Hilary & Sean
England, May 2024
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a great holiday destination as there are so many different types of things to do, from wildlife spotting to visiting amazing temples and relaxing on the beach. Everyone we met was very friendly, and we enjoyed the food too! The train is a great way to get about and see the country.
Special highlights for us were being in Wilpattu and seeing a leopard, Anuradhapura on the Wesak Poya day, and Sigiriya at sunrise.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Sometimes the distance between the different places that we were visiting meant that we spent quite a while in the car, which we had been made aware of, but we hadn't really grasped until we were there.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
We stayed in some truly amazing places in Sri Lanka. John had found us some outstanding and interesting places. Our favourites were Ellerton [Kandy], and Horathapola Estate [Wadumunnegedara]: both in stunning locations with great accommodation, great food and welcoming staff, but also a feeling that the owners were committed to the local population too. We felt as if we were really in Sri Lanka.
The only place that we didn't enjoy was Uga Jungle Beach [Kuchchaveli] - a stunning location and building, and I could see that many people would really love it, but the resort felt very corporate, and it's the only place that we felt that it was all about the money - especially on one trip which cost us over 100 [US] dollars, but it is clear that the boat owner that took us around the lagoon, was unlikely to see much of the money! We felt that we could have been anywhere in the world.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Ravi was an EXCELLENT guide. We felt that we had learned so much by the end of the holiday, without really noticing! He was passionate and extremely knowledgeable about his country. He was very adaptable, always with suggestions of what we could do, and often stopping to show us wildlife, farming methods, and a lot of other interesting things along the way. He always knew where to find the perfect mango and could spot a chameleon at 100 paces! 
We were a little apprehensive as we had never travelled with a driver/guide before, but he had a perfect mix of showing us things and leaving some quiet [time] on a journey.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Flights were fine, food was good. [SriLankan Airlines - London Heathrow - Economy Class]
Any other comments?
We chose Tikalanka travel as John really took on board our choices and ideas when we first discussed our visit - and had put together a perfect mix of culture, wildlife and beaches. We would happily recommend Tikalanka to friends!
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