Sri Lanka Tourism Blog

By Rosanne Kolemeyer Anderson, Photo Credit: Jen Maree
Reminiscent of love and romance, a river cruise to that perfect hideout is a fun-filled exploration of nature’s splendour: the marvellous mangrove, nestling on the Bentota river in close proximity to one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, the Bentota beach where the sea meets the river is one attraction not to be missed. But going there when there is bright sun is best as the romantic hideout is quite dark and capturing the beauty of it on camera may be unfavorable.

Entering the small cave like entrance of lush green vegetation: this mangrove has been in existence for the past three decades or so, Supun the guide narrated as he barely managed to steer the boat through leisurely: the mangrove thriving in the sheltered bay is being trimmed and kept accessible by the boat houses in Bentota .

An ecosystem with diverse attraction of fascinating flora and fauna embedded in the nutrient rich sediment deposits which continues to withstand severe environmental exposure and the alternating mix of fresh and salty water; the mangrove on the Bentota river is yet another of lassana Sri Lanka’s attractions drawing almost every visitor to the area to make a trip down stream.

The valuable wood produced by the mangrove Supun explained is durable and water resistant while its properties, the bark, the leaves and the flowers are wide and varied.

The mangrove simply looks a beautiful work of art depicting its intricacies in size, length, breadth and colour in the form of twisted bark and bushy clusters spread over a vast area of its terrain; some touching the water, so well grown almost totally hiding the sunlight even at noon blending with the equally spread out exquisite long drooping branches of different length and shades of earthy colour making it a perfect merge of nature’s grandeur and gift to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean: a tourist attraction and indeed a land like no other.

Hotel Lanka Supercorals - Hikkaduwa is ideally situated in close proximity to famous marine sanctuary with exotic coral formation in Hikkaduwa.Hundred kms South of Colombo Hotel Lanka Supercorals sited on a spot marvelously landscaped green garden.

It is a prefect stopover for those who seek the pleasure of sun sand and surf. The hotel has been refurbished and opened last year after the damage caused by the tsunami.

Hotel Lanka Supercorals, which originally had 100 guest rooms has had soft opening with 40 guest rooms, and is over looking beautiful Hikkaduwa Beach.

Thirty one rooms are directly sea view and all rooms are equipped with A/C, hot/cold water shower, balcony, high speed internet facility, International Sports Channel on Cable TV, mini bar offered for Sri Lankan holiday makers during the coming Avurudu season.

The hotel has two spacious specialty restaurants serving all meals. Western, Chinese and oriental cuisine along with B.B.Q, buffet is the specialty of the main restaurant, while fresh seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine serves at the other restaurant.

Coral bar offers a well stocked range of wines, spirits, liquors, beer and fresh fruit juices.

Apart from that, pizza hut and super café are the two popular places for snacks.

As a part of a recreation and animation, hotel offers two separate swimming pools. One is specially designed for kids and the main pool separately for animation programmes, water polo and other water based activities.

Beach Volley Ball and indoor games too are popular with overseas travellers.

Hotel Lanka Supercorals also offers excursions for travellers and there are tailor made programmes for holiday makers.

‘Half a day excursions to Galle Dutch Fort, Maadu Ganga River Safari, sightseeing tour of popular Moonstone Mine off Kahawa and sea safaris are some of the popular trips arranged by the hotel’ said Rohan de Silva, Manager of Hotel Lanka Supercorals

The other most popular attraction is the Cinnamon Trail and Eco Tour.

The guests are taken to a large cinnamon cultivation owned by Devmith Kaggodaarachchi, the Managing Director of the hotel for a tour.

‘This is quite a popular event, especially with foreigners. They love to see cinnamon cultivation, cropping and other processing up to packing. This is unique to this area’ said Mr. Kaggodaarachchi.