16th November 1997

Travel

Of romance and culture

By the picturesque Kandalama tank, Culture Club has created an atmosphere all its own. Spread out over 46 acres of lush forest, the hotel maximises on space with large grassy lawns, one storey- chalet type rooms, open dining and lobby and lots of walking/ jogging space and of course a huge pool.

Situated in Dambulla, the drive to the hotel takes visitors on the bund of the Kandalama tank, which now, with the rains, has swelled to spilling and is a treat to the eyes. Ardent bird watchers would be rewarded by walking down the bund in the evening or early morning. Passing the tank, one enters into a forested gravel road which abruptly turns into the hotel driveway. The drive is short and brings one smack upon the airy lobby where one is treated to cold towels and iced tea at the entrance.

The rooms are spread out over a large area and some rooms are reached after a good five minute trek through tree shrouded granite tiled pathways. Each room is built as a separate chalet, a good distance away from the other. The emphasis is on Sri Lankan village culture and traditional decor rules. Woven mats on the floor, cane decor on the walls, terra cotta pots with floating flowers at the entrance all add ethnic touches to the room. But the bathrooms are luxuriously designed, each with shower cubicle and bath. Every room, interestingly is given a name in addition to the number. Family units of four rooms are available for larger groups.

Few rooms enjoy the glorious tank view, others have to be content with a forest atmosphere.

Browns and greens are used frequently so that the buildings melt unobtrusively into the jungle. In an attempt to re-create a village setting, the hotel has its own paddy field and village boutique. Named Wele Kade this little mud and thatch hut serves tea and traditional sweetmeats to visitors. The hotel also has its own elephant to give rides to visitors.

The pool with its poolside bar is definitely a plus for the hotel. Even night time swimming is allowed although rules on swim gear are strict. Relaxing by the poolside under a starlit night enjoying the complete serenity of the surroundings is an experience.

Take advantage of Culture Club's well established Ayurvedic Treatment Centre which offers herbal massages, steam baths and curative treatment.

Food at Culture Club is thoughtfully and innovatively prepared to satisfy a number of tastes. Many Sri Lankan ingredients are used and the Chef has special talent in creating dishes with mouth watering names like Seer Baked in Banana Leaf or Home Smoked Tea Flavoured Lake Fish. The hotel proudly claims to own an original wood fired oven used for baking. Theme nights and barbecues are held outdoors by the tank.

A number of excursions to religious and 'eco' sites are organised by the hotel on request. On clear days without much wind, even a boat ride on the lake could be arranged.

Hotel rates are Rs. 4000 for a double room on full board basis and Rs. 2200 for a single. All rates are net.

Let's join the party

Celebration Singapore-billed to be the world's longest street party is now on at the Lion City. Visitors to Singapore can experience a totally festive holiday with street performances, cultural parades, dazzling light-ups and art exhibitions. There's a Disney Fest which continues from October 30 to January 4 where you can meet all your favourite Disney characters, the Singapore River Buskers Festival, an entertainment extravaganza with the best street performers from all over the world, the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum, Christmas sales and a host of pop and rock concerts, not to mention many more surprises as the weeks wear on. The streets have more swing in Singapore.

George Steuarts Travel International's Tour Department now has special offers for Sri Lankans eager to be a part of the Singapore celebration. More details could be had from the George Steuarts Tour Department .

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