Paul & Laura
England, March 2013
Just a quick email to say thank you for helping to organise such a great trip. We had a fantastic time and I need to express my sincere thanks to Yapa our driver [guide].
We were unfortunately delayed at Heathrow going out and missed our connecting flight, so had to spend a few hours in a hotel in Qatar. When we did finally arrive Yapa was there waiting where he had been for the previous 8 hours or so! and still greeted us with a warm smile.
We then had a five hour trip to our first hotel. A long and tiring day for both myself and Laura and Yapa respectively.
Throughout the trip Yapa was informative and obviously very knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history. He genuinely seemed very interested in talking to us both and no request to stop for photos, drink etc was any trouble.
I unfortunately fell ill one night, maybe too much sun or food, and Yapa was both very helpful and concerned. We then had to cancel our first safari trip in Yala which was a shame but, the morning one was a brilliant experience. I have witnessed similar driving conditions throughout Asia on various previous visits but, his driving was faultless and always considerate under some very hectic conditions at times.
Just some feedback on the accommodation. Every hotel was fine except the Hotel Alta Vista in Ella [not one of our recommended places to stay]. That was the night that I fell ill. The rooms were large and the view was good. However, there was no air con, fan, fridge or mosquito nets and the TV did not work. They also did not have any water or any drink (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) to sell on site. I feel these are basic essentials of any accommodation, especially water. Maybe it was more apparent as I was ill. We were also kept awake by people on the floor above playing rather loud music after coming in very drunk. The staff tried to sort the situation, but it still continued for another 45 mins or so. The staff were attentive, but the accommodation just lacked basic amenities. Somewhere I perhaps would have stayed if backpacking.
We did visit another hotel in the morning before travelling to Yala [West National Park] just down the road and they had amazing views of Ella Gap. A much better choice. I understand that it was a similar price range.
Overall the whole experience was awesome and left us with a good understanding of the history, culture, sights and sounds of Sri Lanka.
Please make sure to pass on our sincere gratitude and thanks to Yapa. Hoping to return one day soon and visit the Maldives too.
Many thanks.
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