She was first recorded by the Cinnamon Nature Trails team back in 2012 as a 20 month old female with vibrant looks. Over the years, she wore the scars of her efforts to hold her territory with a broken canine tooth and a part of her tail lost, in a skirmish.

This legendary leopardess raised two male cubs, the popular Lance and Lucas in 2017. Given her injuries and the missing canine making it difficult for her to hunt and provide meals for her cubs, it was considered a feat to have raised two male cubs to adulthood. Although Lance passed away in early adulthood, Lucas now dominates a large area in Yala and is a star among the most dominant leopards.

Sage was one of the most elusive and majestic creatures amongst all the leopards at Yala, her stately spotted coat of fur, hanging canine, and short tail made her distinctly different and easily identifiable amongst all the Leopards of Yala. Her maternal nature and predatory instincts allowed her to bring to life and raise beautiful leopards. She was seen with a cub of around 2 to 3 months even in as recent times as February 2021. Upon her passing, she’s left behind a young six-month-old cub whose future is uncertain without its guiding light – the mother leopard.

Although we may never see Sage in the wilderness again, we’re excited to witness the feats and adventures of her offspring Lucas and the new born. Her legacy will live on through them. So do visit the Yala National Park and enjoy the story of Sage continue through her descendants.

Yala is situated 195km away from Colombo and is around a 6-hour drive from Colombo. Make your stay worthwhile and comfortable by staying with us at Cinnamon Wild Yala which is situated in close proximity to the Yala National Park. We provide the perfect combination of comfort, luxury and nature. Let Cinnamon Nature Trails curate the perfect safari experience for you and let our inhouse naturalists and wildlife experts guide you through your adventures to catch a glimpse of Sage’s offspring and keep her memory alive!

Trincomalee, located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning beaches, but there’s so much more to this coastal gem than just sun and sand. This hidden paradise offers a plethora of activities and attractions that will delight travelers seeking unique experiences. In this blog, we’ll delve into the top things you can do when you visit Trincomalee, giving you a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of this enchanting destination.

Visit the Ancient Koneshwaram Temple:

One of the most iconic landmarks in Trincomalee is the Koneshwaram Temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Pillars. Perched atop Swami Rock, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The temple has a history dating back thousands of years and holds great religious significance for Hindus. Explore the intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this sacred site.

Snorkeling and Diving:

Beyond its picturesque coastline, Trincomalee is home to vibrant marine life and coral reefs. Grab your snorkeling gear or join a diving expedition to discover the mesmerizing underwater world. Pigeon Island National Park, just a short boat ride away, boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the region.

Whale Watching:

Trincomalee is renowned as one of the best locations for whale watching in Sri Lanka. Embark on a thrilling boat excursion to spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. Be prepared for an awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants while you stay at Trinco Blu By Cinnamon.

Explore Fort Frederick:

History enthusiasts will delight in visiting Fort Frederick, a colonial-era fortress built by the Portuguese and later captured by the Dutch and British. Wander through its massive ramparts and admire the blend of architectural styles. The fort also offers panoramic views of the town and the natural harbor.

Uppuveli and Nilaveli Beaches:

While the focus here is not solely on the beaches, a trip to Trincomalee wouldn’t be complete without visiting Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches. These pristine stretches of sand offer a relaxed atmosphere and are perfect for beachcombing and sunset strolls.

Trincomalee is undoubtedly a destination of diverse wonders. While its beaches are breathtaking, exploring the ancient temples, engaging with the local culture, and encountering marine life through snorkeling and whale watching add layers of charm to your journey. By experiencing the top attractions beyond the beaches, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted beauty and allure of this captivating Sri Lankan coastal town. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable adventure to Trinco Blu By Cinnamon today!

Visiting the Mask Factory and Museum will give you an insight into Sri Lankan traditional arts and crafts as well as Sri Lankan handicrafts. Although mask making is a very popular tradition in Sri Lanka, it is a dying tradition, and the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum. Upon your visit to the factory and museum you will be mesmerized by the rich history and lengthy procedure of making a mask. At the Museum you will witness two entire collections of masks belonging to the Sanni Yakuma ritual and Kolam Dance, and the primitive tools used to carve these masks. The museum also has a small library and a mask workshop as well. The mask library here is one of a kind and contains anthropological records of mask-making and the history of traditional performances that use masks.

It is a must to visit the workshop and watch the talented local artisans work their magic on a piece of wood. The carvings and the traditional colours used will give you a taste of the rich talent of these artisans that breathe life into pieces of wood. You can also buy yourself your own mask as souvenir to remind you of your adventures in Beruwala, Sri Lanka. If you’re feeling creative, purchase an unpainted mask and unmask your creativity.

The Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is situated merely 8kms away from Cinnamon Bey Beruwala and it is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel to the factory and museum. Leave the organizing and curating of your visit to the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum to us! We will ensure everything is done and planned out for your excursion; all you need to do is let us know your preferences. Visiting the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is one of the most important items on the Cinnamon Bey Beruwala bucket list and we will ensure that you enjoy the experience to the maximum!

We at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala are ready to welcome you for a memorable and safe stay with us! With Cinnamon Care we ensure the safest way to visit your favourite paradise island and enjoy nature, vibrant history, Sri Lankan traditional arts and crafts and the rich culture Sri Lanka has been endowed with!

Here are ten facts about Sigiriya, that you probably didn’t know before;

Credit – Mykola Sirkiziuk

1. The Beginning Story

Sigiriya, is a site in central Sri Lanka consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold that was built in the late 5th century CE on a remarkable monolithic rock pillar. The rock rises to an elevation of 1,144 feet (349 metres) above sea level and is around 600 feet (180 metres) above the surrounding plain. The Sinhalese King Kashyapa I, who reigned from 477 to 495 is said to have built this monumental piece of work.

2. A Rock Full of Controversy

Credit – Jana Marie

King Kasyapa’s life and rule was full of controversy. Sigiriya history dictates that King Kashyapa was born to a non-royal concubine and had no right to the throne. Consequently he rebelled against his king father Dhatusena, imprisoning him and eventually having him killed and entombing him in a wall. Thereafter, King Kashyapa chose the Sigiriya fortress as his royal residence as he was worried of potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne. From atop of Sigiriya he had unobstructed views of the surrounding area.

3. Before and After

It is also widely believed that before King Kashyapa used Sigiriya as his residence, the rock was a Buddhist monastery. It was once again used as a monastery after Kashyapa’s death till it was abandoned in the 14th century.

4. The Enigmatic Mirror Wall

Credit – Adobe

King Kashyapa created a ‘mirror wall’ so highly polished that he could see his reflection as he walked by. There is also evidence of a wall, 140 metres long and 40 metres high, covered with paintings of ladies, more famously known as the “Sigiriya Frescoes”. These paintings are still partly visible today.

5. The Hike Up

Credit – Sebastian Holmer

The only way to access the wonders of the Sigiriya fortress is to take the stairs. The rock is 200 metres high and visitors can walk the 1,200 steps, divided amongst a number of staircases, to the top.

6.The Advanced Hydraulic System

Sigiriya is known for the impressively advanced hydraulic system that has been in place since the olden days. This impressive system consists of canals, lakes, dams, bridges, and water pumps which still provide water to the site’s gardens to this day! Evidently, this contributes largely to Sigiriya’s reputation as one of the world’s best-preserved examples of urban planning. Some of the garden water comes from the top of Sigiriya. The pools at the top of the rock are filled with rainwater, and a series of drains cut into the rock connect to a large cistern, which feeds into the underground conduit system to help supply the gardens with water.

7. The Lion Rock

King Kashyapa built a façade on the plateau halfway up in the form of a huge lion with a staircase emerging out of its mouth. This is why the place is also called ‘Lion Rock’. The remnants of this lion can be observed to date.

8.Impressive Archaeological Importance

Credit – Connie Felicity

This man-built city is known for its archaeological importance and historical value. The city includes water gardens, a moat, terraced gardens and other archaeological features. It is a must see on your visit to Sri Lanka. Archaeologists explained that the site is a brilliant combination of deliberate symmetry and asymmetry playing on both natural and geometric forms.

9. Water Gardens of Sigiriya

The gardens at Sigiriya are known to be the best-preserved water gardens in South Asia and are considered to be some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. History states that many important guests in the 5th Century would have walked a path with the impressively designed water gardens on either side, serving as a grand entrance to the more than 1,200 steps leading up to the palace.

10. Highly Acclaimed

Credit – Shanul Photography

Sigiriya is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. Moreover, it wasn’t until 1831 that the abandoned Sigiriya was discovered the site of Sigiriya became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

You can make your visit to this not-to-be-missed site while you stay with us at Habarana Village by Cinnamon or Cinnamon Lodge Habarana.

Sigiriya is only a 20 minute drive away from our hotel and you can stay in comfort and reach your destination which is only 18km away! Enjoy the delicious food and plush lodging while we curate the perfect Sigiriya adventure for you!

The ‘Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project’ in collaboration with Ruk Rakaganno (The Tree Society of Sri Lanka), Forest Department-Sri Lanka, and John Keells Foundation aims to restore a deteriorated 50-acre plot over a period of three years after which nature will take over the regeneration process.

Here are 5 facts about the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project:

1. Restoring and reforesting this 50-acre site will further enrich the ecological significance of the region which also consists of numerous waterfalls and places of cultural and religious significance. Restoring and reforesting this 50-acre site will further enrich the ecological significance of the region which also consists of numerous waterfalls and places of cultural and religious significance.

2. The rate of loss of green cover during the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history and World Environment Day is one of the largest movements for the environment. This year’s theme,“Only One Earth”, which was also its motto for its 1972 conference, reflects the need to live sustainably in harmony with nature.

3. Likewise, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is propagating a shift towards a greener lifestyle through policies and individual choices. The Cinnamon Rain Forest Restoration Project provides a role model for working with nature rather than against it.The 50-acre site is situated in the Ratnapura District, at a proximity of 3.5 kilometers from the biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the few virgin forests left in the world.

4. Interested guests from Cinnamon properties will be escorted by a trained naturalist guide to the site while encouraging them to adopt some trees. In time to come, the project also anticipates attracting environment lovers and students.

5. Natural systems are vital for our future. Nature not only provides us with food, water, clean air but it is also one of our strongest allies against the climate crisis. This World Environment Day, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts reflected on this initiative and placed a spotlight on this cause.

Known for its warm hospitality and idyllic natural beauty, Sri Lanka is proud to open its doors and welcome content creators from across the world. A magical and open invitation through the recently unveiled ‘One Island a Thousand Treasures’ campaign awaits them to participate in and celebrate its world-famous gastronomy, ancient traditions, cultural heritage, and extraordinary people.

Each of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts branded properties offers its guests the distinct opportunity to uncover the wide range of incredible sights and experiences each area has in abundance. You can uncover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s ancient and deadly martial art ‘Angampora’,and learn from a generations-old Master-craftsman as he fashions ordinary crystals into perfect optical lenses. Discover the mysteries of the white stone circle at the magnificent Danigala ‘Alien’ mountain and ponder the origin of its famed and unusual astrological drawings, dance in the moonlight to the enchanting songs of Batticaloa’s singing fish or ride atop an Asian elephant, even go out in search of the stunning and elusive Sri Lankan leopard or cruise alongside the frolicking dolphins and pods of titanic whales.

From our valleys to our mountain tops, from our flora to our fauna, from our rivers to our oceans, the opportunity for discovery is endless, and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has everything any traveller needs to carve out their own remarkable Sri Lankan adventure and connect with the diverse and wonderful people who call it home.

The ‘One Island a Thousand Treasures’ campaign is the go-to interactive digital guide, designed with content creators, influencers, tourists, and adventurers in mind, to help them plan and find their own intrepid Sri Lankan adventure.

Artisans and craftspeople, attractions, experiences and tours can all reach out and join Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ ‘One Island a Thousand Treasures’ initiative, to become a valued partner, a stakeholder and a beneficiary of its success.

Whether you’re a content creator, influencer or holidaymaker,with a keen eye for a great story, you can participate by sharing your journey with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts via the ‘One Island a Thousand Treasures’ website or on your own Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube channels, tagging @CinnamonHotels and #OneIslandThousandTreasures. Our esteemed panel of experts will review each entry and reward content creators with a treasure trove of amazing discounts, giveaways, and one-of-a-kind getaways, presented by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in association with ‘Sri Lanka Tourism’ and with our creative partner ‘Dentsu Grant’.

For more details on how you or your company can be a part of the ‘One Island a Thousand Treasures’ initiative, visit www.OITT.lk or follow Cinnamon Hotels on social media.

1. Yala Wildlife Safari

Be sure to traverse the jungle and be witness to the rich and diverse collection of mammals that have found their homes in Sri Lanka including the elusive Leopard and the majestic Elephant. Being one of the finest wildlife watching countries in South Asia, a wild life tour in Sri Lanka is guaranteed to give you a heart-warming and jaw-dropping experience of close encounters with Elephants and Leopards in Yala. Enjoy it in comfort by staying with us at Cinnamon Wild Yala.

2. Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala

The Rock Fortress in Sigiriya said to be built by King Kashyapa is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. It is also one of the most valuable historic monuments in the Island and the hike is definitely worth the view at its peak. The climb, the view and everything in-between makes for the perfect Sri Lankan experience. The Pidurangala rock is also an unforgettable hike and provides the hikers with a beautiful view of the Sigiriya rock too. Both these rocks are situated in close proximity to out locations in Habarana; Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

3. Cycle through ancient cities

When you visit the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, comprising of Anuradhapura, Polonaruwa and Kandy, the most popular, the best and most preferred method of transport is a bicycle. Bicycles can be hired all over these cities for a cost of about USD 5-7. So let your hair down and cycle around the much loved ancient cities of Sri Lanka.

4. Visit the ancient Temple of the Tooth Relic

You can start off at our five-star property, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, and visit the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The aroma of frangipani and lotus flowers, majestic high walls of the royal palace complex, soothing white-clad pilgrims, the strong fragrance of incense makes up the aura of this ancient and sacred Temple which houses the Sacred tooth relic of Buddha. An experience of a lifetime that you should not miss.

5. Stroll through Lunuganga Estate at Bentota

Visit the Lunuganga Estate, the country house of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Spreading over 15 acres, the Geoffrey Bawa Estate is arguably one of his most famous and undoubtedly one of the most loved of his architectural works.The Estate is the perfect mix of history, art and minimalism that Geoffrey Bawa is known for. The Estate features an idyllic cottage and four suites made for visitors. These gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel. The curios, sculptures, the overall architecture and the landscaping make for an interesting experience.

6. Mangrove Tours

Do not miss a curated nature escapade by Cinnamon Bentota Beach and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala. A Boat Safari on the Madhu Ganga gives you a two-in-one experience of witnessing the beautiful wildlife of Sri Lanka whilst meandering past river dwellings and dense mangroves. Venture deep into these mangroves, and experience this unique adventure in Bentota.

Sri Lanka Travel is always made easier and more luxurious by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts. So do book your stay with us and we will ensure you have a memorable time in Sri Lanka visiting the above places and much, much more!

What are hoppers?

Credit: Shehara

The main ingredients in Sri Lankan hoppers are rice flour, coconut milk, eggs and a little secret ingredient that makes the edges extra crispy. Both rice flour and yeast are mixed with a blended paste of soaked rice and coconut milk. This needs to sit for a few hours until it doubles in size. The secret ingredient, a Marie biscuit, is added to the dry flour before mixing and it helps give the hopper that crunchy, crispy brown edge. A hopper isn’t authentic if it is not made in a traditional hopper pan, so make sure you grab one of those too!

Types of hoppers?

Hoppers are of three kinds, whilst two look like good old pancakes the other looks like a nest of rice noodles and is famous for its texture. The third type of hopper is crispy around the edges and has a soft core in the center. An egg hopper is the same as a hopper, but with a steamed egg on top. These always taste better with a generous sprinkle of salt and ground black pepper on top.
The same batter that is used for hoppers is sometimes used to make flat crepe-like pancakes. They are then rolled with grated coconut mixed with coconut treacle and lime.

How to eat hoppers?

Hoppers are usually a breakfast meal, but it can be enjoyed at any time of day! Sweet or spicy, the choice is yours! If you prefer to have hoppers, there will most probably be a mix of both kinds, regular hoppers and egg hoppers that will arrive at your table. The bowl-shaped hopper is perfect for topping with side dishes. These hoppers are almost always enjoyed with seeni sambol, a sweet and spicy caramelized onion concoction that captures the hearts of many. Another classic addition to hoppers is pol sambol, which is grated coconut mixed with chilli and lime. For more elaborate hopper meals, there will be some kind of curry. It might be fish or chicken curry in a roasted curry base and juicy coconut milk sauce.

You just may have to leave out the cutlery and dig in with your fingers, in a truly Sri Lankan fashion!

Where to eat hoppers?

Nuga Gama is a themed Sri Lankan Restaurant, set around a 200-year-old banyan tree situated right at the heart of Colombo at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Head on over to Nuga Gama at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo to taste this local staple which is perfectly customizable to your preference, either sweet or spicy! The perfect village experience and the yummiest hoppers awaits you!

Those enjoying their days in the sun could be oblivious to the exposition happening just a couple of miles away towards the center of the ocean. The cerulean waters that lure in the adventure-driven surfers and the laid-back tourists, also hide a giant secret within its ripples and dunes; only the largest creature to ever exist.

Anywhere else in the world, these 40 feet long Blue Whales stay hidden deep within the waters, away from their predators, feasting on shrill. But here on the eastern coast of a tiny teardrop-shaped island, these gentle giants take leaps of faith, plunging out of the waters putting on a show to locals and travellers who’ve voyaged to see them dance.

Buddhika Dayaratne, also known as Daya, is an environmentalist working with Cinnamon Nature Trails (CNT). As a whale watching expert, Daya has spent years to accumulate a sea of knowledge on these giant mammals. Along the way, he’s had the opportunity to draw inspiration and expertise from the likes of famous Marine Biologist Dr Charles Anderson. His mastery on the topic has awarded him with many golden opportunities; one of which, being featured on BBC’s Blue Planet II program to share his experience with whales, the importance of conservation and his passion to study these gentle giants.

Daya first observed these cetaceans swimming through our waters in 2010. Despite a handful of Blue Whale sightings, the conflict in the north and eastern parts of the island restricted any commercial whale watching operations. Post-war, the CNT Team headed out deep into the Indian Ocean in search of Blue Whales; they were blessed with not just several blue whale spotting, but also a larger number of sperm whales!

Here at the coastal enclave of Trincomalee, the discovery of Whale Watching has brought forth many opportunities for the local community but has also heightened concerns for life below water. Daya understands the responsibility he carries on his shoulders as a learned and experienced environmentalist. “Whales are acoustic animals”. Even the biggest creature to ever swim in our waters is sensitive to the roaring motors of the local fishermen. The two-stroke engines of the motorboats commonly used locally for whale watching frighten and alarm the whales to hide deep within their oceanic habitat.

Against such a backdrop, Daya can’t emphasize the importance of imposing regulations to protect these mammals from harm in their habitat any better. Cinnamon Nature Trails’ 4-stroke engines sail silently against the waves conscious to be sensitive to the marine mammals in their own home while also giving you front row seats to an oceanic masquerade starring our very own Blue Whales. With thoughtfully curated experiences, the Cinnamon Nature Trails team has made meaningful investments to practice conscious and responsible whale watching excursions.

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, based right along the coastal strip of Uppuvelli, will host you for a picturesque and a memorable holiday with fun in the sun. Here, you will fight the urge to sleep in, waking up with the sun to claim your best seats to the Whale dances at the crack of dawn. Once in the waters, settle in and let these gentle giants take your breath away with each plunge before swimming along the boat beside you.

Experience the best of Sri Lankan hospitality paired with the endless charm of natural artistry, here at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon. Bask in the goodness of the coastal sun as the soft tunes of the Indian Ocean serenade you. Listen to the legends of the region and bear witness to the greatness that hides within our corner in Trincomalee. Discover a different kind of beauty in this historic North-eastern coastal enclave of Sri Lanka.

Spread across the 53-acre state, the resort has it all; exceptionally rich biodiversity, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water nourishing grasslands that add the fresh hue of green to the land. As legend has it, Hanuman dropped a part of the Himalayan Mountain as he flew across the skies to aid his wounded brother, Rama. The chunk of land he dropped was rich in strange flora and fauna, not to be found easily anywhere else in the world. This chunk of land is known to be the plateau of Ritigala and its biodiversity has spread across the village of Habarana, making it a true haven for those who find peace amongst untouched nature.

The resort was built taking inspiration from the rustic charm and the meditative calm of the Ritigala Monastery, a lasting artefact of ancient Buddhism dating back to the 1st century BC. The remarkable architecture of the monastery has been imprinted in the resort to add to its rustic charm. With its chalets designed after the village houses found in old Anuradhapura, the resort creates a unique curation of simplicity, peace and luxury of rural life, lived alongside nature. The many treehouses become prime spots for sightseeing and enjoying the quiet of a radiant sunset as the skies are painted in vibrant hues of pink, purple and golden. Dining under clear star-lit skies is utterly romantic in its simple nature. The cooling breeze that rustles the leaves soothes the senses while it refreshes and heals.

The village itself is an eco-system of many micro-habitats formed by a myriad of various species, animals and foliage. Within the limits of the resort, you are bound to spot the occasional elephant or two grassing along the banks of lakes and rare species of birds in their natural habitat, lazying about or in a rush to their nests before the sunsets over the lakes of Habarana!

The resort detoxes you from the hustle of the city, yet gives its visitors the choice of adventure. Whether it is climbing the infamous rock fortress, a two-hour hike up the Ritigala Mountains, a serene boat ride along the water bodies or sightseeing the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon are located in close proximity for all.

With the many chalets built for the best of privacy and the vast land perfect for a cycling trip, or an evening stroll and adventure to fill in the day or even reading a book on a hammock swaying in the winds, enjoying the little time left to do nothing, the resorts are a perfect culmination of nature. Their ties to the roots of ancient culture resonated in its architecture and build, emanates the peacefulness and ritualistic simplicity of the lives of our ancestors.

Visit the resorts for your next getaway and indulge in the unfiltered, untouched beauty of nature and lose yourself in it, as the hoteliers who walked this land first did. As Shakespeare said, heaven is the everlasting treasury of life and the quiet village of Habarana seems to be a perfect example of it.