| R Hulme |
09 August 2005 |
Stayed at Deer Park Hotel - Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
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We would recommend anyone visiting Sri Lanka to stay somewhere near to Polonnaruwa as a visit to Sigiriya and the ancient cities is a must. We thought Sigiriya was spectacular and the climb to the top was not as difficult as expected (try to go at the end of the day when temperatures are cooler). Beware of guides who insist on helping you and then ask for a large fee 30 USD is not appropriate and somewhere around 500 rupees is all that is required. Polonnaruwa needs a minimum of 4 hours and the visit should commence with the excellent museum. We found a guide to be invaluable and very reasonable. Unless you have a second stop near to Anuradhapura we did not think sightseeing worth the long journey if you have already visited Polonnaruwa. We rented a micro bus and driver for our trip and found it both excellent value and a pleasurable way to see the country. Our guide spoke excellent English and directed us to various places to stop on route, including a pineapple farm and spice/herb garden. 12 days vehicle hire covering 1500km (Colombo-Polonnaruwa-Anaradhapura-Kandy-Bentota-Galle-Colombo) cost approximately 200GBP
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| J Ranasinghe |
24 May 2005 |
Stayed at Mount Lavinia Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Colombo - don't drive!! take taxi's!
Must visit - Sigiriya and surrounding cultural triangle. Pinnawela Elephant orphanage.
Shopping - some good stores for cheap good export quality clothes - Odel, Arena, House of Fashion
Advice- leave early on tours, distance is not great but driving is hectic hence give enough time for the road. Don't eat from dodgy road side outlets; take plenty of water, drink plenty of king coconut!!! Sri Lankan Papaya and pineapple is the best in the world!!!!
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| G Newall |
17 April 2005 |
Stayed at Taj Airport Garden - Negombo, Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka is just gorgeous. Stunning beaches and clear blue warm water. Galle Fort is interesting for a day or so. We also did a safari in one of the National Parks, which was fantastic. Had a wonderful dinner in the Sun House in Galle. Food at the Amans is also good, though you need order well ahead of being hungry.
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| J Williams |
09 April 2005 |
Stayed at Citadel Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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From this hotel we were close to the Pinnewala Elephant reserve, great for families to see these amazing creatures close up. Central Kandy was very accessible with lots of interesting sights and walks. We visited a tea plantation and factory nearby which was very informative and a Batik factory and shop. On the Kandy to Colombo road on the way back we stopped at one of the Spice plantations (no.100) which we toured with a Guide, had a complimentary massage with some of their products and obviously bombarded with sales talk to buy some (quite) expensive products.
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| M Howe |
01 March 2005 |
Stayed at Suisse, Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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The Devon restaurant was cheap and cheerful, the Rams restaurant tended to trade on its reputation within the Lonely Planet guide. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were worth a visit along with elephant orphanage
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| P Hoddinott |
20 February 2005 |
Stayed at Suisse, Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) is the highlight, with great atmosphere created by the presence and murmur of many pilgrims praying. The Botanical Gardens are outstanding in a quite different way, allow two hours minimum, a day could easily be filled. We had a car with English speaking driver for six days of seeing the main sights of Sri Lanka at 30Rps per Km plus 300Rps for the driver's per diem. We covered about 1200Kms.
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| A Gill devereux |
08 February 2005 |
Stayed at Deer Park Hotel - Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
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The 1000 year old remains of the old capital city in Polonnaruwa are certainly worth a visit. It is worth hiring a guide.
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| L Collins |
13 January 2005 |
Stayed at Queens Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Kandy is a delightful town nestled in the rolling hills and with its serene lake. Heavy traffic in the center of town during week days is a bit unpleasant, but a stroll to the British cemetery or a visit to the Temple of the Tooth are most enjoyablee and rewarding.
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| R Shah |
31 December 2004 |
Stayed at Suisse, Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Kandy we were told needed only a few hours to tour, not the case. It's a small town but a lot to do and see. The "Tooth temple" is great, make sure that you are there for the 'puja' it's a wonderful experience, happens twice a day the evening puja is at 7pm. Great walks in the area as well.
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| P Sinnetamby |
21 December 2004 |
Stayed at Riverina Resort - Beruwela, Sri Lanka.
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Beruwela was great for relaxing. A beautiful beach area with plenty of opportunity for those who are into water sports. Some local handicrafts available around the area. We were fortunate to be there during a "perahara" (a parade with dancers and elephants). Supposedly the second largest to the famous Kandy perahara. This was spetacular.
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Traveller's Tales: Places to go and see in Sri Lanka
