TV Times

TV Times

Resort shaded by Hantane reserve
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Few decades ago Heerassagala in Kandy was just a jungle mountain with herds of wild boar, mouse deer, monkeys and leopards. But after identifying as a potential tourist destination, Heerassagala became a good location for eco lovers.

Since then, many hotels, bungalows and guests houses have come up in Heerassagala, but Hantane Shadow Resort, the newest Eco-Resort in the area, opened out the best kept secret of the hill. Hantane Shadow Resort, which is nestled in the peaks of Heerassagala, bordering an edge of beautiful Hantane forest reserve unfolds a dream holiday of nature lovers.

It can be reached through main Heerassagala road from Gatambe, passing Amaya Hills (formerly Le Kandyan) towards the top of the mountain. It started off as a family holiday home for businessman Sunil de Silva a few months ago. 'But after developing the property into a small luxury hotel, I thought of further broadening its use. So a couple of months ago we started the operation as a tourist hotel catering for specialized guests' Mr. de Silva said.

Today that idea has paved the way to enchantingly landscaped surroundings with ten well appointed rooms on one acre of land overlooking Hatane.
'It is actually in the shadow of Hantane. After building the main restaurant and lounge we actually thought, we should share this beautiful secret of ours with the rest of the world' he added.

Hantane Shadow Resort is an investment of Rs.25 million and it will be an up market property. For nature lovers, Hantane Shadow Resort is an ideal getaway. Many varieties of endemic birds could be spotted from the hotel premises and wildlife such as wild boar, deer and monkeys are still a common sight. Even spotting a leopard in the vicinity though rare could be possible.

Built in formation as twin rooms, with individual balconies, hotel has three units with twin rooms separately and four luxury rooms in the main building. The main bungalow comprises of two large rooms upstairs and a large master bedroom on the groundfloor. All rooms are with modern amenities. The three rooms in the bungalow have balconies that open out to the many views of the bordering forest within the Hantane range.

The main Bungalow is the service point to all residents for their menus and all other requirements. 'The chef is an experienced hand with star class experience. He is versatile in any kind of meal from Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Western cuisine' Sunil de Silva explained.

Meals are served at the well laid-out dining area ‘Tharu Sevana’ on the ground floor overlooking the garden here one can ideally sit out during the evening hours and enjoy one's favourite drinks. Few new additions of the Hantane Shadow Resort are on the cards.

'We are planning to extend the services towards providing an up market Ayurveda Villa with treatment for ailments and as an aspect of well-being. Also a swimming pool will be another new addition in the coming year' he said. There is a meditation centre not so far away from its vicinity and can be patronized for religious observances and meditation by appointment. For more details, log on to www.hantaneresorts.com

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