Amangalla and Amankora. Luxury hotels - destinations in Sri Lanka and Bhutan
An exclusive Asian luxury hotel group Aman Resorts has replenished its collection by establishing two new resorts in beautiful destinations - Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Amangalla in Sri Lanka is housed in an ancient, colonial style building dating back to 1684, which has served as a hotel ever since 1863. The majestic 400 years old Galle Fort, the historic heart of the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is rising right next to it. The largest and most heavily fortified fortress in the times of old Ceylon dating back to the period of Dutch rule is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amangalla resort, which offers 28 guest rooms and a two-story garden house, is the very embodiment of the colonial time charm and elegance. It features original, antique furniture, inherited from the precious residents - New Orient Hotel, while missing pieces are replaced by truly outstanding duplicates. All the rooms boast 300 years old teak wood flooring but the library is stocked up with historic artifacts and numerous books devoted to Sri Lanka's unique cultural heritage. Just a 10 minute ride - and you have reached the famous Sri Lanka tea plantations, 35 minutes - and there are rainforests, while the Indian Ocean splashes almost at your threshold!
Amankora, which combines "aman" or "peace" in Sanskrit with "kora" or a "circular pilgrimage" in Bhutanese language, actually presents a journey within a journey. Five Amankora lodges are located in five different parts of Bhutan and give a great chance to familiarize oneself with culture and nature of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The journey starts in Paro valley, 2250m above sea level. Surrounded by pine trees and seamlessly melting into the landscape, this 24-room lodging is an example of rural frugality combined with contemporary design with guest rooms overlooking gorgeous Himalayan landscape. A four-hour walk will lead you to the legendary Taktsang monastery ("Tiger's Nest"). It is set on an impressive mountain peak and dates back to the 8th century. Located not far from there is Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the first Buddhist temples built in Bhutan. Paro valley is also the starting point for the so called Snowman track, considered to be one the most difficult Himalayan treks, taking 21 to 42 days to cover it.
Thimphu, in its turn, is located the closest to the Bhutan's same name capital. Its white stone buildings are inspired by the traditional Bhutanese dzongs, which historically have served as the military, administrative, and social centers in Tibet and Bhutan.
Amankora Punakha is built as a traditional Bhutan farm house, surrounded by lush rice terraces, and you have to cross a suspension bridge to reach it. Punakha, 1300m above sea level, is one of the lowest and the most fertile regions in the country, known as a garden of Bhutan. Gangtey lodge is located in a comparatively remote Phobjikha valley. Over 300 black cranes migrate from Tibet every year to spend cold winter months there.
Bumthang lodge is located in a region made up of four valleys, and there are at least 29 temples and monasteries to visit in its neighborhood. It is also the heart of Bhutan's art traditions.
Visiting all the five valleys requires at least 11 days but if you wish to include into your journey also some of the several Himalaya trekking trails, it will definitely take much more time.
Photos: Courtesy by Amanresorts
SHARE:
ABOUT US • CONTACTS • RSS • FOLLOW US: 
ENG LAT
© anothertravelguide.com 2015
Anothertravelguide.com is an internet resource for independent travellers. All addresses listed on anothertravelguide.com - hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. have been tested and evaluated by our authors. All opinions are subjective and anothertravelguide.com takes no responsibility if any of these locations don't live up to your personal expectations, taste or mood, or has undergone serious changes since visited by authors and experts of anothertravelguide.com.