Redefines Urban Adventure with Ecotourism Expansion in Colombo

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.

Sri Lanka, Colombo, 28 March 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.

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).

 

About Cinnamon Nature Trails

Cinnamon Nature Trails is the dedicated arm of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for wildlife and adventure tourism in Sri Lanka. Led by award-winning senior wildlife photographer and conservationist Chitral Jayatilake and Vimukthi Weeratunga, senior biologist and photographer, a team of in-house naturalists curate experiences for wildlife enthusiasts to family adventures, threading lightly on the earth, leaving only footprints. With a legacy of collaborating with BBC Natural History, Nat Geo Wild and BBC Planet Earth 3 (2023), Cinnamon Nature Trails is committed to sustainable tourism practises to build a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s unique natural ecosystems. 

About Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts – Colombo Hotels

Located in the heart of the city, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo offers tranquil getaways in its unique offering of a ‘Resort in the City’ with expansive lakefront and garden views. Unveiling elegance and grandeur are Colombo’s most luxurious, modern, and truly ‘grand’ city hotels, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, located near Colombo’s Galle Face Green, overlooking views of the majestic Indian ocean and upcoming Port City. Completing the Colombo city collection is the first of its kind in South Asia, Cinnamon Red Colombo. Walking distance to shopping centers, historical sites and nightlife precincts of Colombo, this pioneering addition to the Cinnamon Colombo Hotel collection embodies the ‘Lean Luxury’ concept. Inspired by the arts and modern design, panoramas of Colombo’s cityscape and, of course, the innovative food and beverage options within the property, Cinnamon Red is the popular choice for urbanites and tech-enthused travellers.