This is the second part of by blog having recently returned from an inspection visit to Sri Lanka ahead of England’s cricket tour there in March/April 2012. Details of our tour can be found here.

In the first update, I had visited Colombo, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Dambulla and Sigiriya. I left you as I settled down for a night at Cinamon Lodge, Habarana…

The next day brought with it "The Journey," 6 -7 hours including a lunch stop and eventually we arrived at the Amangalla Hotel in the old fort in Galle which is stunning property. Its “Old English” architecture gives a feel of home and it is located within easy walking distance of the ground. It really is the ultimate location from where to base yourselves for the cricket so we are very pleased to have secured an exclusive allocation of rooms for our Platinum tour. Not only is the property a short distance from the ground, Amangalla is a beautiful hotel with lovely rooms and public areas and attentive staff.

From there it was off to inspect the Chaaya Tranz Hotel in Hikkaduwa, which is nearing completion (opening 19th November 2011). The property will be home to our Cricketer Group for the 1st Test Match between England & Sri Lanka. It is going to be a fantastic base for our group - the hotel boasts four restaurants, a variety of bedroom types which all come with stunning sea views, a pool area and direct access to the beach. Hikkaduwa is a very lively village so everyone will be able to find plenty to do both before and after the cricket.

The next stop was Bentota Beach Hotel for lunch and to inspect a "pontoon" they have on their river front. We are exploring the idea of using the facility for one of our “State of Play" functions and it is a definite possibility. The pontoon can accommodate 30 people and takes one to two hours to cruise round the river estuary. A truly great experience and a lovely setting in which to discuss the important moments in the match with our celebrity hosts – Paul Allott and Gladstone Small – and some invited guests.

It was now early evening so the next stop after an hour’s drive back to Colombo was the check in desk at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. This is to be the residence of the Cricketer Group in Colombo. It is a fabulous hotel, accommodating four restaurants and the liveliest pub in Sri Lanka called “7 Degrees North.” The clients will not be short of entertainment here but should a slightly more serene environment be required, there is also have the much quieter bar called The Library which has satellite TV and allows smoking in certain closed off areas.

I then visited possible venues for functions - Mount Lavinia is an exciting option as guests would have time for swim or a walk on the beach if they so desire or the option to just "soak up the rays" ahead of a delicious buffet lunch on the terrace. Beach Wadiya is a rustic restaurant on the beach close to Mt. Lavinia. This eatery is the favourite watering hole of Sir Ian Botham and David Lloyd among others and would provide a relaxed atmosphere. I also visited the “Gallery Café” which will be a great dinner venue.

That brings to an end my trip to Sri Lanka. It was a strenuous few days, with a lot of travelling packed in, but it is a brilliant country and so that didn’t seem to matter. I am so looking forward to going back in March with all our clients to re-visit these places and hopefully see England complete a 2-0 whitewash!

I would be delighted to talk more about Sri Lanka to anyone who is contemplating a visit for the cricket or otherwise, call our Sports team on 01244 355390 and ask for me. Gihilla Ennam Yaaluwa! (I’ll come back, my friend).

Richard Nurse – Tour Director
Published: 10 November 2011