‘Chaaya Citadel’: True reflection of Kandyan heritage

Amidst the reverberating sounds of the Kandyan drums, and the haunting melody of the Jayamangala gatha reminding everyone of the rich heritage that is theirs, Chaaya Citadel Kandy was relaunched last week as the third hotel under the John Keells Hotels' rebranding initiative.

Popularly known as Citadel in Kandy, came back to all its ancient glory last week.. This newest re-branding effort follows the launch of Chaaya Village earlier this May, and more recently, Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa in Maldives.

Situated in the midst of the misty hills of Kandy, the view from Chaaya Citadel is made even more breathtaking by the Mahaweli River, offering just the right amount of tranquillity in the otherwise bustling hill capital.

As with every other aspect of the hotel, the launch ceremony captured the city's intrinsic customs perfectly. Attended by many distinguished personalities including the JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake, Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunewardene, and Chaaya Hotels and Resorts CEO Jayantissa Kehelpannala, the Chaaya Citadel Flag was hoisted at a simple but traditional ceremony in the morning.

The nighttime saw more festivities, with a gala cocktail party. Drummers accompanied a 'dholawa' within which sat a model richly dressed in Kandyan attire, who invited the Chairman to open the fireworks to illuminate the Chaaya logo. This was followed by a fantastic firework display creating a truly sparkling image against the backdrop of the night sky and the Mahaweli River. The guests were then escorted to a special dinner by Torchbearers, and the celebrations continued at the Bradby Dance that night.

Kandy is one of the country's best tourist destinations, offering just the right mix of tranquility and activity, ranging from sacred temples to peaceful boat rides. Chaaya Citadel Kandy aptly captures this all through their specially designed 'experience packages', the highlight of the Chaaya Hotels and Resorts.

With refurbishment, Chaaya Citadel's already luxurious interior has been made even better, and the change is sure to be well received. Chaaya Citadel has 24 deluxe rooms and Suites, and 97 Superior Rooms with thematic interiors as well as TV, Telephone, Mini-bar and other facilities.

‘Chaaya means reflection. Chaaya Citadel, Kandy is a tribute to the true natural Citadel that was the ancient Kingdom of Kandy’ said CEO of Chaaya Hotels and Resorts, Jayantissa Kehelpannala.

‘Our collection of antiques, the names of our key outlets, the mural-like paintings in our rooms and public areas, as well as staff attire, all reflect the rich heritage of Kandy’ he added.

The ‘Vel Eliya’ Main Restaurant serves international cuisine buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can expand their culinary horizons by tasting traditional Kandyan flavours, served to perfection at the ‘Uda Rata Bojun’ Fine Dining restaurant, amongst many other a la carte preparations.

The bar lounge is relaxation personified, with comfy chairs set out for guests to sink into. The hotels' other services and facilities include an Ayurveda centre, shopping arcade, foreign currency exchange, and left luggage service. For recreation there is the Swimming pool, Billiards, Snooker and Table Tennis.

‘The commitment of our staff has been incredible. There have been long hours of training as well as openness to mindset changes, despite the hotel being fully operational during the pre-launch preparation stage. This will enable them to deliver the Chaaya promise of service’ Mr Kehelpannala stated.

Kandy is a city that can offer its visitor just about anything, from vibrant parades and awe inspiring temples, to quiet walks and serene boat rides. The Dalida Maligawe, housing the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens exhibiting one of the loveliest shows of local fauna and flora, and the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage are only some of the items on the itinerary of anyone who visits Kandy. The Kandy Esala Perahara too is a sight to behold, held every July/August with much pomp and pageantry.

Chaaya Citadel Kandy, as with all the other Chaaya Hotels and Resorts, has designed five experience packages to give their guests lasting memories. Named ‘The Kandyan Bride’, ‘Ancient Trails', ‘The Scenic Trek’, ‘Golfers Day in the Sun’, and ‘Culturally Yours’, they are each unique and are customized to suit varying interests.

‘A traditional Kandyan wedding, a tour of our ancient temples, an exhilarating trek, a day at the golf course, and lessons in Kandyan dancing are only glimpses of what is offered through these packages' said the GM of the hotel.

The John Keells Group is Sri Lanka's largest owner of hotel inventory with a portfolio of two city hotels and 12 resort hotels situated in prime locations in Sri Lanka and Maldives. The new rebranding strategy aims to raise quality standards and establish standard operating procedures to maintain them.