Sri Lanka’s Rural Roots at "The Village in the City". Cinnamon Grand's Nuga Gama, Concept that Highlights Rich Traditional Heritage and Culture

13th December 2009, www.island.lk

Cinnamon Grand pays tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich traditional heritage and culture with its newest concept, Nuga Gama (meaning Banyan Village) which is now open to the public. Here tradition beckons in an inspiring journey that takes you back to Sri Lanka’s rural roots at ‘the village in the city’. Bask in the steep traditional atmosphere that hearkens back to a simpler, less urbanised era. Traditional sights to be seen and visited include a karatha, ambalama, kussiya, salawa, pokuna, gama gedara, kamatha and bissa.

A return to our traditional roots is the driving force behind Nuga Gama, a locale designed by Dipika Dharmadasa. Nuga Gama represents myriad different aspects of Sri Lankan culture and tradition, long forgotten to most urbanites. Surrounding the awe inspiring 200 year old banyan tree that is its namesake, Nuga Gama gives patrons the opportunity to experience the ambience of rural life in addition to enjoying typical Sri Lankan cuisine with a taste of truly indigenous flavours.

"The Nuga Gama concept takes its inspiration from its centrepiece; the towering banyan tree," said General Manager Rohan Karr. "Throughout its existence, it has undoubtedly seen a lot of urbanization but it retains its traditional roots symbolizing survival even through progress. The Cinnamon Grand team found this traditional symbol evocative of the indomitable Sri Lankan spirit and felt it was something to be proud of. As a local brand we believe in honouring and fostering this sense of pride in our culture and history," he said.

There is no shortage of activities, attractions and ambience at Nuga Gama. Experience a healthy dose of Sri Lankan history, develop an appreciation for local and authentic handicrafts and learn about important facets of village life such as harvesting. Rural handicrafts and foodstuffs at the kade are made by rural people and are unique to Nuga Gama. Vegetable plots and endemic flora abound at Nuga Gama with a "home garden" which provides vegetables, medicine and other useful products.

Beverages at Nuga Gama include Nuga Gama specials and fresh juices. Traditional favourites such as Veralu, Ambarella, Nasnarang, Inguru, Nelli, Ceambala, Karapincha, Kiri pani, Sapodilla and much more comprise the Nuga Gama specials. Fresh juices include Carrot, Guava, Cantaloupe, Orange, Pineapple, Wood apple, Papaya, Watermelon and Thambili.

The breakfast buffet is a satisfying spread, including Hoppers, Egg Hoppers, Milk Rice, String Hoppers, Coconut Roti, Roasted bread, Mutton curry, Fish ambulthiyal, Potato white curry, Sambar, Pol sambol, Katta sambol and lots more.

The luncheon spread comprises White Rice, Red Rice, Seer fish in red chilli curry, Black spicy chicken curry, Pork curry cooked with roasted spices, Fried Mutton curry, Beetroot tempered with onion, garlic, curry leaves and spices, Snake gourd in white curry, Fried Brinjal Curry, Shredded Mukunuwanna cooked with grated coconut, Sri Lankan village pickle, Lime pickle and lots more. Dessert choices include Curd with treacle, Watalappan, Cream Caramel and more.

Tea time snacks are also offered with a variety of Sri Lankan sweetmeats and savouries: Bibikkan, Kokis, Muscat, Thalaguli, Lavariya, Dodol, a range of herbal drinks and much more.

Dinner comprises an a la carte menu with dishes ranging from Fried sprats, Spicy tempered prawns, Fried Maniyok, Sri Lankan style noodles with vegetables, Crab and murunga leaves curry, Chicken giblet curry and Dosai to Chicken curry, Mutton simmered in coconut milk with curry powder, Beef dry curry, Fried brinjal curry and lots more. Accompaniments comprise Fried chillies, Fried dried fish, Papadum, Achcharu and Lunumiris. A dessert selection with fresh fruits will also be available.