Sri Lanka Sri Lanka | Page 127

Where culture blends with nature and adventure

KASSAPA LION ’ S ROCK Kimbissa , near Dambulla

OFFERING COMFORTABLE chalet-style accommodation in the heart of the Cultural Triangle , Kassapa Lion ’ s Rock is located in a rural landscape , with views of the magnificent Sigiriya Rock in the distance . The spacious hotel has 31 modern , simply furnished , air-conditioned chalet bedrooms on ground level with semi open-air en-suite bathrooms . Also in the lawned grounds are a swimming pool , reception lounge , viewing terrace , and bar . In the opensided restaurant , authentic Sri Lankan curries are the highlights of the buffets , although western food is also available . All produce comes from the nearby villages . Blessed with a dry climate and position on an open plain , Kassapa Lion ’ s Rock sits in a natural amphitheatre for viewing stunning sunsets and clear , star-studded night skies . Bicycles are available for hire , popular in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun . The flat terrain makes for pleasant walks and cycle rides around the neighbouring tracks , unravelling peaceful village smallholdings and a host of fascinating creatures and plants that thrive in this unique natural dry zone habitat . The staff naturalist will be pleased to identify the indigenous Sri Lankan and migratory birds spotted in and around the hotel . Kassapa Lion ’ s Rock is an ideal base from which to visit the sites of Sigiriya , Dambulla , Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura , and the National Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla , favoured stomping grounds of wild elephants .

Hotel facts

Location About 20 minutes drive from Dambulla . 26km from Sigiriya by road ( 10km as the crow flies ). Distance from airport About 4 hours drive away . Local interest Sigiriya Rock Fortess and Dambulla Temple ; Dambulla market ; National Crafts Council Handicraft village ; Popham Arboretum ; tanks ( reservoirs ); rural life . Day trips to

Polonnaruwa , Anuradhapura , Mihintale , Ritigala . Activities nearby Wildlife Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park , Kaudulla National Park ; Elephant back rides , bird-watching , cycling , lake fishing , hot air balloon rides . Special events Elephant gathering around Minneriya September / October . Child policy Children of all ages welcome . Category Tourist Class .

Relaxing by the swimming pool at Kassapa Lion ’ s Rock

Chalet exterior at Kassapa Lion ’ s Rock

Facilities at the hotel

Restaurant , Bar , Swimming pool , Pool loungers , Ayurveda Spa , Observation point , Laundry , Souvenir shop , IDD telephone , Internet , Bicycles for hire .

KASSAPA LION ’ S ROCK EXH1087 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 Chalet room . 7 nights from about £ 1,455

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 .

Accommodation

Number of rooms 31 Chalets . All with TV , Mini-bar , Telephone , en-suite bathroom with open-air shower and bath , Use of umbrella and torch . CD / DVD player , hairdryer , iron / ironing board can be provided on request . Chalet . With private veranda and open-air bathroom .

Unique eco retreat with romantic atmosphere

THE MUDHOUSE Anamaduwa

IN THE ANCIENT RURAL HEART OF SRI LANKA , the Mudhouse sits in a remote location about two hours ’ drive north of Colombo airport . Clusters of uniquely designed huts are located amidst 60 acres of forested land and have been built from local , natural materials , resembling all sorts of structures from a traditional village house to a tree house . Whilst each ‘ house ’ is different in layout and appearance , all have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind , and all the facilities are essentially the same , with outdoor showers and indoor bathrooms . All huts have dining areas and spaces which can be used for yoga and meditation . During your stay you have a number of different huts and structures allocated to you to ‘ call your own ’. There is no mains electricity , but lighting at night is provided by candles and lanterns and the staff hut has solar panels and a limited supply of power for charging batteries . Guests stay on full board , and eat in the main dining hut . Meals are prepared in the traditional kitchen , mostly with firewood and clay pots , using much produce from the Mudhouse ’ s own farm and garden . Guests are welcome to get involved with planting , watering , or picking the produce . A stay here is an incredible experience in its own right , but also for visiting local lakes and temples , bird-watching , and to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and sites of the Cultural Triangle .

One of the huts at The Mudhouse

THE MUDHOUSE EXH1172 Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan or British Airways London to Colombo return in economy , private car transfers , full board 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 .

FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ON 01392 441224 127