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Tropical beauty along the river banks

PLANTATION HOTEL Kitulgala

ENJOYING A UNIQUE SETTING on the banks of the Kelani river , where the academy awarding-winning film Bridge over the River Kwai was filmed , the Plantation Hotel at Kitulgala is a charming , simply furnished guesthouse . There are eight bedrooms and a lovely restaurant slightly above the river bank , as well as a bar , swimming pool , terrace with sunloungers , and a curious Motor Museum . This is the hot and humid wet zone , so the bedrooms are air-conditioned and well shaded by lush vegetation and towering trees . The fast-flowing river sends a fine , cooling spray all around the hotel , and there is a constant sound of water crashing along the rocks . Guests come here mainly to enjoy the nature and wildlife and go white-water-rafting . This is the most popular location for white-water-rafting in Sri Lanka , travelling around 9 kilometres along grade 2-3 rapids through tropical rainforest . Birders also like to walk through the Kelani Forest Nature Reserve , where a number of indigenous bird species are frequently spotted ( be prepared for leeches ). Kitulgala is often visited by people passing through , who stop for lunch at the restaurants along the banks . It is , however , an intriguing experience to stay overnight here at the Plantation Hotel if you like the rush of wild rivers and a sense of adventure without the luxury frills .

River bank restaurant at the Plantation Hotel

Room interior at the Plantation Hotel

PLANTATION HOTEL EXH1085 Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan London to Colombo return in economy , bed and breakfast based on two people sharing a double or twin room .

This hotel is usually included as part of a touring holiday . Prices are available on request .

Excellent value , stunning views perched on a hill surrounding Kandy

AMAYA HILLS Kandy Hills

THE IMPRESSIVE four-star Amaya Hills hotel is perched on the edge of Mount Hantana in the hills that surround Kandy , Sri Lanka ’ s cultural capital . One of the highlights of a stay here is taking breakfast on the terrace of Rasawala restaurant , enjoying the magnificent views over the pool to the valley and hills beyond . The designs at Amaya Hills embody the spirit and architectural riches of the ancient kingdom of Kandy , combining bold lines and rich colours with whitewashed walls and intricate wooden carvings . Belonging to the Amaya Resorts and Spas hotel group , Amaya Hills offers a range of resort facilities that both adults and children can enjoy , including table tennis , board games and DVDs . The hotel has an organised children ’ s programme , whilst adults can indulge in relaxing Ayurvedic spa treatments and put in a few early morning laps in the swimming pool . You can enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea in the Tea Room , sip cocktails in the Dumbara Bar or live it up in the underground nightclub , Le Garage . Arranged in three buildings and on three levels , the Amaya Hills bedrooms offer magnificent vistas towards mountains and valleys ; the junior suites and suites providing a more spacious and luxurious option .

Amaya Hills hotel and pool overlooking a dramatic landscape

AMAYA HILLS EXH725 Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan London to Colombo return in economy , private car transfers , bed and breakfast based on two people sharing a double or twin room .

Price guide per person based on sharing a Superior room . 7 nights from about £ 1,340

These prices are a guide only and do not take into account any special offers or peak season supplements . The best possible price will be put together for you at the time of enquiry .

110 FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ON 01392 441224