Life style
A passionate Naturalist’s Contribution to Responsible Wildlife Tourism
By. Rohan Wijesinha
The Government of Sri Lanka, faced with the present economic crisis, has identified tourism as being an essential source of foreign income into the country to help alleviate some of the its deficits. As tourists begin to visit the island again, in steadily increasing number, it must be remembered that many are attracted by Sri Lanka’s natural wonders, with over 50% of all visitors to the country going to one of the National Parks or sanctuaries.
Add to this number those who are attracted by its surrounding ocean and teeming marine life, as well as the wonders of its mountain vistas, waterfalls and forests, and it can be safely inferred that almost all tourists are enchanted by the biological variety and beauty this island has to offer.
The secret, however, is to ensure that these foreign guests are provided with a quality of service that will not only want them coming back again and again, but also to encourage their friends and relatives to do so as well. After all, there is no better advertising than that of word of mouth. For this, Sri Lanka must abandon the prevailing policy that quantity is all that matters. Instead, it should aim to attract the higher spending customer and ensure that the service given is on a par with the cost of the package.
Responsible Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife tourism can play a large part in the facilitation of this process; after all Nature has already done most of the hard work. However, it must be Responsible Wildlife Tourism and Dhilip de Alwis has long understood and practiced such ethical standards. A Naturalist and Resource Person, concentrating mainly in the Habarana area, an appreciative guest had this to say of him on Trip Advisor,
Dhilip is an exceptional naturalist…an encyclopedia of knowledge on wildlife. Great guide with extremely detailed and unforgettable walk arounds’’, treks or safaris. I was lucky to do all these with him and gain some of his knowledge of wildlife. It was Dhilip’s passion and enthusiasm that made me also love nature more.
Herein also lies an important message for Naturalists and Wildlife Guides, that of imparting knowledge to the visitor. This is especially so for the foreign guest who may never have witnessed wildlife in their natural surroundings before.
It is not just numbers that count but also an interpretation of the activities of the animal being observed. In fact, an hour spent watching a herd of elephants displaying the variety of behaviours they have, will be of far more worth to an observer who will leave not only with a magical memory and greater understanding of this majestic creature, but also an appreciation of the value a country places on its wildlife.
Not just the Big 5
Guides should not forget the smaller creatures either. Many guests will be enchanted by them, if described to them with enthusiasm and knowledge. It is not just the elephant, leopard and bear that should be sought, but mongoose, deer, Sambhur, monitor lizards, jackals, reptiles, amphibians, and so many more who can be creatures of such wonder, if their actions are understood and explained. Then there are the birds, over 450 species of them. Dhilip de Alwis specializes in ornithology and likes nothing better than to share of his avian knowledge with his guests. Once again, as per Trip Advisor,
Dhilip, the resident naturalist, has a keen sense of observation and has acquired a vast knowledge of local birds in the area and Sri Lanka. He took me out for a morning trip that revealed scores of birds (55 in total during that morning walk alone). Subsequently we went for other birds …
Another way to quench the thirst
that brought the total in the area to 80 species, several of which are Sri Lankan endemics – wood shrike, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler, etc. A lot of information was freely shared about identification tips, known places for specific endemics elsewhere in Sri Lanka etc. In the end, the one thing that sets him apart from other guides is his ability to ‘tune’ into the needs of the birder/group he is accompanying.
Give them space
In this age of sophisticated cameras and powerful zoom lenses, it is no longer necessary to have to go right up to an animal to see its magnificence in full. In fact, such close approaches result in an animal reacting to human presence rather than displaying its natural behaviour that should be the real focus of attention. An outstanding photographer in his own right, de Alwis has this to write on his BlogSpot,
Each and everyone have their own style of capturing wildlife photos. I have my own. I always try to put more distance in the picture to have more breathing space to have something more constructive. I always make sure to put more importance on the environment or play of light…I would like to take a picture of a common bird in a beautiful environment rather than a close up of a very rare bird. It is my passion.
As his BlogSpot reveals, de Alwis also conducts tours to archaeological sites, with as dedicated a commitment to the preservation of the wonderful cultural heritage of Sri Lanka as he does for wildlife and the environment. He also specializes in motorbike tours especially to those places off the beaten track”.’
It is about passion
Ultimately, it is about passion, commitment and an understanding of the true wonders of Nature. In his words, de Alwis writes,
There are moments (of) serenity, when you are just waiting…you are completely disconnected with the rest of the World. You only pay attention to…Mother Nature. Some people see Nature as…separate…from their lives. What they do not realize is that they are also a part of Mother Nature.”
Ultimately, de Alwis’s greatest tribute comes from one of his foreign guests which encapsulates all of the above in a few simple sentences,
We (family with two kids) visited Sri Lanka…and had a great time with Dhilip at a bird watching & walking tour. He knows everything about every bird…He is a great, talented guide and very enjoyable to spend time with him. Will definitely recommend him to all visiting Sri Lanka and are nature lovers.
Wish to come back soon to this paradise on earth.
Pegasus Reef Hotel brought a refreshing twist to the festive season with its much awaited ‘Tropical Christmas’ themed holiday activities by lighting the Christmas Tree and welcoming Santa to the tropics a press release said. The celebrations provided a unique and joyful experience for the whole family, blending the traditional warmth of the festive season with the vibrancy of a tropical setting. The beautifully lit tropical Christmas tree set the tone for both an unforgettable evening and a magical holiday season for all. Guests enjoyed a host of activities including interactive elements for children, including surprise Christmas gifts and photo opportunities with Santa said the release.
The centre piece of the festivities was Santa who made a grand entrance to the event having escaped the cold of the North Pole, to spread the joys of Christmas to young and old in a warm tropical setting. This added to the ambience and brought out that true festive spirit. Tropical-inspired cocktails were available along with delicious food to offer additional flavour to the celebrations.
Commenting on the celebrations, Renuke Coswatte, General Manager of Pegasus Reef Hotel said, “Our Christmas celebrations have always been highly anticipated and has set the tone for the season. This year, by giving festive traditions a tropical twist, we were able to provide our guests, their friends and families a truly unforgettable start to the holiday season. From ‘Santa’s Welcome Party’ coupled with the ‘Tropical Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony’ and with what we have in store in December, the celebrations will truly be unforgettable.”
Pegasus Reef Hotel has garnered a reputation for hosting exciting festive events over the years, making it a top choice for year-end parties for all. So much so, that the hotels Christmas festivities are eagerly anticipated throughout the year. This year’s ‘Tropical Christmas’ celebration was an ideal opportunity for families, couples and friends to celebrate the season in a warm and inviting setting, that features activities for all.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Santa’s welcome party brought the magic of ‘Tropical Christmas’ to life blending traditional holiday festivities added with tropical charm. Pegasus Reef Hotel warmly invites everyone to join in the upcoming seasonal celebrations and create cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information on future events, contact Pegasus Reef Hotel on 0112049600, follow them on social media at facebook.com/Pegasusreefwattala or www.instagram.com/pegasusreef_wattala and visit their website at www.pegasusreefhotel.com.
This festive season, step into a world of allure at Taj Samudra Colombo, where the spirit of Christmas is brought to life with joy, celebration, and heartwarming experiences said a press release.In the words of Kris Kringle from A Miracle on 34th Street, “Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind.” At Taj Samudra, we embrace this philosophy with a delightful array of offerings designed to spread joy and festive cheer to our guests throughout the season said the release.
From gourmet hampers to festive family dinners, the Christmas carvery market, and the iconic Christmas goodies hut, our kitchen team has created a magical atmosphere for guests to enjoy, share, and celebrate this season of giving.
Luxury Seasonal Hampers and Wine
This Christmas, Taj Samudra offers the ultimate luxury gift experience with customized seasonal hampers. Choose from a selection of premium wines, Champagne, sparkling wines, and exclusive beverages, along with Christmas cakes, puddings, festival chocolates, cheese, seasonal cookies, and more. Curated to perfection, these hampers are the ideal way to indulge your loved ones with festive joy.
Christmas Carvery Counter
Indulge in the flavors of the season at our Christmas Carvery Counter, featuring a homemade charcuterie station brimming with delicious offerings. Enjoy lamb salami, beef salami, smoked lamb, honey ham, chicken cold cut, smoked seer, chicken liver pate and a variety of other delectable treats, perfect for gathering and sharing with friends and family.
Christmas goodies hut at the lobby
Visit the delightful Christmas goodies hut in our lobby, a stunning display of handpicked seasonal treats created by our award-winning chefs. The Goodies Hut, open daily from 10:00 am to 9.00 pm, offers an array of beautifully decorated seasonal goodies and carefully selected gift items—ideal for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Christmas eve celebrations
On the eve of Christmas, join us for a traditional Christmas eve dinner buffet at Ports of Call, where festive delicacies, live action stations, and mouthwatering desserts await. Santa will make a special appearance to delight the young and the young-at-heart. Additionally, enjoy a festive à la carte lunch and dinner at Golden Dragon, Navratna, and YUMI, our stylish Japanese resto-bar.
Christmas Day Festivities
Celebrate Christmas Day with a traditional festive lunch at Ports of Call, featuring all-time favorites such as succulent turkey and a wide selection of Christmas specialties. Our Executive Chef Sajesh Nair and his kitchen brigade will craft the perfect Christmas spread to satisfy every craving.
The said experience an unforgettable musical evening with The Traveleer Sound Duo from Budapest
The release said The lattice lobby lounge for an unforgettable musical experience with The Traveler Sound Duo from Budapest, Hungary. Known for their captivating performances, this talented duo brings a diverse repertoire that spans pop, rock, jazz, and more, offering something for every music lover. Catch them live every Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm and enjoy their soulful melodies and dynamic sound in the heart of our vibrant atmosphere. They will also be performing during our renowned Sunday Brunch at Ports of Call, adding the perfect soundtrack to your delightful dining experience.
Unwind and Celebrate at YUMI Japanese Resto Bar and Poolside – Daily Happy Hour from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
This holiday season, experience the magic of Christmas at Taj Samudra Colombo, where every corner of the hotel radiates the joy and warmth of the festive season.
Christmas is here and we are eager to begin the celebrations. Everything about December is breathtaking and spectacular, with the rapid shift in the weather and the increasing camaraderie. The cherry on top is the excitement of the New Year itself! The joyous month of the New Year and Christmas is filled with delicious delicacies, elegant decorations, lovely attire, and joyful vibes everywhere. Dressing up for Christmas in warm and fashionable red outfits is something we all love. However, if you are still confused about your Christmas attire, don’t worry, we are here to rescue you. When it comes to fashion and style, no one can do it better than our Bollywood queens. Here are some red-hot looks from our fav Bollywood divas to inspire your Christmas outfits.
Kiara Advani is a true fashionista who can pull off any look. While co-ord sets are among the season’s hottest fashions. In a red-coordinated ensemble, Kiara is offering fashion advice to everyone. Her ensemble is the ultimate Christmas attire since it perfectly combines sexiness and elegance. She is wearing a bustier crop top and a high-rise skirt that accentuate her physique. Bronze bangles and earrings completed Kiara Advani’s outfit as
accessories. With this attire, you’ll definitely steal the show.
Huma’s red formal outfit serves as the ideal Christmas dress inspiration for you if you are not a fan of fancy attire and prefer a sleek and refined look. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal function, pantsuits look great on any occasion. In addition to being fashionable, it will also keep you warm. She looks great with a full-sleeved crimson jacket with a wide horizontal white stripe at the bust and straight-fit ankle leggings. For the best appearance, pair it with stud earrings and minimal makeup. Sara is a diva and she is slaying fashion goals in her little red dress with white frills.
If you wish to grab all the attention at the Christmas party then take cues from Sara and choose a red hot bodycon thigh-high slit little dress. Pair it up with a matching red jacket for the glam look and you will be ready to rock the Christmas party.
Among all the divas, Rakul Preet Singh is one of the most fashionable. The actress always dresses well, whether it’s in a gorgeous gown, party attire, or just something that’s too ethnic. Her red corset-style dress is stunning and a must-have for your Christmas wardrobe. It has an off-the-shoulder design, full sleeves, and a fitting nature. To get the glam look, wear it with pointed shoes and diamond drop earrings.
Talking about fashion and style and not mentioning Deepika Padukone is not fair. The queen of Bollywood looks amazing no matter what she wears. If you are tired of wearing dresses and gowns and want to try something different, her vibrant red power suit that exudes boss-woman energy is the ideal outfit inspiration. Her quirky bralette, which had a crisscross neckline, was polished off with a layer of preppy flair thanks to the oversized blazer’s design.
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