Phil & Ryoko
France, January 2017
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
The weather, history, wildlife, countryside, beaches – it's different.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Cost of wine.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
It was all very good.
1 – [The] Wallawwa [Airport] – generally good. The pork was a bit tough but otherwise fine. Liked the afternoon tea. We did go for a walk which intrigued the locals. I think we could have endured a longer journey that day though appreciate that after an overnight trip in economy it was the sensible option to propose.
2 – [Forest] Rock Garden [Resort, Anuradhapura] – certainly an interesting experience. Everything here was fine except the lads (and they were lads) serving in the restaurant didn’t speak much English. They were charming and very willing but couldn’t always explain what we were eating, which was a pity.
3 – Lake Lodge [Kandalama, Dambulla] – I’m a bit split here. I’m just not sure about Michel! The room was the smallest we had on the trip though comfortable enough, except the bathroom was a bit tight and felt a bit like a prison cell. So saying it was enormous by London standards. We were upgraded which was good, otherwise we’d have a view of the forest rather than over the top of the trees. The TV channels were very limited and the finishings of the building weren’t quite up to standard. Michel was very attentive and the quality of the food was the best we had. I don’t know how much we paid here but felt the costs of extras, mainly drinks, was possibly on the high side? The staff seemed somewhat inexperienced but again Michel was usually there to make sure all went smoothly. No driver accommodation and I’m pretty sure it was here that Anura said previously the management had criticised him – though this didn’t happen with us.
By the way, Anura arranged a trip to a wildlife park on the afternoon we arrived – saw loads of elephants which was good. Think otherwise we’d’ve had bit too much down time.
4 – Ellerton [Kandy] – I think this was the most homely of the hotels we stayed in, we were very comfortable there. But the quality of the food (not the cooking) was poor. Breakfasts were fine but both evening meals were below par. Also the 3km track to get there was in v poor condition though I think this is being repaired. The other down was a Buddhist temple loud speakered prayers at 05:00 for an hour, again in the evening but that was fine. The drinks policy was appreciated and utilised.
5 – [The] Secret Ella [Ella] – good views, again we were upgraded and had 2 bedroom suite and a ‘butler’. Food was generally good but not to Lake Lodge standards. They had to send a tuk tuk to the hotel over the road for the drinks which possibly explains the price? No driver accommodation. Not too far to get into town, think we paid 300 Rupees for a tuk tuk back.
6 – Cinnamon Wild [Yala] – another upgrade – well done. Comfortable chalet with a view through the trees to the Indian Ocean. The chalet was a bit dark at night. Buffet food was fine for buffet food. Seemed a bit strange that the earliest dinner was at 19:30 when the safaris start at 06:00?
The Safaris we’re good and we did just about see a leopard – hiding up a tree from all the jeeps. Saw plenty of other beasts and birds.
7 – Jetwing Lighthouse [Galle] – Fantastic position and still possible to get into town. Comfortable room but glass door to the toilet? Food was OK – not more – we usually had to wait to be served but once in the system it was fine.
8 – Jetwing Blue [Negombo] – lovely position, think we were upgraded again – but we were only there for 14 hours. Actually that was long enough for me. Had room service dinner which was fine.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Anura was always jovial and informed especially on Buddhism, history and wildlife. He is a careful and considerate driver. It was sometimes difficult to understand him and for him to understand us but think we'd got used to each other by the end.
He worked long hours without complaint and was always on time, and usually there beforehand.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Service was a bit hit and miss, though the cabin crew were always polite and smiling. The food was some of the worst I've had on a plane, one breakfast was served cold. The temperature in the cabin was also too cold.
As said, we were not impressed with SriLankan Airlines [Economy Class from London Heathrow] but guess that’s the best way to get there and back.
Any other comments?
We did have a very enjoyable holiday and will certainly try to go back – but there are other places to see.
Many thanks for the tour – and again for the birthday cake.
I hope some of these comments will be useful – our trip was a success.
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