Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Holiday Hotspot – Kandy Sri- Lanka KANDY in Sri-Lanka is historically the last city where the Sinhala Kings held power. Its main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth. The best time to visit is during the parade of the golden caskets in July or August every year. The festival also shows a parade of live elephants, as well as human dancers, drummers and village chieftains. When visiting the temple of the Tooth, be sure to adhere to the dress code as this is considered a holy place for all Sri Lankans. Touring Kandy will also show you the old Royal Palace
compound nearby. Afterwards see traditional Kandyan dances including a cobra dance, mask dance and the Ginisila, showing power over fire. The entire frenetic and colourful spectacle climaxes with an amazing fire-walking act. Other highlights include the Gadaladeniya Temple with its South Indian architecture, the Embekke Temples with its 14th century carvings that are dedicated to the god Kataragama, the Hindu shrines and Buddhist temples. The Royal Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of the city are
■ Mahaweli Reach Hotel Kandy Sri-Lanka
home to a rich variety of indigenous plant species many of which have practical uses besides their aesthetic appeal. Particularly interesting is the spice garden featuring specimens that are considered to have medical properties used in age-old Ayurvedic approaches to health. The orchid house with its collection of over 300 different specimens is one of the main attractions here. www.botanicgardens.gov.lk Located on the banks of the Mahaweli River, the Mahaweli Reach Hotel Kandy is just a short drive from the city centre and close to numerous landmarks. This historic Colonial property developed from a four roomed guesthouse to a splendid one hundred and twelve roomed five star hotel managed by the legendary Panabokke family. This exceptional property offers wonderfully decorated guest rooms that are well-equipped with all modern comforts to make your stay a pleasant one. For best rates visit www.mahaweli.com Between Kandy & Colombo visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, originally opened as a rescue centre for orphaned elephants. Some believe Pinnawala’s 80 elephants now serve more as a tourist attraction, and they are indeed an astonishing sight. Other attractions en route include “Embilmeegama Tea Factory” a family business that was estab-
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com lished in 1940 with great enthusiasm and commitment to produce the best quality fresh Ceylon tea from more than 300 small scale tea farmers. JF Tours provide tailor made packages offering flexibility and enjoyment of independent travel with an excellent team of well experienced, knowledge■ Temples of Ka ndy Sri-Lanka able chauffeur guides driving a modern fleet of luxury cars & 4 For wheel drives. www.jftours.com Turk- travellers from Northish airlines offer 10 flights a week ern Ireland or Ulster counties the from Dublin to Istanbul with daily Hilton Dublin airport offers a perfect onward connections to Colombo in stop off point before you catch your Sri-Lanka. On long-haul flights, first Turkish Airlines flight the following and business & economy class pas- day. This homely Hilton offers short sengers feast on authentic Turkish & long term parking, a complimenand international dishes and the tary shuttle to the airport, good experience leaves the other Middle sized rooms and a friendly service at Eastern carriers like Emirates trail- Burnell Bar & Grill. www.hilton.com ing far behind. Turkish Airlines also fly to 96 countries across the globe Robert Walshe is a travel broadwith new destinations including Kili- caster with Q Radio Network and manjaro, Sharm el Sheik, Maldives Travel Editor for River Media newsand South Africa. Best fares are avail- paper titles across the island of Ireable from www.turkishairlines.com land. www.robertwalshe.com