Daily Mirror - Print Edition

Forest Rock Garden Hotel recreated kingdom in Anuradhapura

21 Nov 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      


The ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura is recreated in Andarawewa just about ten km away from Anuradhapura on Puttalam Road. Andarawewa forest reserve serves as an Elephant Corridor linking Wilpattu National Park to Thalawa, Mahamukalana and Galgamuwa area making Forest Rock Garden Hotel (FRGH) located on strategically important point.

Forest Rock Garden Hotel in Andarawewa forest is the first of its kind boutique hotel in Sri Lanka, built on stone boulders and cement pillars which extends on a 50 acre land of flora and fauna to give the exact look of the kingdom of ancient kings of the historical city. This hotel is different from any other hotel as it offers Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage along with unmatched closeness to nature. Forest Rock Garden Hotel is the first four-star luxury hotel built on concrete pillars allowing animals to walk underneath without damaging the environment.

A notable achievement is that the entire resort including the Chalets, restaurant, Ayurvedic Spa, meditation centre and all connected walkways, are built on a 20 feet higher elevation to save trees, causing minimum damage to the environment. Another unique feature of the hotel is that it comprises ten ultra-luxury suite rooms with an individual plunge pool, mini gym, kitchen and a large sitting area. These rooms have been fitted with modern security systems which include cameras to monitor the entrance. FRGH has 15 deluxe rooms with all modern day amenities.

Owner of the hotel Baladurage Chandrasiri, an innovative hotelier and entrepreneur who is alsothe Managing Director of Palm Garden Village Hotel, which is located about 5 kms away from this latest venture, said that Forest Rock Garden Hotel is different from any other hotel as it offers Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage along with unmatched closeness to nature.

‘We have 18 numbers of ‘ambamabas' in between all connected walkways to all rooms, restaurant, Spa and meditation centre. 'It is a recreation of the ancient Anuradhapura city', he explained.

FRGH was unveiled just two months ago by the President with an initial stage investment of Rs. 750 million.

Being a passionate nature lover, Chandrasiri had embarked to acquire the land initially, for this venture. The imaginations he created in the mind were sketched out and given to the builders.

Another main feature of this hotel is that this was entirely created to signify an ancient city by Chandrasiri and was designed and built without the assistance of any civil engineer or architect.

'We began this venture in the middle of 2011 and I had this image in my mind that I so very much wanted to create. The moment I found this place, my staff and I had to endure alot of obstacles and struggles along the way until we saw fruition of the project. I drew all my building sketches and designed every inch of this beautiful property. Today, I can proudly say that this new project is aimed to give all guests an air of serenity and harmony' explained Chandrasiri.

The target market for the hotel will mainly comprise of high end guests from Europe and the local up market as well.

The most important fact at this resort is they serve only vegetarian cuisine.

‘I do not want to disturb the harmony we are enjoying with nature and I believe it is perfectly correct to serve vegetarian dishes only' he added. Chef Anura Dissanayake said guests are really keen on going vegetarian and they enjoy meals. With emphasis on promoting eco-tourism, this venture will provide the significance of attributing human contact with nature, as well as other nature friendly creatures that would be able to roam underneath the pillars without being disturbed.

FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT 0777708788, 0252 223961 or log on to www.forestrockgarden.lk