a train to Habarana further north 18km away, if you care for an even more insightful ride.

Distance to Colombo	163 km
Distance to nearest city or town	15km Dambulla
Distance to nearest train station	Habarana 18 KM
Distance to nearest motorway	1 KM
Distance to nearest bus station	4 KM

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Ulpotha Village - Yoga and Ayurveda Spa - Embogama

Ulpotha has been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years and remains an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful private hide-away open to guests for part of the year; a place of total peace, where you can experience the warm, generous and gentle hospitality which Sri Lankans love to offer.

Ulpotha is a traditional working village cradled on the one side by low mountains and a lotus ringed lake, and on the other by tiny emerald green paddy fields. Our focus, at present, is on the restoration of an ageless agricultural way of life including bio-diverse organic farming and reforestation of the land and its immediate surroundings.

Guests are welcome to Ulpotha and those who come will find a natural sanctuary of exceptional beauty where the main activity is simply relaxing in its remarkable atmosphere of peace and calm. However, for those more purposeful in nature, Ayurveda therapies and Yoga classes are available. The Ayurveda is administered by Dr Srilal Mudunkothge, an acclaimed practitioner of this ancient, holistic medical art, while the Yoga classes are led by some of the world's leading Yoga teachers.

We would also like you to see Ulpotha through the eyes of some of our former guests - people who have experienced Ulpotha just as you will. Before booking a holiday we recommend you read A Fortnight in Ulpotha - a personal impression of Ulpotha written by author and broadcaster, Moyra Bremner, together with comments from our Guest Book and numerous articles from The Press. Or, for a more pragmatic description of Ulpotha from someone who had never been on a Yoga Holiday before, have a look at this down-to-earth account written by Daniel Roberts, director of a large online retail company, on his experience. Similarly, you might find the article that appears in the Green Rooms guidebook useful, as we feel it presents Ulpotha quite accurately and succinctly.

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Kandalama Hotel - Dambulla

Welcome to a very special hotel. A hotel that doesn’t sit on the landscape but is part of it. Where monkeys climb your balcony pillars as if they were trees, swifts nest in the corners of corridors as if they were cliffs, granite crags erupt into the sinuous white walkways. Where you can float in the infinity pool while gazing across at the Sigiriya rock fortress, the eighth wonder of the world. Welcome to Heritance Kandalama.

The 162-room Kandalama Hotel in the cultural triangle has etched a great name in the hospitality
industry, especially in pioneering the concept of eco friendly tourism.

CONTEXT
Sri Lanka possesses the most intact biodiversity on the Asian continent. The hotel is located at the
crossroads of different ecological zones harbouring a spectrum of wildlife in the heart of the Cultural
Triangle. It is common place to watch herds of elephants migrating across the plains towards the
seasonal “tanks” (lakes).

The Kandalama hotel was the first environmental hotel project in Sri Lanka when it was conceived with
significant consultation with the local community in 1992. Initially, the development was met with
much public debate as many people living in the relatively pristine and undeveloped region were
opposed to any tourism development, as the area is one of the most significant regions of the country
for wildlife. However, the developers took the communities concerns to heart and instead of fighting
them, decided to embrace them, which led to the design and construction of one of the most
environmentally friendly hotels on the planet.

Since its opening in 1995, the Kandalama’s presence in the domestic and international marketplace has
influenced 3 other hotels in the country to become Green Globe 21 certified and two other companies
to join the Green Globe 21 program.

Room Facilities

• Air Conditioned
• Hairdryer

• Mini Bar
• Room Service

• Tea / Coffee Facilities
• Telephone

• TV - Satelite / Cable

Superior Room:

Superior Rooms are 35 sqm, located on the 2nd to 5th floors. Rooms have lake, forest or garden views. They are fitted with a double bed or 2 single beds. Some bathrooms have a bathtub with an overhead shower while others have a shower only. Room type preferences are subject to request and availability and cannot be guaranteed

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