Cinnamon Nature Trails Redefines Urban Adventure with Ecotourism Expansion in Colombo

March, 29, 2024

Cinnamon Nature Trails, the wildlife and nature-based tourism arm of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, unveils its eco-excursion expertise in the heart of Colombo to introduce the true essence of the destination. A collection of five carefully crafted experiences by in-house naturalists aims to unveil the city's natural diversity and marvels while championing sustainable tourism practices.

Cinnamon Nature Trails brings years of experience in the field, collaborating with prestigious production organisations such as BBC Natural History Productions, Nat Geo Wild, and most recently with BBC Studios for BBC Planet Earth 3 for wildlife documentaries. This expansion into Colombo signifies a milestone in redefining Colombo's identity from a transit point to a vibrant exploration hub. Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President of Cinnamon Nature Trails, commented, "We are truly grateful to bring our expertise in enriching the Colombo experience to the bustling metropolis of Colombo. Through our carefully crafted excursions, we aim to redefine urban adventure, inviting travellers closer to our natural habitats in and around Colombo, allowing them to admire and appreciate the beauty and charms of our surroundings in Colombo."

"We are excited to launch these hand-picked curated excursions that promise an unforgettable experience through the heart of Colombo, from vibrant markets to serene nature reserves. Whether a guest or a traveller is on a historical exploration, unveiling the city's diversity or discovering off the beaten path, these unique experiences will showcase the essence of Colombo than a mere transit destination. With tourism on the rise and much of the international travellers craving for new experiences, these curated experiences will not only elevate guest stays but will also support in positioning Colombo as a destination that has so much more to offer for a traveller – and through the eyes of our in-house team of naturalists." comments Area Vice President of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for Colombo Hotels, Kamal Munasinghe. 

The five urban ecotourism experiences offered by Cinnamon Nature Trails include:

Zookeeper for the Day: Delve deep into the inner workings of the zoo with an exclusive experience that transcends the ordinary visit. Engage closely with the zoo's residents and gain invaluable insights into their daily lives.

Birding in the Wetlands: Explore the rich avian diversity thriving in the nearby waterways and marshlands, just moments away from Colombo city's hustle and bustle. Spend serene hours in the company of our feathered friends.

Tree Walk in the Heart of the City: Uncover hidden gems within the gardens of a prominent cathedral, boasting a remarkable collection of rare and valuable trees. Embark on a tranquil stroll amidst nature's abundance, a mere stone's throw away from the urban milieu.

Spiritual Colombo: Immerse yourself in the serenity of iconic religious sites nestled amidst Colombo city's core, reflecting Sri Lanka's diverse religious tapestry. Find solace and tranquillity in the sacred surroundings of these places of worship amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Street Photography: Step into the vibrant heart of a bustling Asian metropolis, where the symphony of street life orchestrates a captivating cacophony. Witness the vibrant choreography of a million souls, each passionately engaged in shaping their existence. Street photography captures life's essence in its rawest and most authentic form.

Photo captions: 

The Panel discussion on unveiling the city's natural diversity. From left to right: Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for Colombo Hotels, Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President of Cinnamon Nature Trails, Gayan Wijethunga, Cinnamon Ranger - Cinnamon Nature Trails for Colombo Hotels and Sriyangani Danapala, Director Brand Development for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.   

The Cinnamon Nature Trails team at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President of Cinnamon Nature Trails (center) and Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for Colombo Hotels (far left).

Birding in the Wetlands

Zookeeper for the Day

Tree Walk in the Heart of the City 

Spiritual Colombo