Hotel Highlight -Chena Huts By Uga Escapes

Chena Huts by Uga Escapes is a boutique hotel located in Yala and consists of 14 luxurious cabins complete with individual plunge pools and panoramic views. It is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wild spectacle of Yala, a world renowned site for its diverse array of wildlife and the island’s second largest nature reserve up-close. Following the cultural heritage and architecture, Chena Huts comprise over fourteen 1130 sqft cabins, which offers a perfect getaway among the wilderness without compromising on luxury. Chena huts is the proud owner of the largest private cabins in Yala, and the only property in Yala that has a private pool for each cabin. Cabins at Chena Huts, Yala are family friendly and able to accommodate 2 children in a cabin. In addition to the comfortable stay at the cabins Chena Huts has experienced rangers escorting you on personalized safaris. Irresistible cocktails, delectable food accompanied with one of the most luxurious spas in the country, with a variety of indulgent treatments are many other compliments added to make the stay magical. Above all these huts are exclusively designed to bring the nature’s most important luxury to those who keep running in the busy urban schedules; utmost privacy and tranquility.

With over 100 rivers across the island, Sri Lanka boasts rich water resources that flow at all kinds of rates. Over the past two decades, a relatively new extreme sport has been gaining popularity with locals as well as visitors from other nations: Sri Lanka white water rafting has become the no. 1 extreme sport in the country.
Sri Lanka’s central region is mountainous and has a lot of rivers. When water flows at speed through rough terrain, it becomes bubbly, and we call this white water. Rafting in Sri Lanka through these turbulent waters, you will feel a sense of adventure like never before. White water rafting in Sri Lanka is popular because of several reasons. The less turbulent areas of the ride may be a great time to see wildlife, especially birds of many varieties and several species of monkey. The calmness does not last too long, though, as the main event – The Rapids – come at you and toss and turn you with all its might. When white water rafting, you lose control of everything, and your body takes over to try to survive the experience. The sudden adrenaline rush you get when this happens is second to none.

December has seen an increase in tourists traveling to Sri lanka, unencumbered by the previous political instability which was swiftly resolved at the beginning of the month. Rest assured Antiquity had taken steps to make sure none of our clients traveling during this period were affected in the least. We had rerouted our travel itinerary to avoid any problematic areas. We are glad that most of our clients left the country not having even known about the political distress in the country.
Our Decembers are by no means cold but it brings with it a much appreciated cooling breeze providing comfort from the year round sunshine. A blend of both elements makes this season the perfect time to visit our cities and beaches.

As 2018 draws to a close, we at Antiquity would like to thank all our business partners, travel agents and newsletter subscribers for the unyielding support and interest through the year.
We would like to wish you, your employees and family all the very best for Christmas and the New Year and look forward to a prosperous new year ahead, your continued support is of great value to us and we wouldn’t be where we are if not for your presence in the industry.
Look forward to more content on hotels, excursions and new attractions in Sri Lanka to be featured in our newsletter in the coming year.

All of you may have heard about the renowned Niagara Falls. However, not many of us would be able to recall an instance where we have come across a ‘Sri Lankan Niagara Fall’. Is there such a location? This is the story of “Olu Ella.”

Identified as Sri Lanka’s 5th highest waterfall, “Olu Ella” is said to never run dry, even withstanding the worst of droughts. It begins at Wewiyathalawa and is said to have derived its name from the resemblance it bears to the white “Olu” Flower, since its multiple falls projects a picture of that flower. The waterfall shares its connections with the villagers of the surrounding area and forms a part of the forklore as well. During the rainy season the water level heightens drastically, making it increasingly difficult to cross the river.

“Olu Ella” is situated in the Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariat, Amanawala Grama Sewaka Division and is therefore a bit of a journey from Colombo. However a straight drive from Colombo to Avissawella via the Hatton Road and from there to Karawanella, Yatiyanthota and down Pelempitiya Road is just a little over 65km in total. Public transport is available almost all the way but it is generally advised not to rely on it beyond Yatiyanthota.

The “Olu Ella” will be in its full resplendence during the months of March, April, May, June, July, October and November due to the monsoon rains. However, if you are planning a visit to “Olu Ella” with your friends and family, it is best to travel during the rest of the year where there is a low probability of rain.

Activities at “Olu Ella” are diverse and will depend on what type of person you are. For photographers it is an ultimate destination to capture some awe-inspiring moments. For videographers, it is the same. However if you are into off-road driving or cycling and mountain biking, “Olu Ella” provides the surrounding to accommodate such activities as well.

A convenient destination to appreciate the true beauty of nature, “Olu Ella” is a place you should visit at least once in your lives.