‘Oruthota Chalets’ : Haven in the hills

If anyone asks me what the best tourist location in Kandy District is, I never hesitate to name Victoria Reservoir as one of the most beautiful locations in the hills. Apart from its security blanket, it easily hits the top of the list as one of the best tourist attractions in the Kandy District.

Northern edge of the Reservoir bordering the Kandy - Mahiyangana main road in Oruthota, Balagalla, and Teldeniya attracts the eyes of every passenger. The flow from Hulu Ganga wrapped with the waters of Victoria creates best scenic beauty of the project, making difficult for tourists and nature lovers to avoid.

But it is most unfortunate to see no tourism authority has shown interest in developing this area as a major attraction for tourists. The biggest hotel in the area is 'Oruthota Chalets', which caters to all need and wants of the travellers to the area.

'Oruthota Chalets' is ideally located in this picturesque environment at Rajawella, Digana overlooking the Victoria Reservoir. The resort, which is twelve years old, is now managed by Eco Lanka Resorts (pvt) Limited, is just 17 kms away from Kandy.

The Chalets comprise 20 A/C and non A/C rooms as individual chalet type with all facilities. All chalets constructed with roof thatched with straw, which give visitors a soothing feeling.

Well-known musician/singer Michael Sansoni is the Managing Director of this Resort, which is managed by four other board directors.

'Sustainable tourism and more benefit to the area' is our motto' said MD Michael Sansoni.

'Audrey Sansoni, Brian Rabot and Diane Rabot are the other members of the board. Our main object is to provide a decent and memorable holiday for our guests and to promote nature and eco friendly tourism in the area' he added.

'Though, we have 20 chalet rooms, we can accommodate nearly fifty people in double, triple and big family rooms, with five beds and other family facilities' said T.G. Samarakoon, the Assistant Manager of the Resort, who handles the public relations for the hotel.

The most attracted place of the hotel is the open restaurant, which could hold over 200 covers, with the Victoria Reservoir and Knuckles Mountain Range as the backdrop providing diners a pleasing atmosphere.

'We serve cuisine from around the globe and our experienced chef is capable in handling any occasion. Eastern, Western, Chinese, Indian and English cuisines are some of the popular items on the menu. But we are specialized in authentic Sri Lankan preparations' said Glory Gladstone, the Manager of the 'Oruthota Chalets'.

The resort is well known for country food and authentically food from the area.

'We have our organic vegetable and fruits from the resort garden. Fresh water fish from the river is a popular dish among the Sri Lankan visitors' she added. Poolside and garden Bar-be-ques also available on request.

Since the Resort is promoting adventure and Nature based activities, more and more guests get attracted to their excursion packages.

Mountain Climbing, Trekking, Camping, Bird Watching, Cycling are some of the activities planned for the visitors.

'We have number of rare species of birds in the hotel premises and it has become a centre for bird watching' said Samarakoon.

Also the hotel has adventure packages and excursions designed for individual requirements. Adventure tours to Corbett's Gap and Mini World's End in Knuckles Mountains, Beautiful Mambaragal Temple (ancient temple- 10 kms away) in Hulu Ganga (20kms away), Bambarakelle (where the last King Sri Wickrama Ragasinghe was hiding from British- 10 kms away), Dambana (40kms away), Victoria Golf Club(10kms away) and Hulu Ganga excursion are some of the popular adventure packages.

'Oruthota Chalets' has two conference venues. 'Conference facilities at the Resorts are at its best. We have two halls, which can accommodate 100 and 75 pax in theatre style. Residential and day seminars and conferences are also popular among corporate clientele' Sansoni said.

'Oruthota Chalets' is also popular for company and corporate get-togethers and outings.

'We have special rates and packages depending on the numbers. And weddings too are on our priority list' Samarakoon said.
Rates at 'Oruthota Chalets' depend on mode and type. It differs from Rs.1000/- to Rs. 5800/- on single, double and family basis also on fullboard, half board and on BB basis.