Richard & Sara
England, January/February 2024
We much enjoyed our second holiday in Sri Lanka, so thank you.
Firstly, Ayesh [Mahesh] was a wonderful driver, guide and friend. He is so knowledgeable about the country – history, culture, customs, politics, indeed everything about Sri Lanka. He was also always helpful in adapting to our requests and making suggestions. His driving was excellent.
With regard to the hotels – Taru Villas [Lake Lodge, Colombo] was excellent and a superb breakfast. Forest Rock Garden [Anuradhapura] was very sad, I’m afraid – too much grey concrete, lugubrious chanting and the dining room utterly depressing – there was no dinner provided on our first night so Ayesh had to drive us into Anuradhapura, breakfast was very poor. [We apologise for the poor accommodation and service you experienced at Forest Rock Garden – we will not be using the hotel again. Unfortunately, due to the last-minute closure of The Sanctuary at Tissawewa, we had to find equivalent accommodation at the eleventh-hour in an area lacking in decent hotels.] Fox Jaffna [Jaffna] – sadly we were not in a villa bedroom and the rooms in the modern blocks are pretty cheap and nasty – plastic doors etc. – a shame as the gardens, dining area, pool etc. are lovely. Again very nice staff. Palmyrah House [Mannar] was lovely – here the modern rooms were spacious and very comfortable with proper terraces (unlike Fox Jaffna). Again back at Forest Rock Garden, we had to eat out in Anuradhapura. Finally, Horathapola Estate [Wadumunnegedera] was wonderful – very comfortable with wonderful staff and makes a great first or last night stopover. I’m so glad we were able to spend the night there rather than Forest Rock Garden. And we can thoroughly recommend The Old Palm House! [Booked independently]
