O’Connell/Newmarch family
England, July/August 2016
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
A great destination. Culturally and historically interesting, diverse landscapes, flora and fauna, above all kind, gentle people and delicious food.
We loved Yala, Ella, travelling by train particularly and the stay in Trincomalee [Nilaveli], visits to the markets and getting to the top of Sigiriya. Kandy of course.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Tipping was complicated and hard to read.
Roads were sometimes in poor condition in rural areas. Not just bad for tourists but for Sri Lankans too.
We had concerns about the over exploitation of the wild life reserves at Yala and Minneriya. Whilst we loved seeing the animals, the huge number of jeeps so close to the animals somehow just felt uncomfortable. We had a similar experience on Pigeon Island [Nilaveli] which was inundated with tourists who scared away the very fish we had come to see.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
Very good quality where we stayed. Clean, comfortable and safe. Hosts were friendly and helpful. Highlights were Amba Estate [Ella] and Galkadawala [Habarana]. The [41] Lighthouse [Street] in Galle was very luxurious. Our only minor disappointment was the campsite at Yala [Big Game Camp] which was not as personal or as instructive as our other stays. It somehow missed the point that we were on the edge of one of the most amazing wildernesses in Sri Lanka and the world and you wouldn’t really have guessed as we were in low scrubland with little wildlife around us. Star gazing, bat watching or some kind of activity would have helped.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Sena made our holiday. He was informative, knowledgeable and fun. He was sensitive to when we wanted family time and took us on some great tours, showing us ‘real’ Sri Lanka, rather than just tourist sights. He always went the extra mile for us, even sorting out a rapid hospital visit for a son with an ear infection. He was very passionate about Buddhism and we are all a little calmer now! He drove very carefully and we would highly recommend him.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Glitzy. [Emirates – Economy Class]
Any other comments?
The road to the [Royal] River Resort [Kitulgala] is shocking! But we loved the hotel. The dam has made the river trip [white-water rafting] quite tame…
A fabulous family holiday which we shall all remember with great fondness.
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