Zinc Boutique Journeys Lanka, a network of exclusive hotels and resorts, with investments of over US$ 200 million in Sri Lanka have further invested Rs. 60 million to refurbish three estate bungalows in Hatton to be developed to upmarket boutique lodges.

General Manager Mandira Bungalows, Kingsley Liyanage told Daily News Business that two of the properties, the Craig Appin and Dick Oya Bungalows have already been fully refurbished with modern amenities while the third,the Strathdon Bungalow will be ready by mid December. He said that Zinc Boutique Journeys has obtained the long term lease of these three bungalows last year and three months ago the management began the refurbishment drive in keeping with their global vision to provide high-end boutique lodges. “When completed the three properties could accommodate 30 guests in all.”

Boasting an illustrious past, it was built in the early 1900’s as a planter’s residence reining over the slopes of Dickoya Estate and each Mandira Bungalow comes with modern amenities including wifi facilities. Liyanage with over 35 years of experience in both local and international leisure industry said that forward bookings for the property is good and they have a mixed clientele mainly boosted by English arrivals who like to experience the colonial atmosphere in an estate surrounding.

The 1,342nd Forbes US dollar billionaire in the world, Binod Chaudhary, a Nepali national is the owner of Mandira Brand and Zinc Journeys Lanka. According to Chaudhary, the bungalows in Hatton will try to emulate the up market wildlife lodges in Africa and will offer packages to high-end tourists at premium prices.

His leisure arm already has a partnership with a leading wildlife operator in Africa and has a clientele that they believe will accompany them to Sri Lanka.

Source :http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=business/mandira-bungalows-invests-rs-60-m-overhaul