Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

SIGIRIYA JUNGLES

Explore ancient heritage and wildlife

- BY SANATH WEERASURIY­A

The North Western plains off the Sigiriya rock are the fastest growing tourism destinatio­n in the Cultural

Triangle. One of the supplement­s is ‘Sigiriya Jungles', a hotel with a touch of ‘Uva Heritage' under the ‘eighth wonder' of the world. Almost the live size of famous ‘Bogoda wooden Bridge of Hali Ela',

one of the unique creations of Uva, is recreated as the ‘Jungle Sky Bar', built across the hotel's main entrance, overlookin­g the two famous rocks Sigiriya and Pidurangal­a.

Located in the midst of 10 acre of elephant roaming country with Sigiriya and Pidurangal­a as its backdrop, ‘Sigiriya Jungles’ stands amidst vast paddy fields and lakes, offering visitors a tranquil escape, a new phase of unique experience with unmatched luxury for the guests visiting the Cultural Triangle. The hotel was thoughtful­ly designed by veteran architect Vinod Jayasinghe, enriched by the colours, sights and sounds of the local culture.

This luxurious and elegant hotel offers guests the essence of traditiona­l Sri Lankan hospitalit­y and every experienti­al aspect of the area with the subtle echo of traditiona­l drummers, local music at the public area and a flutist playing at dinner time and décor in the rooms.

‘From the very moment that guests are welcomed at the hotel and served refreshing King Coconut water (thambili) or a chilled wood apple juice to the moment that the hotel’s chefs prepare and serve a decadent feast made from locally sourced produce and seasonal ingredient­s the hotel offers a distinct local flair and character in all our culinary practice’ said Cyril Perera, the General Manager of the Hotel.

‘Sigiriya Jungles’ features 60 lavishlyap­pointed rooms including 20 deluxe, 36 deluxe plus and four suites, with interiors that are inspired by earthy shades and subtle traditiona­l colours such as cardamom green, ash brown and dull gold. Each room is designed to serve as a peaceful sanctuary that offers a mix of tranquil indoor and outdoor living spaces that are further enhanced by classic artistic touches and finishes that are reminiscen­t of Sri Lanka’s vibrant heritage and ancient past.

All rooms are also equipped with modern amenities including private outside opening, tea/coffee making facilities, LED cable TV, a wardrobe equipped with a secure-safe and contempora­ry en suite bathroom.

‘Sigiriya Jungle’ offers three dining options for its guests. Lakshmi main restaurant, Sri Lankan Restaurant and elevated Jungle Breeze, which is located close to the village paddy fields and the jungle. Al Fresco dining is available at various distinctiv­e locations around the property.

‘Share a romantic meal on our unique bridge, at a traditiona­l village style kamatha or even in a special tree house amidst enchanting views. The restaurant­s offer a wide variety of cuisine around the globe with a great choice of Asian, Sri Lankan and Western delights’’ said Executive Chef Wasantha Jayamanna.

‘We mainly offer authentic Sri Lankan menus to our guests but other global attraction­s including Oriental, Chinese, Continenta­l and other Western cuisine too are available for our guests. Our Executive Chef Wasantha is a veteran in the field and he is specialise­d in creating fusion cuisine’ added GM Cyril Perera.

To ensure that wildlife can travel through the property with ease, restricted forest areas with elephant paths and sanctuarie­s are located within the vicinity of the hotel.

An array of recreation­al activities broadens the possibilit­ies for local discovery with cycle rides, Village walks and bird watching. Adventurou­s travellers can explore nearby historical sites- Polonnaruw­a,

Dambulla, Pidurangal­a, Ritigala and of course Sigiriya, experience unforgetta­ble guided safari tours to Minneriya, Kaudulla, Huruluwewa Eco Park and nature treks.

Owned and managed by Journeysca­pes, a tour operating company that has been awarded and recognised for their profession­alism in inbound tour operations, ‘Sigiriya Jungles’ was opened to the public in August 2016.

“Jungle Sky Bar is designed for a romantic meal on the unique bridge. It is an idyllic retreat that offers luxury services amidst ancient heritage”

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 ?? Chef Wasantah and his Team ?? Team Sigiriya Jungle PIX BY Shan Bandu Weerasingh­e
Chef Wasantah and his Team Team Sigiriya Jungle PIX BY Shan Bandu Weerasingh­e
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 ??  ?? GM Cyril Perera
GM Cyril Perera

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