Laurence & Elaine

Lion Rock at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Toque macaques sneaking a cheeky drink at Dambulla cave temples, Sri Lanka

View across to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Blue-tailed Bee-eater ruffled by the wind, Sri Lanka

Primary school registration, Sri Lanka

Tusker and mahout nearing the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Waiting for the train at Ella railway station, Sri Lanka

Drowned trees in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Bird of prey at a kill, Sri Lanka

Spot-billed Pelican in flight, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Little Heron warily eyeing a gaping crocodile, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Leopard in a tree, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Toque Macaque up a tree, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Painted Stork, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Timid Spotted Deer on the run, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Mother and baby Grey Langur, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Elephant taking a drink at a waterhole, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Swimming Water Monitor, Sri Lanka

Indian Darter with a catch, Sri Lanka

White-throated Kingfisher, Sri Lanka

Mangroves, Sri Lanka

Launching a catamaran fishing boat, Sri Lanka

Heron on the foreshore at sunset, Sri Lanka

A float-plane in Maldives

The sun sinking beneath the waves, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

Sunset at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

England, February/March 2020

What did you like most about Sri Lanka?

Wildlife; scenery; food; friendliness of the people.

What did you like most about Maldives?

Relaxation, after a busy trip to Sri Lanka; staff at the resort [Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa]; house reef.

What did you like least about Sri Lanka?

Nothing! Okay, may be the traffic is a bit mad, but that is all part of the experience.

What did you like least about Maldives?

Again, nothing!

What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?

We deliberately picked different types of accommodation for the experiences, and enjoyed each one.

The first, Roo Mansala [Sigiriya] was probably our favourite – the room, staff and food were all outstanding. Hotel Suisse in Kandy had a great location and an interesting history. Laurence particularly enjoyed Kalu’s Hideaway [Udawalawe] as he is a big cricket fan, so was pleased to see all the memorabilia. Our last hotel [Jetwing Kurulubedda, Galle] was charming, and we loved watching the birds visiting the pool to drink – even a spectacular paradise flycatcher!

How would you rate your resort in Maldives?

Accommodation – 5/5 (Very good)

Beach – 5/5 (Very good)

Diving – N/A

Food – 5/5 (Very good)

Responsible and/or sustainable travel – 5/5 (Very good)

Service – 5/5 (Very good)

Snorkelling – 4/5 (Good)

Spa – N/A

Transfer to and from Malé – 5/5 (Very good)

Overall experience – 5/5 (Very good)

What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?

Niroshan was a superb chauffeur, dealing calmly with the chaotic traffic. As a guide, he was second to none, and without him I think our experience of Sri Lanka would not have been so special. We were able to see so much wildlife and birds due to his exceptional eyesight, and he always made sure the safari drivers got into the best position for amazing photos.

What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka and Maldives?

Flights were acceptable – bonus having direct flights to and from Sri Lanka. [SriLankan Airlines – Economy Class]

Any other comments?

We were delighted with our trip to Sri Lanka, especially with the amount of birds and wildlife we were able to see. It was wonderful, too, seeing elephants in their natural habitat, as well as leopards. We were very happy to have the opportunity to ride the train through the tea plantations and to explore the Hill Country, both on foot and in a tuk tuk (our first time!). Niroshan was a perfect guide – knowledgeable, friendly, always on time and always looking smart and cool, even in the heat! An unforgettable trip which has produced some amazing photos.

« All feedback

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives