Sri Lanka v England Cricket Tour 2012
Reconnaissance Report
 Des Newton - Howzat Travel's Tour Director for our upcoming tour to Sri Lanka - visited the 'the pearl of the Indian Ocean' in August and presents his findings to you in this report.
For those people already booked on the tour, this will give you a taste of what to expect. For those who are still thinking about it, hopefully this will whet your appetite!
- Des Newton - Howzat Travel Sri Lanka Tour Director
Part Two - Sri Lanka Accommodation Guide
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5* Jetwing Lighthouse (Lotus Tour)
4* Hotel Citrus (Turtle Tour)
3* Hikkaduwa Beach (Elephant Tour)
5* Heritance Ahungalle (Blue Sapphire Tour)
3* Surf Resort (Ceylon Tour)
5* Eden Resort (Lion Rock Tour)
4* Palms Hotel (Orchid Tour)
4* Avani Kalutara (Orient Tour)
5* Cinnamon Grand (Blue Sapphire & Lotus Tours)
5* Cinnamon Lakeside (Lion Rock Tour)
5* Hilton Hotel (Lotus & Orient Tours)
5* Taj Samudra Hotel (Orchid Tour)
5* Galadari Hotel (Elephant Tour)
3* Hotel Sapphire (Ceylon Tour)
5* Mahaweli Reach Hotel (Lion Rock Tour - option)
4* Chaaya Citadel (Lion Rock Tour - option)
3* Hill Top Hotel (Elephant Tour)
4* Sigiriya Village (Lion Rock Tour - option)
4* Amaya Lake, Dambulla (Lion Rock Tour - option)
4* Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya (Elephant Tour)
Galle
5* Jetwing Lighthouse (Lotus Tour)
Hotel website >
A truly amazing hotel. A mere 15 minutes from the cricket ground, this is a much saught-after luxurious hotel. All rooms are spacious with nice bathrooms and have a balcony overlooking the sea and you can watch the waves crashing into the rocks below. At the end of the hotel there is a grass area and pool which leads down to a lovely little beach.
There are numerous restaurants and a sports bar with televisions and pool tables which leads through to an outdoor area overlooking the ocean.
Hikkaduwa
Both our properties in Hikkaduwa are situated on the old main road that links Galle to Colombo (a new freeway has been built a short distance inland which alleviates the traffic somewhat). A hotel on a busy street has its advantages – there are restaurants, bottle stores and shops close by which you don’t often get in Sri Lanka.
4* Hotel Citrus (Turtle Tour)
Hotel website >
The Citrus has recently been rebuilt and refurbished and this means that clients will benefit from a new facility with a pleasant outside eating space.
The small reception area belies the outdoor living space which includes restaurant/dining room with open sides and a bar where you can sip your favourite drink or take it and sit under the palm trees while gazing at the warm water of the ocean or the clear blue water of the pool.
Many hotels brag about their sea-facing rooms but fail to mention most of those fall into the executive pricing bracket. I am happy to tell you that all 54 rooms have a balcony or a patio on the ground floor and all have sea-facing views with only the pool, the palm trees and the bar either spoiling or enhancing your view depending on the way you think.
3* Hikkaduwa Beach (Elephant Tour)
Hotel website >
This hotel is currently in the process of being refurbished and updated so clients will be able to enjoy a new facility. Reception leads to a large lounge area with a bar overlooking the ocean and a dining room overlooking the pool.
In the words of the hotel itself... "The hotel features elegant and well-equipped rooms designed to make your vacation a truly memorable one. All rooms have been newly refurbished and feature many thoughtful amenities to satisfy even the most discerning of traveler. We offer an exquisite dining experience with its magnificent range and taste in traditional Sri Lankan and Western dishes. Taste our delicious chef’s special every day among a great collection of dishes served at the restaurant overlooking the ocean and garden..."
Bentota
 Both of our hotels here are an easy walking distance from the water sports centre which offers water skiing, jet skis, wake boarding, snorkelling, canoeing and river safari at a good rate. (Clients should check their holiday insurance if they are going to participate in these sports). Click the price list to the right to see the array of activities of offer.
3* Surf Resort (Ceylon Tour)
Hotel website
This hotel has been designed to make maximum use of the beautiful Bentota beach. It is a long double storey building, following the contour of the beach, with every room looking out at the sea. The dining room also does the same with some outdoor tables for those who enjoy al fresco dining from a buffet with a good selection. The bar area is compact and a good meeting place before dinner and close to the dining room/restaurant.
If you are on the ground floor you can walk out of your patio doors, across the lawn, and feel the soft sand under your feet before you dive into the warm waters of the ocean and then return to see if you can tell the difference in temperature in the blue waters of the pool.
Ahungalla
5* Heritance Ahungalle (Blue Sapphire Tour)
Hotel website >
This hotel is absolutely stunning and will delight our customers who have opted for the premium 'Blue Sapphire' tour. Howzat Travellers staying here will also be rubbing shoulders with the Sri Lanka and England cricket teams as well as well-known faces of the media.
The Heritance Ahungalla has an amazing entrance with an immediate sight of the superb pool and a view through to the sea. It has a very open feel about it and all the rooms are set around courtyards with balconies overlooking the pool or beach.
There are a variety of pubs and restaurants where clients can sample the excellent cuisine with a magnificent view. There is a library, gym and spa pool which you can lie in and look at the palm trees and the ocean.
A wonderful experience awaits all people coming to the Heritance Ahungalla.
Beruwala
5* Eden Resort & Spa (Lion Rock Tour)
Hotel website >
A sublime hotel with top class facilities; it is built in the shape of a horseshoe so that each outstanding room, with a balcony, overlooks the magnificent pool area, the palm trees and the sea. There are air conditioned squash courts, table tennis tables and a huge Eden Garden restaurant overlooking the pool. You can cross a bridge to a small gazebo-type restaurant in the middle of the pool and on the other side of this is a swim up bar with stools under the water that you can sit on. This pool leads onto a lovely bay-shaped beach.
Clients will have a very memorably stay here. I wouldn’t be surprised if some miss a day or two's cricket to stay behind and enjoy this hotel.
4* Palms Hotel (Orchid Tour)
Hotel website >
You arrive at a small outbuilding where you alight your vehicle and wonder if you have been taken to the wrong place. Then a lovely walkway takes you through palm trees and a huge lawn to the main building where you see the reception area waiting for you and a view of the swimming pool and the sea beyond. Your doubts fade away.
Every room has a balcony or patio and the large pool area with ample grass give the hotel a feeling of space and freedom. The main restaurant is on first floor overlooking the pool and the beach or alternatively there is a wooden building Fisherman’s Wharf on the beach which serves excellent cuisine.
Kalutara
4* Avani Kalutara (Orient Tour)
Uniquely, this hotel is situated on a peninsula with the sea one side and the river, mouthing out into the sea, on the other. In fact, clients can experience the best of three water types – beach activities and swimming in the sea; wind surfing and canoeing on the river as well as cavorting in a pool in between.
The hotel exudes a feeling of spaciousness with palm trees all around, outdoor eating facilities and a restaurant overlooking the sea. There is also a fitness centre and a library with free internet.
Colombo
Please note that all of our Colombo hotel are also available for the Colombo-Test only 'Dolphin Tour'.
5* Cinnamon Grand (Blue Sapphire & Lotus Tours)
Hotel website >
Another superb hotel; the Cinnamon Grand sports a grand entrance foyer with an open lounge bar area with a mini grand piano which is not for show so nightly music is the score. A coffee shop also shares this lobby area and swing off downstairs and an excellent pub named “Cheers” awaits you with a food menu that is appropriate.
It has pool tables and a full sized snooker table to test your skills. There is also the convenience of a supermarket attached; this shopping area does not impinge on the hotel at all but instead allows guests to buy food and alcohol at a reasonable price. The swimming pool area has an outdoor bar, and specialty restaurants are open every night besides the general dining room which serves wonderful buffets.
Howzat Travellers staying here will also be rubbing shoulders with the Sri Lanka and England cricket teams as well as well-known faces of the media.
5* Cinnamon Lakeside (Lion Rock Tour)
Hotel website >
Situated on the edge of the peaceful Beira Lake, this superb hotel set in seven acres with excellent facilities and staff provides the dual aspects of both a tranquil retreat and also an active bar area.
The pool is right next to the beautiful lake and from certain angles looks like it is spilling over into it; this is really so and is not an illusion of the people who have enjoyed spending too much time at the swim up bar. The rooms are modern and very comfortable.
5* Hilton Hotel (Lotus & Orient Tours)
Hotel website >
I would say that the Hilton is one of the best hotels in the city of Colombo. It has a beautiful swimming pool, restaurants, walk ways, tennis court, gymnasium and a lakelet; it is surrounded by various water features including outdoor restaurants under thatched roofs, some with snack menus, and a bar of course.
This hotel is also famous for its Tea Lounge where it is possible to sample over two hundred different blends, flavours and combinations of this locally grown speciality.
5* Taj Samudra Hotel (Orchid Tour)
Hotel website >
The Taj Samudra boasts vast gardens (12 acres) which surround this imposing, spacious and comfortable hotel. There is a lovely pool area where one can dine out on a scrumptious barbeque buffet in the evenings or enjoy the speciality restaurants which produce excellent food.
One side of the hotel overlooks the shimmering ocean and the other the pool area with the city lights sparkling at night.
5* Galadari Hotel (Elephant Tour)
Hotel website >
The Galadari is a more traditional 5* hotel. The site itself is superb, being close to the sea, the rooms have great views and the eating area is excellent, especially the “Californian Grill” restaurant on the rooftop serving delicious cuisine and views to match of the city and the sea. There is also a business centre, floodlit tennis courts, gymnasium, sauna room, steam room, pool and night club with karaoke and disco. Can anyone out there sing?
Across the road you can walk along the promenade next to the ocean for a couple of kilometres; a beautiful walk for your constitution.
3* Hotel Sapphire (Ceylon Tour)
Hotel website >
The location of this property is in the city close to a busy road which gives clients access to local shops and transport; you won’t have a problem catching a tuk-tuk here. The pool area allows you to relax while the rooms are neat and all have tea and coffee making facilities with a well.
The well-appointed dining room serves good cuisine and I particularly liked the big pub attached to the hotel which was showing all manner of sports during my visit. The staff were very helpful and the hotel is a mere twenty minutes from the ground.
Kandy
5* Mahaweli Reach Hotel (Lion Rock Tour - option)
Hotel website >
The Mahaweli Reach Hotel is one of the finest properties in Kandy with all rooms enjoying breathtaking views of the grand Mahaweli River or the tropical garden of the hotel. The beautiful poolside area is very welcoming and the rooms are tastefully decorated. The Mahaweli Reach will no doubt delight our customers staying here.
4* Chaaya Citadel (Lion Rock Tour - option)
Hotel website >
Situated on the river, the Chaaya Citadel has a grand porch area as its entrance. Even though it is close to the city there is the distinct feel of the countryside. The rooms are neat with balconies, some overlooking the river and the staff wore traditional Sri Lankan dress. The swimming pool and the adjacent dining room have a splendid view of the mighty river flowing by.
3*Hill Top Hotel (Elephant Tour)
Hotel website >
Situated on one of the many hills in the middle of the city of Kandy the hotel has the air of recently being refurbished. The rooms are very good for a 3* property and from your balcony you can look down over either pool area or the city. The dining room is very good and the management friendly.
Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla
4* Sigiriya Village (Lion Rock Tour - option)
Hotel website >
A looping circular driveway to the front portals leads into a vast dining room/ lounge/bar area with no sides and a view of the swimming pool outside. The rooms are well appointed and are chalets in the forest. Many typical forest activities are on offer such as bicycle rides, mini golf, jungle safari, bird watching, village visits and organic farms.
4* Amaya Lake, Dambulla (Lion Rock Tour - option)
Hotel website >
A sprawling complex consisting of a main hotel building with chalets sitting in circles in the forest. The rooms have all required facilities and a veranda. There is a huge pool with a fitness centre and spa at one end and a spacious Sri Lankan style dining room with no sides to it overlooking the forest, the pool and the lake. When you arrive two ladies meet you with a drum and incense aroma welcome. An ideal spot to go for a ramble on the shores of the lake.
4* Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya (Elephant Tour)
Hotel website >
The approach to the hotel takes you through a shrub-like jungle and past the tennis courts. As you walk into open bar/lounge area your eyes are immediately drawn to the swimming pool surrounded by trees with a gap at the end through which you can see the mighty Sigiriya rock fortress dominating the sky line. Swallow hard because that is what you are going to climb. It has an interesting eco-centre informing you about the fauna and flora of the area.
The accommodation is chalet-type rooms which lead out into a courtyard. The rooms are very comfortable and modern with excellent bathrooms.
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Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle
