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Friday, 2 March 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Locals get unique chance to see world’s most famous elephant
Considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire, the unique eco-lodge in Buttala, is throwing open welcome doors to locals with limited time-period budget offers, prior to a big planned re-launch.
Winner of the World Travel Award for World’s Leading Eco Lodge, the resort enjoys the attention of the world media, being as it is on the global tourism map. KumbukRiver is also among the world’s top 10 unusual hotels.
“We’re often termed to be a Sri Lankan pride, but we haven’t always been the domain of every Sri Lankan traveller,” says Alena Drdlova, the resort’s publicist. “Since eco tourism is a niche market, KumbukRiver isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, seeing as it is a very different experience from your everyday beach holiday!” she exclaims.
The eco lodge is set on 16 acres of nature at its best, with the quiet Kumbukkan Oya running alongside it. Currently accommodation consists of the eponymous Elephant Villa which can house up to 10 people easily, the smaller Kumbuk Chalet which can accommodate up to six people and the Wild Dome, a third eco-lodge designed for larger groups.
The resort is the ideal place for families looking to spend some quality time away from the crazy activity of city life. KumbukRiver has also become something of a haunt for corporate groups seeking the open environs needed for brainstorming and creativity-stimulation. Regardless of calling, guests describe the KumbukRiver experience as beautiful to the point of surreal.
The special budget package for Sri Lankans is applicable for accommodation facilities only. “There is a sizeable segment of the Sri Lankan market that seek accommodation facilities and are willing to carry provision with them,” says Drdlova, “We have kitchen facilities and a cook, both of which can be used accordingly.”
The special offers for locals are on for a limited period, excluding two weeks in April. Generally considered to be an exclusive resort catering to international guests in particular, the budget packages come as a stop gap between the current period and a mid-Summer launch of new facilities and activities at the lodge.
Currently in construction, the eco getaway will soon be offering guests an exciting adventure course with two zip lines across the river and rappelling activities designed for thrill-seekers and corporate training. In addition, the lodge is also building a new luxury cabin...on trees! Set on two large riverside trees, the Wood and Glass Cabin promises to be a treat for unique accommodation hunters.
“We consider ourselves an ambassador for brand Sri Lanka,” says the publicist, “Since we operate on a not-for-profit basis, all operations are carried out in a way that makes guests wonder at the splendour that Sri Lanka holds.”
Guests interested in staying at this Sri Lankan pride are invited to visit their website on www.kumbukriver.com
