Jane & Robert
England, August 2016
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
The friendliness of the people.
Ancient cultural sites, fascinating history.
Diversity of landscapes.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Some of the road conditions (road from Colombo to Dambulla took 7 hours), but always plenty to observe of interest
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
We stayed in great places - all different.
The only place we would not recommend to others was Hill Cottage in Nuwara Eliya. This looked wonderful on first arrival, and had the potential to be a real gem - if a little more thought and care given to customer service and furnishings. The staff were not as friendly as elsewhere, and our driver reported that the accommodation offered to him was poor and unhygienic. Our bed was very comfortable and clean, but other furniture in room was rather shabby and bathroom could do with a little attention (dirty shower curtain etc).
A few practical ideas for Hill Cottage....
The only information around seemed to be related to some go-karting or other speed event.... This may interest some travellers, but not, I suspect, those travelling with Tikalanka. We were there predominantly to visit the tea plantation and Horton Plains, but there was no information about these. Some nice picture books (as were evident elsewhere) would have been nice to browse through, together with some background information about the very interesting places round and about Nuwara Eliya.
It was rather cold and rainy when we arrived, and a French couple who were staying in with their young daughter asked if a fire could be lit in the sitting room fireplace. It had previously been suggested this may be possible, and it would have made a lovely cosy evening.... But it never happened, and no one came to explain. The husband of the couple was keen to visit Horton Plains in the morning, but again the owners were not helpful in his enquiries about arranging this. In the end he joined us, which worked out well.
We may have stayed in for supper if it had felt more inviting, but the dining area and menu was not overly appetising. We want to the Grand Thai, which was close by and very nice. Yapa was very helpful in suggesting places to eat and visit.
With a little care and attention, Hill Cottage could be a real gem, so I do hope things improve..,,
I must emphasise that this was the only lodging which we had difficulties with... Everywhere else was absolutely great.
Lake Lodge (Dambulla), Ellerton (Kandy), Zion View (Ella) were all superlative accommodations. Food excellent, and rooms all extremely comfortable, with lovely views at Ellerton and Zion View. All staff very friendly, and went out of their way to ensure that we had a wonderful time.
We were upgraded on arrival at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, when Robert mentioned he had stayed there before some 42 years ago. We had a wonderful balcony room overlooking the Indian Ocean. Again, food very good and staff very friendly. I think it has been upgraded since your accommodation description was written
The Royal River Resort in Kitulgula was in an amazing position, with bedroom and eating area right beside the river. The road was not good enough for routine car approach, and so our driver and ourselves had a 30 minute tuk-tuk journey up from the Plantation Hotel. Quite an adventure!
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Yapa was a very quiet, unassuming man. It took a little time to get to know him, but once you did, he was very engaging and very informative. We learnt a lot about the health, education and other social infrastructure of Sri Lanka.
We felt very safe, despite some of the hair-raising driving conditions on the roads
Very reliable, punctual and helpful - kindly changed schedule of itinerary when Robert not well, adding things which he felt we would enjoy/
Robert left his mobile phone in car as we were dropped at the airport. Yapa was extremely helpful in arranging for another Tikalanka traveller to bring it back with them. We are very grateful to all parties - many precious photos would otherwise been lost, quite apart from the potential security problems if the phone had got into dishonest hands.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Very comfortable flight. [Arranged own flights]
Any other comments?
Thank you for a great holiday. We will almost certainly return to Sri Lanka, and we will book through you again.
« All feedback
