Corinne & Graham
England, February 2025
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Wildlife, calmness, culture and people.
Agriculture – tea, fruits, spices, herbs and timber.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Litter in certain locations.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
The properties selected by Tikalanka were excellent and varied.
The exquisite “Swamp” location of Kumbuk at Kalundewa [Retreat, Dambulla] (not sure this was the water villa you had in mind) but quite magical.
W15 [Hanthana Estate] Kandy was in a magnificent setting and staff were attentive throughout. The wildlife drive with the naturalist was very informative and relaxed.
Camellia Hills [Dickoya] was so relaxing. The accommodation was superb and the staff excellent. The views great. Food fantastic – a small point (by no means a complaint in any way but for your future guests guidance) there was no afternoon tea as per the itinerary. We would not have managed one if there were, but other future customers may be disappointed.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge [Yala] – accommodation was unique and well appointed. Food was excellent, and provisions in the room way beyond what we could indulge in. The pool was also excellent in the afternoon sun. The safaris were well managed; Yala is very busy. Staff perfectly attentive.
Kumu Beach [Balapitiya] – accommodation excellent except for more ventilation required in the bathroom – we think this is understood by the property. Otherwise, the suite was so comfortable and pool brilliant with the beach in sight. The staff were accommodating and the food excellent with interaction with both chefs encouraging us to try more local choices.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Kapila – our first guide was a joy. He made our experience in Sri Lanka so memorable. His knowledge of wildlife and particularly the birds was exceptional. He could spot wildlife on our journeys and even quicker than the professional naturalists. He was eager to ensure we covered everything we had on the itinerary and more. He worked with the local team to modify the itinerary timing to give us more time to enjoy the properties, without compromising the experience. We fitted in Gem stores, Spice gardens and wood carving adventures. We would thoroughly recommend Kapila to anyone visiting but particularly anyone wanting to experience the wildlife of the country.
Ruwan – was an excellent driver guide. He was also eager to ensure we saw everything we wanted, and we were comfortable. He took us to additional locations we expressed an interest (the nine-arch bridge) he also arranged a Tuktuk in the heat and when we (he and us) saw the crowds on the bridge was instrumental in giving us the option not to continue to the end after ensuring we had good photos at the viewing point. He also searched out the most pleasant washrooms on the long drive south to Yala. Ruwan is a great guide and pleasure to be with for the journeys. He ensured our Whale watching was setup superbly and took us to extra places on the way across to Kumu.
Both Kapila, Ruwan and Pathirana [Pathi] were super communicators. We were never in any doubt of the next steps on the journey way in advance. As a result, we could relax in the knowledge that the plans were set. They went over and above to ensure our stay was exceptional.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
We flew BA via Chennai and then internally. The airport experience at Columbo was fine. [Arranged their own flights]
Any other comments?
Your services in setting the itinerary were perfect. The accommodation is all memorable and it is impossible to select a clear winner. Everyone was very different and brought their own uniqueness to the experience. Food and service were all excellent.
The additional items in the itinerary, such as the safaris, visits to the rock temple, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the ceremony of the tooth were well balanced with wildlife experiences and nature. Being immersed in the agricultural tea, fruit, rice and timber was a surprise and certainly a great pleasure to see the country working and industrious, not solely surviving on tourism.
The whale watching tour was changed again at the last minute to Kumara Whale Watching. The guide was Chathura and he was clearly passionate about the whales and there welfare. He left us with an excellent impression of the setup and at no time did we feel we were disturbing the natural path of the whales.
The Turtle Hatchery near Kumu Beach was a joy.
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