Colin, Gillian, Catherine & Alex
England, March 2018
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Lots of different things to see and explore.
Beautiful scenery, especially the hill country.
Friendly and welcoming people.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
The hot and humid climate, apart from when we were in the hill country.
The wildlife wasn’t as prolific as we imagined, in particular Wasgamuwa National Park, which isn’t worth visiting, although the countryside around the area is lovely.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
Accommodation was generally good, with the exception of Far Cry [Wasgamuwa], which we did choose ourselves. The place is a ‘dump’ with hardly any selection of food or drinks. Our room was not clean and the sheets were stained. On arrival the air conditioning and the fridge did not work. After about 40 mins we did find a member of staff to let them know and it was rectified. Their revised website calls it a ‘boutique resort’, which would bring prosecution in this country by the Advertising Standards Authority.
The Wilpattu Corridor Tree House is fine for people who don’t mind insects, bugs and Sri Lankan food, so may not suit many people. The rooms, with hindsight, may have been a better option. However the place was right next door to the park entrance and there was a nearby walk which was great for birdlife.
Our favourites were the Oatlands [by Jetwing] Bungalow at Nuwara Eliya, [The] Planter’s Bungalow at Ella and Turtle Bay [Tangalle].
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Nihal is a fantastic guide who knows his wildlife and took as much pleasure as we did in seeing it. He has a good knowledge of his country and their cultures. He is a good driver and we felt safe in his hands – he kept us in one piece on the chaotic roads! He was patient, kind and helpful and was part of the holiday experience. He has become a friend and by the end of the holiday had become used to our British sense of humour and joined in with the practical jokes. He was also calm and reassuring when a massive swarm of wasps appeared suddenly on top of Sigiriya Rock and knew exactly what to do.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
All flights were fine. [Arranged own flights]
Any other comments?
Whilst staying at Turtle Bay, after making enquiries and with Nihal’s help, we went on a morning boat trip to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, which was just down the road and a quick tuk tuk journey away. It was a magical experience – so peaceful with lots of birds and a young local man punting the boat. He even brought a plate of his own bananas and some coconuts. We suggest you include this in your suggested itineraries. It was one of the highlights of our holiday.
The safari driver we had to Bundala and Yala National Parks was OK until the drive back from Yala in the evening when we were actually frightened by his driving, which we felt wasn’t safe.
It would be nice if Tikalanka could invest in a minibus so Nihal doesn’t have to borrow his brother’s old van. Other minibuses we saw looked in much better condition.
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