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Wednesday, 6 August 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts ‘Cover Shot Challenge’ will be launched this September at Cinnamon Lodge and Chaaya Village Habarana in time to witness the elephant gathering in Minneriya. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Explore Sri Lanka and BT Store will offer aspiring wildlife photographers the opportunity to splash their talent in an article featured in the magazine, while the winner’s capture will be the cover of the October issue.
Lonely Planet, describes the elephant gathering in Sri Lanka as the sixth largest animal spectacle in the world. ‘The Gathering’ features over 300 elephants in migration making their way towards the historic Minneriya tank built by King Mahasen during the glory days of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. This phenomenon usually happens during the months of August and September and has been fast been growing into a focal point of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife attractions. As such, the Cinnamon Cover Shot Challenge with Explore Sri Lanka will offer amateur photographers the opportunity to capture this amazing spectacle during the tour and compete to get their shot on cover.
The competition will comprise of two phases for the amateur photographer and the iOS photographer. Respective winners will walk away with a 21.5” iMac and an iPhone 5s courtesy of BT Store – the first ever Authorised Reseller and Authorised Service Provider of Apple in Sri Lanka who is dedicated to elevating lifestyles by providing access to the latest technologies. In addition, the amateur photographer will also win a two nights stay for two at any Cinnamon resort and the entry willbe featured on the cover of the October issue of Explore Sri Lanka – the renownedpublication that has been reaching a global readership as a complimentary magazine for over 27 years. It features a diverse collection of articles that cover unique and lesser-known aspects of the country from wildlife to leisure, travel and lifestyle – showcasing Sri Lanka in a positive light while bringing out the natural wonders and interesting stories from across the island.
To enter, an attractive, all-inclusive package is being offered to the participants which willinclude two nights and three days at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana along with two safari excursions to the Minneriya National Park, return transfers from Colombo to Habarana, excursion fees and park entrance fees. A workstation with the required support will also be provided by BT Store for participants to transfer and edit their photographs during the event.
What’s more, during the tour, participants will have the unique opportunity to take part in a photography workshop with Chitral Jayatilake, Head of Ecotourism for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Chitral is a key contributor towards the continuous growth of wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka. Having won his first photography award at the age of 17 from the Duke of Edinburgh, Chitral now has over 30 years of experience as a wildlife photographer. “There has been an early influx of elephants this year, where we have witnessed more than 100 elephants already surrounding the Minneriya tank. It definitely seems like an exciting prospect for the gathering in 2014,” explains Chitral. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has continued to develop and support initiatives that would promote Sri Lanka’s bio-diversity keeping in mind the need for conservation and sustainability. The Cinnamon Cover Shot Challenge for Explore Sri Lanka will provide a wider reach to promote and further enhance Sri Lanka’s image as a popular destination for wildlife while creating greater enthusiasm for wildlife among Sri Lankans.
