‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ and ‘The Sanctuary’ become the top attraction in Anuradhapura

Located ideally on the banks of Nuwarawewa in the historical town of Anuradhapura, ‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ is set out to be the latest player in the hospitality trade.

After a heavy refurbishment programme, ‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ with all modern amenities and well-kept rooms, was opened to travellers last month. The unique location is indeed perfect for the tourist with major historical sites within proximity of this new ‘three star plus’ property.

It offers newly refurbished modern 70 accommodation units with all modern facilities such as A/C, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, cable TV and telephone. The rooms include family rooms with garden lounges that are set out invitingly on the open verandas.

‘This reflects combination of a friendly ‘local’ ambience and comfort with exceptional service, a stay here will lift the spirits while you experience true Sri Lankan hospitality’ said Devan de Mel, the Chairman/ MD of the Quickshaws Limited, the owning company of the two properties.

‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ was originally opened in February 1957 with five rooms and later added the rest of the rooms in different stages under different architects.

It was taken over by Quickshaws Limited in 1969. Then Nuwaerawewa Rest house was the first to get a swimming pool in Anuradhapura and the very first solo heating system in Sri Lanka’ added Chairman Mr De Mel.

‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ offers a restaurant that serves authentically Sri Lankan cuisine and western buffet meals. Guests can relax in the lounge area while children can have fun at the open garden area of four and half acres.

Apart from the Sri Lankan cuisine and the homely atmosphere, ‘Lake Side at Nuwarawewa’ is an ideal place for travellers to explore the area. Pilgrims can use this resort as a base for Buddhist pilgrimage to visit areas in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and in the other places of the Cultural Triangle . It is also a centre point for nature and wildlife lovers. Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya and other attractions such as Madhu Chruch and Thanthirimale are just one to two hours drive away from the Resort’ explained Jan Dirckze, the General Manager of the place.

Apart from the Sri Lankan Clientele, Lake Side is now busy with tour operates to get the overseas travellers to the Ancient city.

According to Chairman Devan de Mel, the resort has been in the books of all the leading tour operates and the leading online sites such as agoda, booking .com etc.

‘But our main target market is FITs and Sri Lankans’ he added.

‘The Sanctuary’ at Thissawewa, the other property under Quickshaws Limited, is located within the sacred city of Anuradhapura, was built over a hundred years ago, in the heyday of British Colonial rule and was then known as the “Grand Hotel”.

‘The Sanctuary’ was effusive about its old world charm and told that the management was at great pains to maintain and preserve such ambience of the place at any cost. Set in a huge park with a variety of tropical hardwoods and the perennial chirping of birdsong and chatter of monkeys, ‘The Sanctuary’ is the only hotel in the ancient sacred city. ‘The Sanctuary’ is conveniently situated as a focal point for visitors wishing to recapture the glory days of Anuradhapura, while enjoying the modern day luxury.

The grand rest house has twenty two rooms, each different from the other, opening out to verandahs and exotic gardens of verdure and on to the lovely Mirisavetiya Dagoba.