Enchanting East as a year-round destination 

Jetwing Hotels and Thema Collection, two of Sri Lanka’s leading homegrown hospitality brands, recently hosted an event titled “The Enchanting East: a year-round Sri Lankan experience” to break the misconception of the Eastern region being a mere seasonal destination. The event was patronized by leading travel agents, travel influencers, travel enthusiasts and media representatives.

Proprietor of Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing and a Non-executive Director of Jetwing Symphony PLC, Len Porter highlighted the year-round appeal of Sri Lanka’s East, going beyond the traditional surfing months of April to September. He emphasized the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, mentioning lesser-known gems like Kudumbigala Viharaya and Magul Maha Viharaya. Porter also discussed the diverse weather patterns in the East and proposed a range of activities to fill-in a travel itinerary.

From October through March, the area becomes a haven for migratory birds escaping harsh Northern hemisphere winters, with places like Kumana National Park serving as their refuge. Furthermore, Gal Oya, Kumana, and Lahugala national parks offer peaceful sanctuaries for Sri Lanka’s ‘big three’ – elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, making them an excellent alternative to the busier Yala National Park for wildlife enthusiasts.

Buduruwagala Rajamaha Viharaya – Wellawaya

Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels Hashan Cooray, detailed the company’s unique properties dotted towards the Eastern corner of the island: Jetwing Kaduruketha located in Wellawaya, Jetwing Surf and Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing both located in Pottuvil. Modeled after a traditional Sri Lankan village, Jetwing Kaduruketha offers guests a rustic village experience combined with modern luxuries.

It is known for its personalized service, locally sourced cuisine and various excursions, making it an ideal base for waterfall expeditions and exploring historical sites. Guests can also engage in activities such as learning about Sri Lanka’s agricultural traditions at the property’s own paddy fields and taking a dip in the Kirindi Oya, which borders the property. Jetwing Surf redefines eco-luxury tourism with its distinctive and award-winning architecture, while Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing, is a luxurious villa, nestled on a secluded bay and surrounded by the ocean on two sides. Both properties offer easy access to prime surfing spots and a plethora of wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences, along with a myriad of other activities that can be experienced in the region.

Director of Marketing and Business Development at Thema Collection, Maxime Wickramasinghe shared the brand’s commitment to creating thematic experiences tailored to each property’s location. Wild Glamping Gal Oya, located in Rathugala, a scenic village surrounded by mountains and inhabited by the Veddas, the indigenous people of Sri Lanka, offers an exceptional glamping adventure, allowing nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves and learn about coexistence with nature from the Veddas.

Maalu Maalu Resort and Spa, inspired by Sri Lankan ‘wadiya’ fishing villages, is located on the tranquil Pasikuda waters. Maalu Maalu offers a wide range of activities suitable for guests of all ages, from snorkeling adventures among vibrant coral reefs to exploring the historic and culturally rich city of Batticaloa. Wickramasinghe also presented interesting statistics comparing rainfall in the Eastern and Southern regions, indicating that the East, for most months of the year – including the misconceived “off-season” months, receives significantly less rainfall than the South. This information is valuable for travellers planning their visits and seeking more favorable weather conditions.

Following their presentations, a panel discussion was conducted with the participation of Chairman of Jetwing Symphony PLC, Hiran Cooray and Chandra Wickramasinghe, Founder and Chairman of Thema Collection and Connaisance de Ceylan. The audience posed thought-provoking questions to the panel on biodiversity conservation, and ways in which connectivity to the east can be improved.  The engaging panel discussion offered profound insights and ignited stimulating conversations, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts in this endeavor and the need to protect the region from overdevelopment and exploitation.

Hashan Cooray said explore and experience the captivating allure of the eastern region. From the majestic mountains to the pristine, unspoiled beaches, this region caters to discerning explorers with a rich tapestry of experiences throughout the year. Travellers are able to peacefully observe birds and other wildlife, delve into the lifestyles of paddy-farmers and Sri Lanka’s indigenous communities, enjoy the serene shores of Pasikuda and the exhilarating waves of Pottuvil and its abundant surf points”. Whether travellers seek to reconnect with nature or immerse in the vibrant culture and history of Sri Lanka, Jetwing Hotels and Thema Collection properties in the East offer unparalleled opportunities for unforgettable and transformative journeys said Hashan Cooray.