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Travel

Task Camp, a rich experience in wildlife camping

NO vacation is complete without a wildlife experience! An old tradition in holidaying, very popular in Sri Lanka and presented with class, TASK camp, has come forward with an exclusive package for kids and 'their older counterparts' alike to have a luxury camping experience.

Sandwiched between two national parks, namely Udawalawe and the newly opened Lunugamvehera, TASK camp is a plush haven for both wildlife and nature buffs. Located at an intensely natural setting bordering a river, TASK camp is rich with wildlife and vegetation and is harmonious in its holiday approach.

The team at TASK have decided to promote this lavish camp, earlier promoted mainly to foreign holiday makers, to the Sri Lankans as well.

"It will be a learning experience, especially for the children to know what 'luxury camping' is all about," Ranjan Peiris, Executive Director said, adding that TASK has planned different promotions for the April holidays.

"In foreign countries TASK is very famous, but now we feel it is the right time to promote this exotic destination locally and we have special rates this holiday season for families," he explained.

Incidentally TASK is known as Sri Lankan's best kept secret in foreign countries "The cabanas are made like tents with American standard fittings in the restrooms and an open air shower," he said, adding that it is a privilege to be close to such natural wonders, which are still kept in true-wilderness conditions.

"The tent like coordinated cabanas are equipped with comfortable beds and other furniture," he adds, saying 'comfort in camping' has been the theme when TASK was constructed.

"The flora and fauna in the immediate vicinity have been nurtured and was protected when building this site," he said. The greatest diversity of wildlife can be seen upon a hundred foot timber deck overlooking the river and the Lunugamvehera national park.

"They can dine in easy camaraderie and even have a riverside barbecue with natural lighting and illumination," Peiris said. There is also a flautist in attendance at the barbecue. "We have been careful to make sure that there is perfect harmony with nature, when the guests dine," he smiles. Bird watching is also a great opportunity at TASK.

The 'Bush dinner' is yet another highlight at TASK. "The guests are guided to a jungle area by traditional torch bearers to a sumptuous dinner organised for them," he said, adding that this is also a highlight of a truly 'wildlife' experience.

The food at TASK is also highly commended by its visitors. "It is more delicious apparently, because the food is tasted in wilderness," he says.

- P. R.

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Margarita Blue opens with new outlook

A design of the Galadari Hotel Pub draws its inspiration from the sea around it and from the colours and textures of the Mediterranean region.

The use of these colours and textures lends itself to the location, the spectacular view seen through large walls of glass and the outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. They combine to give a feeling of excitement, movement and warmth.

Step into the entrance, a mosaic pattern on the floor in the shape of a swirling wave.

The wave is encompassed by a circular wall with full height sculpture on one end and leads to the outside on the other. The mosaic gives way to a timber floor in front of the entrance with heavy grain timber top tables and timber chairs with colourful fabric to a cafe type seating arrangement.

The Margarita Blue is open from 11.00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 a.m. on weekends; live band performs every Friday and Saturdays. The Beverage menu consist of many varieties of local and imported beers, spirits and others while the food menu offers appetizers, main dishes and desserts.