Sharon & Elaine
England, February/March 2015
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Food, people so friendly and not 'oppressive' in general. Site: Sigiriya (most impressive), national park [Yala West National Park] - % opportunity to see leopards/density = chance of good sighting… sorry John! We saw 3!
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Nothing bad to report.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
Overall - fantastic and exceeded our expectations.
Some outside of town - although no issue if you have a driver and in fairness don't think we specified this as a must but it can lose spontaneity of 'let's go out'.
Tissa Inn [Tissamaharama] - whilst met our original expectations, felt a bit of a come down due to the quality of other accommodation. For Yala park, Tissa seems too far.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Niroshan - really knowledgeable - knew his stuff on history and wildlife (and from a demanding 'birder'!). Good spotter for wildlife. Better than national park guide. Really accommodating, reliable and flexible to our requests.
Really felt safe and 'looked after'. Keen to make sure we got most from experience by suggesting additional options (turtle hatchery etc.). THANK YOU NIROSHAN xx.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Booked independently - Used SriLankan Airlines due to direct flight. On time but dated fleet on outbound journey (tired interior and poor in-flight entertainment). More modern fleet on return journey but still some way to go on staff service delivery e.g. prodded to wake up for meal, "sorry light doesn't work".
Any other comments?
Really well tailored itinerary which met our specific request. Appreciated flexibility in changing to Lady Hill accommodation in Galle (which was fab so consider using this).
Really good to stay with Pathi (homestay in Kandy [Hanthana House]) - went through itinerary in detail ensuring happy with trip - suggested train journey - good call. Pathi's wife was fantastic cook - dinners fantastic.
Liked Geoffrey Bawa hotel [Heritance Ahungalla, Ahungalla] but leaning towards mass market all inclusive clientele - prefer the ambiance of hotel next door and often chose to go there of an evening as more intimate but still classy and accessible to see G Bawa designs.
