Overlooking the magnificent Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of King Parakrama, lies a quaint little hotel aptly named The Lake House. Surrounded by many historical sites from the second great Sinhala kingdom Polonnaruwa, The Lake House which was once the Queen of England Her Royal Highness Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip’s holiday destination, is managed by Ceylon Hotels Corporation and was recently restored to portray the inherent characteristics of CHC properties, a tribute to all things traditional. 

In keeping with those traditions, The Lake House is well known to serve the best rice and curry in the vicinity. Sri Lankans have always enjoyed the ever famous “Rice and Curry Luncheon” and indeed have harvested the bounty of the freshwater delicacies of the Old Polonnauwa Rest House in days gone by. Post restoration with a modern feel to it, The Lake House is back in action with the Rice and Curry luncheon that sits as the epitome of your trip to Polonnaruwa. The lake fish and freshwater lobster dishes are on a taste stratum of its own and the signature preparations by master chef Thusitha will no doubt have visitors returning just for the meal. The majestic spread at The Lake House of which the highlight is the rice and curry luncheon is not complete without the synonyms of the area being highlighted in the meal. Be prepared to indulge your taste buds with traditional dishes like the “badum” (tempered vegetables), “mallung” (green leaf salads) and other local fare. Accompanied by fresh tropical coolers, and finished off with the traditional Sri Lankan sweetmeats, the meal is also complimented by inherent Sri Lankan hospitality and an exceptional level of service.

About the Galle Face Hotel: The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka. Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka.  

Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. 

The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor. 

The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy.

Photo Caption: Chef Thusitha in action at the Lake House 

About the Galle Face Hotel Group: The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC. 

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses. 

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection: Galle Face Hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy. Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds. 

The Resorts Collection: 4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country. The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa. Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors. 

The Heritage Rest House Collection: The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island. Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama.

Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.

[caption id="attachment_4408" align="alignnone" width="640"] Freshwater Lobster Dish[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4409" align="alignnone" width="640"] Grilled Lake Fish Dish[/caption]