Tours from Negombo?

My husband and i will be staying at the Beach hotel in Negombo for our honeymoon in september. We are there for a week and we%26#39;re keen to see as much of the place as possible. We%26#39;d love to see Sigiria, Pinnewela and Kandy (although some might be too far away for a day trip). Can anyone recommend a local tour operator that we can contact once we%26#39;re there with a view to getting better value than the holiday company provided tours and possibly a bit more say on the itinerary? Thanks for your help.

Tours from Negombo?

Be prepared to be inundated with PMs now!! Every man and his dog is frantically typing messages to you!!!

Have a chat with the experts (Travellerguy, Hans, Erik, RodB etc) and people like Susie who although isn%26#39;t a ';registered'; expert has been there quite a few times.

They%26#39;ll have drivers they%26#39;ve used time and time again so they are the people to listen to.

Travellerguy recommended a driver to me and he was absolutely fantastic. I%26#39;m not going to add to your already overflowing inbox (!!), but if you%26#39;d like his name, send me a message and I%26#39;ll let you have his email addy, website address and phone number. He speaks perfect english and is a top chap!!

Tours from Negombo?

Thanks Faceman - i%26#39;ll brace myself for the incoming!! I could be asking for trouble but any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks for your pointers.

... and people like yourself John! You are fired with the same enthusiasm for Sri Lanka that I have, which is completely infectious when you have been there and seen the country for yourself. You are another guy to add to the list of regular contributors these days I reckon!!

Anna56 .. I have sent you a PM

All the best

Sue

Ishara Randill from Flywing Tours 80/B Lewis Place Negombo, looked after us so well for 6 days in July. We will use his services again on our next trip.

Chris

Hi.

If you want to find a good tour operator for a tour in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, etc... you can visit youtube.com and find them.

Shehan

View this link

tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297897-d308…

Shehan

warning about the jewelery in tesco

When i was staying at the dolphin hotel waikkal in june i had a ring made at the jewellery shop at the back of tesco, i was so pleased it looked perfect, gold ring with white sapphires all around, WELL !!!! now 4 months later the gold has worn off and i don%26#39;t know what metal it is but the ring looks horrid and the stones have all scratched and look dull, i bought orange sapphire earrings in Kandy and they are fine, my husband bought the ring for £150 pounds for our 25 wedding anniversary so i am really upset, i wanted to warn others, we ordered the ring early on in our holiday and they kept putting us off collecting the ring, saying it will be ready tomorrow, untill the day before we came home, we will be returning next year and i would like to go and demand a refund, BUT its such a tiny little village i imagine it will be quiet embarrassing as word will get around i wouldn%26#39;t want to spoil our holiday, i think i will put it down to experience,so if anyone is going to buy jewellery in sri lanka go to a reputable shop, the one Blackie takes you to in Kandy is great.

warning about the jewelery in tesco

oh my goodness my sincere apologies to TESCO it was ASDA not TESCO SO SO SORRY !! ASDA NOT TESCO..

warning about the jewelery in tesco

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your '; rip off '; ring.

It%26#39;s been a regular query on this site. Where to go to buy jewellery in Sri Lanka?.

The answer is always ,,, go to a reputable jewellers and make sure the jeweller is happy to accompany you to the government agency which is set up for the purpose of testing and making sure that you are getting what you pay for.

They test all gems, verify the authenticity and issue a certificate to that effect.

I know it%26#39;s too late for you but for others that follow, gems in Lanka can be a great bargain if bought properly or the worse buy you could ever make if bought wrong.

Even the 1st answer recommending a shop in Kandy where the driver will take you.. The shop may be great and of course he%26#39;ll take you there, because he%26#39;s onto a huge commission..

Guess who pays his comission?. Tha6s right,, it%26#39;s the customer.

There are plenty of excellent reputable jewellers around who%26#39;ll be more than happy to have the gems verified with you.

Once again, sorry you got scammed, especially on something like your 25th anniversiary.

Rod.

Good to draw this lesson to others%26#39; attention. When we were at the Dolphin (2004) there was a jewellers in the hotel. They were very good (price-wise) and had other shops (Kani Lanka) and Galle. There was plenty of reason to believe they were reputable and the jewellery we bought still looks terrific today. Hindsight is a wonderful thing... no real need to use the beach boys for important purchases!

Is Aida Jewels in Bentota a reputable shop? I bought something from them last time we were in Sri Lanka,and am considering buying from them again in Feb.

Thanks

Pete

Hi Pete and Julie,

I have no idea about the jewellers you mention, good, bad or indifferent.

But,, as you%26#39;re going back there in February, you could take the stuff you bought last time into a UK jewellers and get it valued.

Compare what you payed, with what the UK jeweller says and you%26#39;ll know.

Personally, if I was paying out more than a few quid on jewellery I%26#39;d buy from somewhere that I could use the State Gem Corporation to verify that I was getting what I wanted.

Rod.

Hi Pete, Julie %26amp; Rod

Aida%26#39;s are indeed one of Sri Lanka%26#39;s most reputable chain of jewelllers, they sell top grade and quality items, maybe not the best value in Sri Lanka as they are mainly based around hotels and tourist resorts like Bentota, but all the same will not sell duds!!

People should ALWAYS be VERY wary about buying expensive gems and jewellry in Sri Lanka and maybe the best place to do this would in Colombo itself with many top class jewellers there, and of course you can ask them to accompany you to the government assessment centre to get them classified as genuine or not., free of charge

If a trader/jeweller refuses this request, you should NOT buy from them!

Regards

Dave

Hi Suzi

Such scams wheather you are foreigner or local are experienced alike. As suggested any jewellary or similar purchases must be purchased from a well reputed jeweler.

There are two well known well reputed jewellers who have been in the business for over four decades in Colombo and and other towns.

1 SWARNA MAHAL JEWELLERS

2 VOGUE JEWELLERS

You can enquire from any reliable source, anyone will certainly recommend these two. We have been buying all jewellary with these guys and we are pretty happy.

I am afraid I do not recommend any other place.

Trust this infor will help anyone who wants to but jewellary!!

Hi

Just read in a review that someone bought a piece of jewellery in Sangems which is a shop very close to the Dolphin,and did a really good deal apperently.

My husband and I (I sound like the queen now!!!) LOL! are very interested in buying a nice ring when we%26#39;re there next year but after reading this thread am worried about getting it wrong and ending up with shoddy goods.

Can anyone tell me whether Sangems actually are a reputable company or is it more likely to be the luck of the day there. The couple that just bought a ring seemed to do well but just wanted some more feedback please.

Sally

I can highly recommend Sangems jewellers, I have had quite a few items made there now and each item has been valued way above cost paid

The last item I had made was a diamond and sapphire ring designed from a picture I took with me (picture is still with Mohammed at Sangems)

We paid £1800 for the ring and it has been valued in UK AT £5500

Please rest assured you can buy with confidence at this jewellers store ....but please barter I always do.

Seems a long time since this post first starting going around.

I have no doubt that the jewellers mentioned in the last post is wonderful, but,, why not get the government certificate of authenticity anyway.

I know, if I was spending a fraction of that money, I%26#39;d get it verified.

A car hired to run into Colombo and back would cost about 4000 rupees. £ 20 quid. To take the jewellery to the Government set up, Sri Lankan gem and Jewellery Authority, at,

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelery Exchange,

Level 4--5,

East Low Block,

World trade Centre,

Echelon Square,

Colombo.

The testimng service is completely free and you%26#39;ll know for sure. I certainly wouldn%26#39;t spend much money with anyone who wouldn%26#39;t accompany me to the testers.

Rod.

pores

oct9

hi going to hotel dolphin oct 9 for 2 weeks, can any one tell me

about the jeweller ie whats is hes name and if any one can

let me know if they had bought any thing, and where they

happy with it.

oct9

Hi.

Just come back from the Club Dolphin Hotel. The Jewellers along the road from the Hotel is called ';Sangems Jewellery';. My Mum bought herself a pair of earings. My Sister bought earings, a ring and a necklace. My Mum %26amp; Sister bought me a bracelet and earings for my 21st and also some friends who we went with, bought alot of jewellery from there. The people in the jewellers are extremely friendly, lovely people. They will make and design anything that you want them to, and they allow you to look through all the different gems/stones that you%26#39;d like to have in your bracelet, earings, necklace etc! We were all over the moon with the jewellery that we purchased - couldn%26#39;t have been happier with it :)! Also it is cheaper and a much better standard than you would get in England! Hope this helps

oct9

hi

thanks for the help about the jeweller,

Hi

I too can confirm that Sangems Jewellers are great value for money and they make exquisite jewellery...however barter with them do not take their first prices.

My sister had a beautiful 3/4 carat blue sapphire surrounded by pure white diamonds set in a 9ct gold ring and paid £250

It hasn%26#39;t been valued yet but on looking in UK shops I would say it must be worth near £750

I had a 3.5 carat sapphire bracelet interset with diamonds in 18ct gold and paid £450 it was valued at £950 in UK.

We also had several necklaces again excellent value.

They will let you choose styles from catalogues or if you see something in the UK you really like take a picture with you and they will replicate it.

I am going back in November and I will be visiting them to get a ring to match my bracelet.

Enjoy your holiday......

Forgot to add......We arrive on the 22nd October

Mo

San Gems

hi

just had to share this!!! if you are thinking about purchasing jewellery from San Gems you should think no more..............just do it!!! :-)

we bought a 9ct white gold ring with kunzite, paid £190ish got it valued at £720, a padparadascha (spelling???) sapphire 18ct yellow gold ring for round about the same, valued at £720 and an opal pendant for £45 valued at £275!!!

all gorgeous stuff, makes me think how i can pay for my next hols!!!!

Laura

xxx

San Gems

Hi there...

STILL the warning exists to new visitors to Sri Lanka, you should ALWAYS get gems/jewels checked by the official Sri Lankan Government assessment centres for authenticity, i am not convinced that gems/ jewels can be worth as much as 4 times as were paid for them, simple maths regarding the world price for gold would seem to confirm this.

If a trader refuses this free service, then you should NOT buy, under ANY circumstances !

Regards

Dave

San Gems

Hi,

Hopefully, lollib%26#39;s UK valueation of the jewellery is correct and it%26#39;s a real bargain. I know there are bargains to be had although I agree with Dave in regards to the diference in price and valueation.

Although some people go home with real bargains, there are still many who go home only to find the stones are fake, the gold plating starts to peel from the ';'; Solid ';'; gold ring and basically, they%26#39;ve been had.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority,

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Exchange,

Level 4 and 5 , East Low Block,

World Trade Centre, Colombo.

They run a completely free service. They%26#39;ll examine the jewellery , metals ad stones and vouvh for them being authentic,, or not,, NO Charge.

Any jeweller selling goods to the value that lollib mentioned would happily attend the centre with a customer to obtain the validity certificate.

As Dave said,, if they won%26#39;t do that,, then walk away.

Rod,

Hi Laura

Like you I can whole heartedly recommend San Gems, I have been there twice now and purchased some beautiful jewellry that is sold certificated, and when I have brought the items home they have all been valued at far higher than what we had paid. The last item I had made was an 18ct Sapphire and diamond ring we paid £1800 and it has been valued at 4 times that, I cant wait to see Mohammed again this year to complete the set.

My sister in law also bought a diamond and sapphire cluster she paid £230 and it was valued at £750

Its a great place to do your Christmas shopping....

Kind Regards

Mo

I have to agree with the support for Sangems.

whem im there next year I will be asking Mohammed to make our wedding rings!

cant wait

Where is sans Gems in relation to Waikkal Club Dolphin?

Hi

If you step out of the hotel gate and look a cross the road lightly to the right you will see sangems

about 10/15 meters thats all. canal gareden restaurant is next to it!

Thank you - can%26#39;t wait to go next July !!

mary and joseph and jewllery

we leave in weeks days (YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and are listing all the things we want to do, i know how to find harald on the beach but how do we find mary and joseph if we want to organise tours through them?

also while i%26#39;m at it where can we get reasonable priced jewellery around waikkal/negombo?

many thanks

Lxxx

mary and joseph and jewllery

Hi L

Returned from Club Hotel Dolphin 10th March and had a fabulous time.

Mary and Joseph can be found along the beach near Sainsbury%26#39;s, but do be careful I was told they may not be insured (not sure if that%26#39;s true or not). We used Fernando who works for himself for all our trips and he certainly did not disappoint. Your tour rep will tell you to avoid the beach boys, but that%26#39;s so they can charge you double the price for the trips. Going with the beach boys gives you a much more personal service and they are exactly the same trips. Our Cosmos rep was charging £150 for the 2 day trip and we only paid £85 with Fernando, and he threw in little extras like fresh fruit and fruit juices, coffees and buffet lunch on the second day at Sigiriya.And that included the hotel overnight in Kandy as well.

I spent most of my money in the jewellers opposite the hotel (San Gems). Great stuff at good prices. They make things to order.

Leelah at Sainsbury%26#39;s is great for souveniers. Same stuff as in the hotel shop but half the price.

You%26#39;ll have a great time. We did.

Janet

mary and joseph and jewllery

We used Haralds for all our tours. Mary and Joseph did not appeal so much to me and Mary was asking me to take things back to the UK that I was a bit wary about.

We bought lots of jewellery from San Gems. My husband designed an Amethyest bracelet for me with 14 stones for our wedding day %26amp; had the heaviest cross with Jesus on made for him, all within days. My father bought some lovely earrings for my Mum, all which she specified what she wanted.

You get to look at the %26#39;factory%26#39; - 2 men working all hours to make our jewellery. its a fab experience.

I%26#39;m currently e-mailing them about a ring I want made.

I got a lovely pair of earrings and matching pendant made for me at Sangems that I reckon would cost me three times the price here in the UK. Friendly service, relaxed and most importantly, not a hard sell.

Swimming in the sea in Sri Lanka in July and August

Hi, can anyone recommend a resort where I can swim in the sea during the months of July and August in Sri Lanka.

Thanks for your help

Dotcom51

Swimming in the sea in Sri Lanka in July and August

Hi,

Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna as they are protected by a coral reef.

East coast is also possible (Arugam Bay), but not yet safe for travel.

Bathing (still able to touch the bottom) is possible everywhere with due caution due to rough sea and strong currents.

Hans

Swimming in the sea in Sri Lanka in July and August

Thanks, that%26#39;s really helpful as we like to snorkel in safe waters.

Can you recommend hotels in either of those places?

Thanks again

dotcom51

Which standard/price level?

Basic guesthouses or luxury boutique hotels?

Hans

4* plus

Thanks

Not really any hotels that qualifies in either Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna. Only 2-3* hotels in the places.

In Hikkaduwa Amaya Reef and Coral Gardens are both 3*.

Unawatuna Beach Resort is 3*.

Asian Jewel (boutique hotel) is 2 km inland from Hikkaduwa Beach

http://www.asian-jewel.com/

Aditya (boutique hotel) is on the beach about 5-6 km south of Hikkaduwa

http://aditya-resort.com/

Jetwing Lighthouse (4 *) is close to Galle

jetwing.com/JW%20hotels/鈥otels_lhs_index.php

Amangalla (5*) inside the old fort in Galle

The Fortress Koggala (boutique hotel) is about 5 km from Unawatuna Beach

http://www.thefortress.lk/home.html

You can find more boutique hotels here:

http://www.boutiquesrilanka.com/

Hans

Thanks Hans, that%26#39;s really helpful.

dotcom51

deep sea fishing

Hello

Does anybody know of any good companies we can use to do a spot of sea fishing in or around kalutara?

We are staying at the kani lanka in august this year for two weeks - are the seas rough this time of year?

Thanks Banger

deep sea fishing

Hi,

These companies arrange deep see fishing:

http://www.srilankaecotourism.com/index.htm

go-lanka.com/sri-lanka/deep_sea_fishing.html

srilankanexpeditions.com/pages/deep-sea-fish…

but not from Kalutara. You will have to go to Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Negombo or Unawatuna.

There is a water sport centres in Bentota/Beruwala that arrange deep sea fishing tours.

Or get in touch with Ceylon Sea Angler%26#39;s Club.

http://www.ceylonseaanglers.com/

The season for deep sea fishing season on the west coast is from November to April. In August the seas are often rough.

Hans

deep sea fishing

hi hans,

many thanks for this information.

lee

12 day tour

My friend and I arrive in Sri Lanka on April 3rd and we are hoping to do a 12 day tour of the country. We are looking to have a bit of an adventure while we%26#39;re away and I was wondering if anyone can give us advise regarding tours. Should we book something before we arrive? What is the best way to organise a trip?

Help please!

Thanks, Sally (24)

12 day tour

Get in touch with a Ceylon Tourist Board approved guide/driver. There are lots of people who are bound to flood you with ';good drivers'; by PM now, but if you want a guide etc ask one of the Experts on this forum who%26#39;ll be happy to suggest one. Travellerguy recommended me a bloke called Jally and he was absolutely fantastic.

Do a bit of background research about the kind of things you could be interetsed in seeing. Cultural sights, National Parks, beaches etc and then ask on here and see what you think you%26#39;d prefer.

I returned about 3 weeks ago and I planned my own itinerary, organised a driver and hotels etc for my girlfriend and myself (we%26#39;re early 30%26#39;s) with the help of the people on here.

If you want to see the itinerary with a list of hotels just drop me a message with your email address on and I%26#39;ll send it to you.

Cheers, you%26#39;ll love Sri Lanka!!!

12 day tour

Hi Sally,

Sri Lanka is a best location for wildlife and adventure. A number of activities available. Eco Team is very good in organizing adventure and wildlife tours in Sri Lanka.

Nishantha

pores

people,s fave trip

thought we could have a vote as to people,s favourite place to visit in sri lanka as it will be my first time i,m spolit for choice so where is everyone,s fave place to visit

people,s fave trip

Hi there...

My favourite trip is....... the flight out there, and worst not suprisingly perhaps is coming back again !

Seriously though, ';probably'; the most favoured of all is a 2 day one night trip to Kandy and the Elephant Orphanage !

Regards

Dave

people,s fave trip

i thought kandy and elephant orphange would be among the fave,s,is galle worth a visit to.yes have to agree love the flight out as start of hol,but so depressing coming back lol

Hi,

For me the flights are just transport (waste of time), even I often use miles to upgrade to business class and my flights back from Lanka in January and my flight back to Lanka in 18 days are on a complimentary upgrade from Emirates.

My favourite places are:

Kandy, esp. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Elephant Orphanage, though it%26#39;s too touristy, but the elephants bathing in the river is always a spectacular sight.

Sigiriya

Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla

The drive up and down to/from N%26#39;Eliya.

Yala National Park, though UK FCO warns about going there for the time being

Galle Fort (and town) is always worth a visit, although it has turned a bit touristy in recent years with foreigners buying the old houses and restoring them into boutique hotels and private lodgings. Galle is also good for shopping. But a Galle trip from Negombo should be combined with other sights down the west coast, e.g. a boat trip on either Bentota River or Madu River (Balapitiya), mask museum in Ambalangoda, Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, boat ride in glass bottom boat over the coral reef and maybe snorkeling at Hikkaduwa.

Hans

Out of the main places we visited I%26#39;d say that Sigiriya and Anuradapudra were the most impressive.

Adam%26#39;s Peak was absolutely sensational too.

Culturally,I%26#39;d have to say that Annuradhapura is my fave.Scenerywise,sunrise on top of Adam%26#39;s Peak(also spiritual).For chilling out on a quiet tropical paradise beach,you can%26#39;t do much better than Mirissa.But the best thing of all about Sri Lanka is travelling between the above places by local transport and the people you meet along the way.Oh,and not to mention staying at the wonderful Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.Really special!!!

We went to the Elephants Pool in Anaradapudra and walked through the jungle to some ruins that had been partially excavated. We were the only people there. As it was so quiet it allowed us to fully appreciate the beauty of the place.

The sunrise at Adam%26#39;s Peak was one of the highlights as we%26#39;d just walked for 3.5 hours to get there and to be surrounded by so many people with the magnificent views and the Buddhist chanting was a very spiritual moment.

I agree with you about Mirissa too... Stunning beach, picture postcard perfect with a really nice relaxed atmosphere.

Adam%26#39;s Peak, Kataragama and Mihintale are my three favourites .... but it%26#39;s hard to choose because there are so many other wonderful places.

Two to miss in my opinion are the Elephant Orphanage and Nuwara Eliya.

Sue

Strange how no one has mentioned Negombo yet...

;-)

My favourite visit was with Slimline tours, we went to the elephant orphanage and elephant riding, it was an amazing day and the only person we have to thank is the tour company.

My favourite trip was either the elephant ride (private field near orpanage) or a day at the waterfall. This was booked with local boys on beruwela beach, included transport, unlimited alchohol, water and soft drinks, lunch and transport back. We sang with other parties there, the boys had drums with them, yet is was so relaxing, swimming in a beautiful setting under the waterfall. Definately worth the mere 拢10 we paid each!

Enjoy, whatever you decide, Mina

Fishing trips

I will be staying at the Beach hotel in April, does anyone know what the fishing trips are like and what do you expect to catch and what is the price.

Fishing trips

Hi,

You might catch Marlin, Sail Fish, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevallie, Bonito, Dorado, Queen Fish, Barracuda and Tuna. These are at least the species that are in the waters around Sri Lanka.

Stroll around the fishing harbour in Negombo and make friends with a couple of fishermen there. You might go for free or just a small amount of money.

Touristy, organised trips are expensive. I have prices up to LKR 15000 mentioned.

Hans

Fishing trips

Hi

If you coming to Negombo, There are two types of fishing trips. they are normal fishing boats and Tolar boats. Both have different pricers. but for deep fishing you should go on a tolar boat. it cost between LKR 15000-20000 for 1 or 4 people. if you like, you can do Lagoon, Catarmaron, Canal Trips also.

Shehan

Tours available from Beruwela

Myself and my Partner have booked to visit Beruwela in December. I was wondering though if anyone could give me any advice on what was available in terms of day trips from Beruwela? Would it be possible to go to somewhere like the Elephant orphanage at Pinnawela in a single day?

Tours available from Beruwela

Hi,

It is possible to do a trip to Pinnawala as a day trip, but it is not really recommended. It will be about 4 hours drive going there and another 4 hours coming back. It%26#39;s recommended to Combine Elephant Orphanage with Kandy (Tooth Temple, Botanical Gardens and Kandy) and have an overnight stay in Kandy. The cost for transport is only LKR 1500-2000 extra.

Short trips from Beruwala could be:

Boat trip on Bentota river

Kande Vihare Buddhist Temple

- Sri Lanka%26#39;s tallest Buddha Statue. The Buddha Statue which is 160½ ft tall is constructed in Bhoomi Sparsha Mudra (Calling the Earth to Witness His Enlightenment).

Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya, Kaluwamodera (opp. Araliya Hotel)

- This temple has the tallest ancient marble Buddha statue in Sri Lanka

Brief-Gardens (about 7 kms from Beruwala)

- Brief Gardens is the house and garden of landscape architect Bevis Bawa, developed since 1929. It is a hillside garden with excellent views and many sculptures - both by Bevis himself and other artists. The estate was formerly a rubber plantation

Weekly Fair in Aluthgama

- Mondays there is a fair in Aluthgama (Mathugama Road). Large vegetable market and lots of street vendors. Beware of ';commission boys';.

Beruwala Fishing Harbour (early morning trip)

Daytrips could be:

Down the coast to Galle with possibility to visit

- Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

- Boat Trip on Madu Ganga, Balapitiya

- Ariyapala Mask Museum, Ambalangoda

- Batic Factory,Ambalangoda

- Moonstone Mine, Meetiyagoda. This is one of the very few places in the world where blue gleaming moonstones are found. A number of stores and stalls sell jewellery made with these semi-precious stones.

- Hikkaduwa. Glassbottom Boat ride on the coral reef and maybe a swim inside the reef. Good place for lunch break (several good restaurants - Refresh is recommended)

- Galle. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings. Good possibilities for shopping in Galle.

Sinharaja Forest

- Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forest in Sri Lanka. This forest covers an extent of about 11187 hectares from east to west .The length of the forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3.7km.It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978,as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of it%26#39;s International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989.

Hans

Tours available from Beruwela

Hi - we did the trip down the Bentota river which was good and we got to hold a baby crocodile and do some jet skiing! This only takes a couple of hours during the day. We also did a trip to Galle comfortably in one day.

I can recommend someone to take you on your trips if you would like. I went in a group of 4 girls and we always felt safe and it was much cheaper than going through the tour operator. The person we used held full insurance and was approved by the tourist board, so no probs there.

Anyway, if you are interested please private message me and I%26#39;ll let you know more details. I don%26#39;t like putting details on here in case it looks like I%26#39;m touting for business or something!!

Club Palm Bay, Marawila

Having never been to Sri Lanka before, we are hoping to stay in Club Palm Bay in June of this year. Can anyone please give me some advice about what the weather will be like at this time of year, hotel etc? If we come out of the hotel will there be any bars/restaurants close by? How long (approximately) will it take to do trips ie. elephant orphanage from where we are staying? Sorry to be vague, but as this will be our first time, any help would be appreciated.

Linda

Club Palm Bay, Marawila

Hi Linda,

June is in the inter monsoon season which means that the weather is usually quite unsettled with quite a few hefty thundershowers, but also a good chance for some sunshine.

There is not much life (bars/restaurants) outside the hotels in Marawila. Closest place with a reasonable assortment is in Negombo, 20-25 km away.

Trips to the inland is best done as overnight trips. It is possible to go to Elephant Orphanage in one day (minimum 6 hours driving), I recommend that you combine with minimum Kandy and make an overnight stay in Kandy.

Hans

Club Palm Bay, Marawila

Hi Linda

The hotel is good. but there are no much places to enjoy. If you want to enjoy. i recommend Negombo. If you are doing any tour, you can start any tour from your hotel. [1 to 8 days]

Shehan

Bentota to galle by train

HI

I have read in the forum that Galle is OK for Jewelry , is it feasible to go there by train from Bentota and return in a day

Bentota to galle by train

Hi,

A train ride to Galle is a nice experience and return trip can easily be done in a day. Not all express trains stop at Bentota, so it could be a good idea to go from/to Aluthgama (on the north side of Bentota River) - 5 minutes (LKR 100) by tuk tuk.

You can find timetables here: http://www.railway.gov.lk/Search_Result.php

From memory I don%26#39;t think they are 100% correct, but they could be because timetables changed at 1 February. Better check at the station before you go.

Fares look correct. At least fare from Hikkaduwa to Aluthgama was what I paid in January.

Hans

Bentota to galle by train

Hi Hans

Thanks for this It%26#39;s on my list of must do%26#39;s .

i%26#39;ll keep this one for a rainy day . I%26#39;m sure we will have a couple , Now I have that site I%26#39;ll look at a couple more rail jorneys . just as a thought if we travel t another town /city is it ok just to walk into a Hotel a get a room for the night .

Hi again,

As long as you intend to pay for your stay is OK;-)

Most hotels/guesthouses will ask to see you passport, or at least have your passport number.

When are you going to Sri Lanka?

Hans (who is going to Sri Lanka in 16 days)

Hi Hans

shame about the Paying part but i suppose it has to be done ;-)

I%26#39;m going on the 20th June , we are starting to get an itinerary worked out , we are there for three weeks so have time to take it slowly . so far i have a day in Galle a night in Kandie , the elephant orphanage , the turtle place , the Bridge over the river quai ,Tea plantation and lots of fishing laying around and having a beer . i love Asian food so a few chats with the chef in the hotel if that%26#39;s possible . or if you know of a cookery school by Bentota I would be grateful . Oh and shopping I%26#39;m told we will be shopping . and anywhere else that the kind people on this forum can recomend

Hi,

Not sure about formal cookery classes in Bentota, but I%26#39;m pretty sure a private class can be arranged.

One of my friends there used to be chef de partis at a hotel before the tsunami. Now he is a casual cook.

Hans

Hans

that would be fantastic , I%26#39;m not a total amateur havent been in the Kitchen professionally for some years but I am a trained chef so would enjoy talking food to someone who really understands it .

If he%26#39;s interested let me know and we can come to some sort of arrangement .

Sri Lanka Airways

Hi dose any one know if its free drinks on Sri lanka airways

Sri Lanka Airways

Hi,

Yes, there are free drinks on SriLankan Airlines (not Airways).

Check out what you can expect in economy class here:

www.srilankan.aero/onboard/economyclass.shtml

Hans

pores

Dikwella Village REsort

Has anyone been to this hotel recently. I have been there about 4 years ago, and would like to know the conditions now. At the time I visted, there were hardly any guests and the sea was very rough.

Dikwella Village REsort

i looked in a few weeks ago and it didn%26#39;t look great. i did only pop my head in though.

If you are heading over that way what about Coconut Beach Cabanas in Tangalle?

Very new, only been built 3 months!! I was very impressed, see my review.

Best of luck!!

Dikwella Village REsort

It%26#39;s HORRIBLE! We were there in January 08 for 2 nights ... never again. Poor service (it%26#39;s an Italian run place and the clientele is mainly Russian), flies everywhere, dirty room, awful buffet with food that ran out if you weren%26#39;t quick enough, etc. It is the only place in Sri Lanka that I%26#39;ve stayed at that I have hated .. and I have stayed in dozens of places, from hotels to small guesthouses. Unless it has dramatically improved, stay well clear!!!

When we were at Dikwella recently, we stayed at the Kadolana guesthouse at Nilwella .. far nicer.

Sue

Thanks all for the comments.

admission prices

Hi all

I would like any advice regarding admission prices to the various attractions we were in SL last year and are going again this year. I understand from a number of posts that the prices have shot up this year to something up to 20 times what the locals pay for the same attractions is it possible that your driver if he gets the tickets for you he would get the local Price?

We expect to pay a little more even double but 20 times that seems a bit steep.

Thanks

Richard

admission prices

Hi Richard,

Unfortunately foreigners have to pay rip off prices in Sri Lanka (and other countries in Asia).

You will not be admitted on a local ticket bought by your driver.

It was 20 times at the Elephant Orphanage (LKR 2000 compared to LKR 100). The price for foreigners have now gone down to LKR 1250.

Hans

admission prices

Hi there

Just got back from SL, so will let you know what we paid for entrance fees (which were expensive I thought on the whole!). Millennium Elephant Foundation - 600 rupees just for entrance, 2000 for 15 minute elephant ride (did bathing and elephant shower too) and it goes up from there for 30 mins, 45 mins and 1 hour by 1000 rupees each time (as I remember). Pinnawella was 1250 rupees for adults and you could bottle feed an elephant for 250 rupees. Dambulla Cave Temples were 1,100 rupees per adult, combined ticket for Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa was a whopping 5,600 rupees per adult!!! Botanical Gardens at Kandy were 600 rupees per adult, Traditional dancing show (Kandy) was 500 rupees, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy was 500 ruppes with an extra 150 rupees for a camera and 300 rupees for a video camera. Horton Plains National Park entry permit was 4,900 rupees (for 3 people), Uda Walawe National Park was 4,500 rupees for the jeep to take you around and 5,100 rupees to get the permit.

Did notice the locals paid a heck of a lot less than the foreigners, which I understand as they earn so much less, but why do the foreigner fees have to be so high?

Just to add - as Hans says, it is pretty impossible for a local or your driver to buy the admission tickets for you as they check your tickets several times in most places so would see that you only paid the local price.

hi all

thanks for the feedback

It seems to me that while SL is a wonderful place to holiday they are doing there best to put people off by charging such extortionate fees for the various attractions

Come on SL wake up before people stop comming to your wonderful country!!

Richard

Day Trips from Negombo??

Hi There. Myself and my husband are going on our honeymoon to Negombo at the end of this month for 2 weeks.

I was hoping someone might be able to give me some ideas for seeing the highlights of the country and whether it is better to take numerous day trips or to stay away from the hotel elsewhere for a few nights?

On our list of must sees are the Cultural Triangle, Elephant Orphange, Turtles %26amp; hopefully one of the national parks.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated as well as a rough idea of prices.

Cheers

Zoe

x

Day Trips from Negombo??

Hi Zoe,

Negombo is a very central place to make day tours or tours for a couple of days. You can do many trips from there. I will send you the details of a very good driver guide based in Negombo with a PM. If you can contact him, he can give you good description of tours you can make from Negombo.

Cheers,

Frank.

Day Trips from Negombo??

Hi Zoe

To do the Cultural Triangle and a national park, you are looking at a different base for part of your holiday.

Sri Lanka is an incredibly diverse and beautiful country and the loveliest areas are all inland. Certainly, use Negombo as a base from which to do a few trips and to have a bit of relaxing time on the beach. However, to see the wondrous scenery and wildlife of Sri Lanka, plan to have at least a few days in the Cultural Triangle (Habarana is a good central base with a good choice of hotels) or the Hillcountry with its tea plantations and wonderful views.. and the latter will give you some respite from the extremely hot temperatures on the coast at the time of year that you will be there.

A good driver will be able to arrange all this for you. I%26#39;m sending you details of an excellent one who is based in Negombo. If you e-mail him, he could discuss your needs in advance and plan something to suit you.

Sue

Thanks both Sue and Frank - I really appreciate it.

x

Thanks Shehan!! xx

Hi.

Im Shehan from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

All my posted comments has been removed. but i dont know why? I think it is because of advertising. but i didnt advertise anything. Like others, i also recommend some drivers,guiders,hotels, pricers, places, tour details and what is inportant. If i am recommending a person i am doing it only by sending a PM. But some people has just posted other%26#39;s email addreses. Some contact them and get help. But i am not doing any thing like that. But why have they removed only my comments? I am a Experianced Tourist Driver/Guide for 10 years. I am able to provide any information about any place in Sri Lanka. But i comment only about Negombo, beacause im in negombo. But i am not promoting my self. Im promoting others drivers. I have many drivers to help. so i am helping them. I am also just like other posters. Some people are very jealous. They try there best to remove them by complaining to TA. Most of the time, other posters are from abroad. They dont know any thing about negombo more that i do. Is this because i am from Sri lanka??? I like to help others by the things i know. All my PMs have been removed. But no one can remove my emails in my computer. Any way i help the people who ask for help. If you want to write me some thing, PM me.

Shehan

Tours? Is this too much travel in 5 days...

Day 1 - Polonnaruwa

Day 2 - Sigiriya , Dambulla

- Kandy ; Temple Of The Tooth

Day 3 - Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

Botanical gardens

Kandy city

Kandy dance

Day4 - Hill country

Day5 - Tea plantations

Tea factories

Waterfalls

Tours? Is this too much travel in 5 days...

Hi there,

You%26#39;d be as much on the road (only 40 km/h and altogether maybe 1200 km!) as visiting attractions, but technically it IS feasible. In our style we%26#39;d find it too much, and limit to Kandy and north of it. In that area you can also find a %26#39;mini hill country%26#39; option: Elkaduwa and the Hunas Falls (also a lovely hotel for lunch and staying), with mid-size waterfall (50-60 meters high) and also tea plantation/factory in the area. It%26#39;s between Matale and Kandy on a detour route.

All the best,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]

Tours? Is this too much travel in 5 days...

Thanks! I knod of thought it was too much, especially as we only have 10 days in the country. Will probably stick to having a base in Bentota and maybe doing an overnighter to Kandy.

Then the rest will be done the next time ;)

If you want to spend your time in the tourist area and with wonderful sandy beaches visit the turtle hatchery etc then Bentota is the place to be

OR

You could spend more than one night in Kandy as looking round Kandy tooth temple etc is ayt least a day and another couple of days for the cultural triangle a sort of two centre holiday

thanks, we are basing ourselves in Bentota, gonna do a 2 night trip to probably kandy and then stay overnight at negombo before heading back home.

Hi.

Im Shehan from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

All my posted comments has been removed. but i dont know why? I think it is because of advertising. but i didnt advertise anything. Like others, i also recommend some drivers,guiders,hotels, pricers, places, tour details and what is inportant. If i am recommending a person i am doing it only by sending a PM. But some people has just posted other%26#39;s email addreses. Some contact them and get help. But i am not doing any thing like that. But why have they removed only my comments? I am a Experianced Tourist Driver/Guide for 10 years. I am able to provide any information about any place in Sri Lanka. But i comment only about Negombo, beacause im in negombo. But i am not promoting my self. Im promoting others drivers. I have many drivers to help. so i am helping them. I am also just like other posters. Some people are very jealous. They try there best to remove them by complaining to TA. Most of the time, other posters are from abroad. They dont know any thing about negombo more that i do. Is this because i am from Sri lanka??? I like to help others by the things i know. All my PMs have been removed. But no one can remove my emails in my computer. Any way i help the people who ask for help. If you want to write me some thing, PM me.

Shehan

where to stay

I have accumalated store vouchers to use off a holiday using Cosmos.

Thinking of doing the 6 day Wild %26amp; Scenic trip:

Jan 2010 then 8 day beach resort

Udawalawe National Park,Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Pinnawela,

please can anyone advice which resort and hotel A/I to stay at, we are late 40%26#39;s the best soft sand beach, love beach shack bars at night if there is any, love to snorkle,also like a change from hotel site like to be near a village/town to walk into a night. nothing too rowdy but a bit of life

Other option is hotel and do trips with a private driver, any advise welcomed

thanks

where to stay

Hi

Some of the beach options in south are Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Trip could be organized from the Hotel or through a tour company. Nuwaraeliya.Kandy,Pinnawela its ideal to book a tour with overnight stay in Kandy preferably.

Nishantha

where to stay

Hi Becky,

There are really no bars on the beaches of Sri Lanka. But many are just at the edge. You will find that in Negombo, Beruwala/Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Mirissa. Cosmos limits your choice to Negombo (except Club Hotel Dolphin as the hotel is some 12 km from Negombo town) and Beruwala/Bentota as they do not have AI hotels the other places.

Neither Negombo or Beruwala/Bentota are any good for snorkeling. You will have to go further south to Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama or Polhena (near Matara).

Not much walking villages/towns in Sri Lanka at night. After shops have closed around 6.30-7pm the streets are deserted.

Both Negombo and Beruwala/Bentota have plenty of free lance drivers/guides that can/will tailor your trips according to your wishes.

Hans

Hi

Having 6 days round tour in sri lanka fro sure you will able to explore all the major attraction like elephant orphanage, kandy , sigiriya ,plonnaruwe, dambulla, nuwaraeliya (tea land) also wild life safari at minneriya / kaudulla /udawalawe national park.

For beach option unawatuna and hikkaduwa beaches are most ideal fro snorkeling having plenty of bars and restaurants around. If you looking fro peaceful beach mirissa is best place to be.

Also I would like to mention some places you to stay at beach.

Hikkaduwa- amya reef hotel , moon beam hotel, curry bowl guest house

Unawatuna - unawatuna beach resort, happy banana hotel, sun and sea guest house.

Mirissa - paradise hotel at mirissa, giragala hotel, mirissa beach inn.

Have a nice trip,

ind

thanks to all who replied

cosmos have hotel choices in Berwuela, Kosgoda, Bentota %26amp; Negombo, with regards to the best beach resort which is the best, any advise please, also not sure which trip Kandy and the N orth Triangle or Kandy and the South.

thank you

Hi there

Best beaches would be at Bentota and Kosgoda....

Regards

Dave

Hi,

Beruwela/Bentota are lovely beaches, just returned from 2wks at Neptune, hotel is a bit tired looking but good value for money, got married at Eden in 2006 amazing hotel but don%26#39;t do AI. As for trips we did ours with Patte %26amp; Ajith (beach boys from Eden) they will take you anywhere you want to go at a very resonable price, they are trustworthy %26amp; very reliable. Hope this helps.

Jackie %26amp; Andy

Hi.

Im Shehan from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

All my posted comments has been removed. but i dont know why? I think it is because of advertising. but i didnt advertise anything. Like others, i also recommend some drivers,guiders,hotels, pricers, places, tour details and what is inportant. If i am recommending a person i am doing it only by sending a PM. But some people has just posted other%26#39;s email addreses. Some contact them and get help. But i am not doing any thing like that. But why have they removed only my comments? I am a Experianced Tourist Driver/Guide for 10 years. I am able to provide any information about any place in Sri Lanka. But i comment only about Negombo, beacause im in negombo. But i am not promoting my self. Im promoting others drivers. I have many drivers to help. so i am helping them. I am also just like other posters. Some people are very jealous. They try there best to remove them by complaining to TA. Most of the time, other posters are from abroad. They dont know any thing about negombo more that i do. Is this because i am from Sri lanka??? I like to help others by the things i know. All my PMs have been removed. But no one can remove my emails in my computer. Any way i help the people who ask for help. If you want to write me some thing, PM me.

Shehan

snorkeling

How good is the snorkeling in Hikkaduwa. Can you snorkel from the shore

Thanks

snorkeling

Hi,

The coral reef in Hikkaduwa is still recovering from the tsunami, but making good progress. Many tropicals fish and very often also turtles.

From Coral Gardens to Coral Beach hotels the reef i very close to the beach, so you can snorkel from the beach.

Hans

snorkeling

Thanks Han

Is the sea quite calm on that beach as my husband is not a strong swimmer

Thanks

Hi again,

Inside the reef the sea is usually calm. From May to November occasionally a bit rough.

Hans

Hi.

Its better to snokel in the Morning. because in the evening the colour of the water change. There is a Reef and Coral Garden also. Before 8-10 years all the corals died. now all are growing. There are beautiful fish also.

Shehan

pores

Excellent guide for Negombo, Sri Lanka

We stayed at the jetwing Beach hotel in Negombo for two weeks. Lovely hotel.

Whilst staying there we took the opportunity to hire a local guide and we found a gem in Erickson Tissera. He has his own air conditioned bus and he took us on two separate day trips. His English is fluent and his local knowledge is superb. We found him really friendly and welcoming, keen to show us the real Sri Lanka. He took us on a day trip to see the elephant orphanage and to Kandy to the Temple of the Tooth and the Botanical Gardens. We also went on a second trip to Dhambulla and Sigirya. These trips were fantastic and the memories will stay with us for a very long time.

We would most certainly recomend Erickson as a really friendly and knowledgeable guide for trips around Negombo and further afield. We found him really happy to tailor trips around our needs.

His web site is www.Srilanka-trips.com.

If you use him you won%26#39;t regret it!

K %26amp; R, Surrey UK

Excellent guide for Negombo, Sri Lanka

hi.

Nice to find that this person it recommended by an other party. I Recommend this Person for tour driver/guider.

Thank you for your review and recommendations.

Shehan

First Choice !!!!!!

We have tried to cancel our holiday with first choice after all of the feedback on this site and have been told that the holiday is still going ahead.

When I informed them that they have broken the contract with me as they have no flights they said %26#39; we are sorting that out at the moment%26#39;

So if I cancel I will lose my deposit!

I am furious and demanding my deposit back as I do not want to wait until just before the holiday nd not be able to get anywhere else.

First Choice are coming back to me!

Watch this space!

First Choice !!!!!!

Hi

we cancelled our holiday last week after being told that there were no flights after phoning to check, we were due to fly out on 5th may with FC. We have been refunded all our money, we had paid in full. and now booked with Mercury for sates and same hotel. Sorry if I keep repeating myself on here but FC are well out of order for doing this .

Lois

First Choice !!!!!!

Hi the same as you they would not let me cancel and also told me that the were sorting flights out. I phoned consumer advice phone number on the atol web site who told me to send a letter stating that they are in breach of there contract and that i want confermation in writing in 14 days if the holiday is going ahead they also told me that if i am ableto find the sme holiday and rebook that first c would be liable for any extra cost to my self and people i am travaling with sent the leter recorded delivery they recived it saturday not hurd any thing as of yet going in June

any chance of a copy of your letter so that I can write as well? Knowing what to say will help me! we are meant to be going on 21st July and same as you they have said that holiday is NOT cancelled....

hi

we also have the same prob for sept they have promised that they will have an answer for us on friday so i will let you no what they say if not i will also send them a letter

The message they are giving everyone is %26#39;the holiday is not cancelled%26#39; which is true but what they arent saying is that the flights are. they told us the holidsy was still there but not the flights.

Lois

Hi all

after speaking with friends in the travel industry it seens that first choice are having ';cash flow'; problems that is why they have stopped flights to SL and margarita island and some other long haul destinations if you have booked with them i suspect you will be on shakey ground best look at booking with another operator while you have time.

good luck

Richard

Thats okay if they%26#39;ll give you the deposit back but at the moment they are refusing!!

I think we were very lucky to get our money back without argument. We had paid in full , it took 4 days to be refunded but we got every penny. by the sound of it they could have held on to it for much longer as we were only going in May

I have just spoken to someone from FC/Thomson they have said the same he also said they could also give as little notice as the day before departure letting us know.

I have now sent this information on to watchdog BBC. If we all do we might find out something.

Hi i ahve also sent ll theinfooff to watchdog bbc i think if enough of us do this then we may get some where. people power talks as if this made the bbc fc stand to loose lots more than the few of us who may have had there holidays spoilet

Berewula Beach

We are thinking of visiting Eden Hotel in late September, does anyone know what the weather will be like?

Also is there anything at Berewula Beach or are there just hotels? Are there any cafes/ restaurants/ bars/ things to do?

Berewula Beach

Hi,

Late September is the start of the inter monsoon season when the weather can be quite unsettled. Mornings can be sunny, but most likely there will be some hefty thundershowers in the afternoons and evenings. In Sri Lanka it%26#39;s seldom raining all day, so after a 20-45 minutes shower the sun come out again.

There are 2 restaurants/bars on the beach just outside Eden. Maharajah (sea food) and Blue Lagoon (pizzas).

There are a couple also on the land side of Galle Road facing a small river. Riverdale (posh), Lagoon Garden. Muthumuni and Ayesha. All within walking distance from Eden.

A 5-10 minutes tuk tuk ride (LKR 150-200) there are more restaurants/bars available in Bentota.

Hans

Berewula Beach

Dear Hans,

Thank you very much for this information.

At the restaurants outside of the hotels, do you know how much approximately things cost? For instance how much would a pizza be/ curry and rice/ a drink?

Hi , There is also the Sunflower bar which is the opposite end to the maharaja they do fantactic seafood etc.

Thanks

Maria

I have not been to these restaurants recently, but in a tourist restaurant a lunch is usually LKR 800-1000 and a dinner LKR 1200-1500, both including a soft drink.

At Riverdale a pot of tea for 2 cost LKR 800, so I assume their food is expensive too.

A Lion Lager (630 ml) is costing LKR 250-300. In Eden they charge LKR 450. A shot (50 ml) of local spirits cost LKR 180-250) and a soft drink LKR 60-80.

Hans

Dear Hans/ Maria,

Thanks for this useful information.

Hi, when I went last year we were warned not to go to the Maharaja because of a food poisoning outbreak. I don%26#39;t know how true it is though. There is a fantastic restaurant called the Golden Grill just a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from Beruwela. I would definitely recommend it, prices fantastic and quality of food very good. Just make sure you put on your mosquito spray or cream before you go because some of the seating is outdoors!

By the way, the Ayesha that Hans mentions is also very nice. They did really good noodles if you fancy something light one evening!

Hi,

I never heard of food poisoning at Maharajah. Who told you? Beach boys? If so, it might be because they wanted you to elsewhere where they could cash a commission.

It%26#39;s not unusual that restaurants (and shops) pay commission to beach boys and tuk tuk drivers for bringing clients. In January I was told that Amal Villa paid LKR 800 to a tuk tuk driver for bringing 2 guests there for dinner.

Hans

Hi - it was our tour operator rep who told us. Like I say I%26#39;m not too sure how true it is. I went there on my first day before the rep said that and just had a beer and some chips (very British!!) and it was fine. I must admit was put off after the rep said that though and didn%26#39;t want to risk it so I didn%26#39;t go back.

I agree the Blue Lagoon is nice too, went there one night but there was no-one else there so the atmosphere was a bit lacking but the food was great. I%26#39;m sure if we%26#39;d went at a busier time it would have been fantastic.

Best time of the year for hot sunny dry weather??

I plan on visiting Sri Lanka this year for 3 weeks touring around the island.

When is the best time to go, to get sunny, hot dry weather....

S

Best time of the year for hot sunny dry weather??

Hi,

You have just missed the best time of the year. There has been hardly no rain in the western parts of Sri Lanka.

It will probably stay like this until mid April, but the chance of getting shower will get greater the closer you get.

It has been hot (31-33 C) and will stay like that or get even hotter.

The next period where you will experience hot and dry weather will be from mid July to end August, though the chance of some showers will be greater than January-April.

Hans

Sorry, Another Malaria Question!

Still weighing up whether to take anti-malarial tablets or not, and still a little confused. Been reading back through the forum and now have a list of which parts of my holiday I might be at risk. Can someone please confirm the following is correct?

Mt Lavinia Safe

Heritence Kandalama Low Risk

Minneriya Low Risk

Polonnnaruwa Low Risk

Kandy Safe

Nuwara Eliya Safe

Negombo Safe

So I think basically the two nights we spend at Kandalama hotel, visiting Minneriya national park and Polonnnaruwa will be the only time were at risk?

Sorry, Another Malaria Question!

Your assesments are correct.

Hans

Sorry, Another Malaria Question!

Yes, you%26#39;re right... it%26#39;s only your cultural triangle locations where there is a small risk of malaria carrying mosquitoes. Whether you choose to take anti-malarials is your choice. Staying in the bigger hotels with air con. etc., you are protected somewhat. Just make sure you are adequately covered and use a lotion with deet if you go out between dusk and dawn ... such as on a late afternoon safari to Minneriya.

However, mosquitoes carry other diseases aswell, such as dengue fever and you%26#39;d do well to protect yourself against bites in all areas of Sri Lanka, using sprays, lotions, mosquito nets, coils or whatever. You are unlikely to get a lot of problems in the hillcountry .. even Kandy is not too bad, but there are lots of mosquitoes in the coastal areas and if you%26#39;re prone to bites ... as I am ... you%26#39;ll be attacked for sure!!!

Sue

Hi there...

Just to add to already good advice, i was at Heritance Kandalama last Novemeber for 5 nights, never even saw a mozzy let alone be bitten by one !, i did however cover up with plenty of AUTA every night though !, always wise to tkae that sort of precaution.

Regards

Dave

Ooops...

Sorry, a typing error, should have of course read AUTAN !, really must get my finger nails cut !

Regards

Dave

Thanks for your replies Hans, Sue and Dave.

Desperatly trying to justify not taking any malaria pills, don%26#39;t want any nasty side effects to spoil my wedding and Honeymoon.

I think I%26#39;ve read before that Heritence Kandalama spray for mosquitoes so it%26#39;s probably the Minneriya dusk safari will be the only risk area.

Actually just had a thought, what do sri lankan people do to protect against malaria? I%26#39;m guessing they don%26#39;t spend a years salary on expensive pills!

Or do they have some sort of natural tolerance to it ?

I THINK I remember a local friend from the Kuliyapitiya area saying he had yearly injections ... is that a possibility?

But certainly, it was me with my white skin that seemed to get all the bites. The locals were plagued by a tiny black insect which bit them but left me alone .... sorry, no idea what it was!!

beerowl... are you getting married at the Kandalama?

expatally....no where getting married back in blighty, Kandalama does look like a fantastic place for a wedding though! You could have monkey ushers and everything!!

I only asked cause we%26#39;re getting married there in June, we weren%26#39;t planning on taking anti-malarials and we%26#39;re travelling from dambulla, kandy, bandarwela, uda walawe and dikwella/hikkaduwa.

I%26#39;m going to ask the hotel to get the monkeys to act as my bridesmaids and page boys!!

all the best for your wedding.

An end in sight for FC mess

I phoned FC today as i had phoned them two weeks ago and they would not give me a refund at that point for the holiday my self and friends had booked in july 08 to Sri Lanka. Also they had still not sent me confermation of the extra £600 i paid on the 9/2/09. when i spoke to them they informed me that they have now founf flights and we are now fliying from Heathrow insted of Gatwik and the flight times are alittle diffrent. How ever the holiday is on Thanks god and fingers crossed confermation should be in the post in a cupple of days. I will keep you all posted we are leaving on the 9.6.09. good luck

An end in sight for FC mess

Yes our travel agent phone and said the letter had arrived he was posting it out to us today, will keep you up dated. We are going on the 2nd of June

An end in sight for FC mess

Hi Daffy

Glad t see that its all working out aat last (Fingers crossed)

IT will be nice to have another fellow welshman IN Sri Lanka in June. Wife and I fly out on 13 June staing Negombo

May bimp into each other

i%26#39;ve just been in to f/c this morning and picked up my conformation letter as to change of flight details. i%26#39;m part of a party of twenty flying out on the 16 june for my sister wedding, so as you can imagine the waiting has been torture. thanks to everyone keeping us all up dated of the changes. all have a fantastic time. and happy holidays.

My letter as also come today

So glad for you all that it has been sorted

CONGRATULATIONS

lois

pores

Internet access (gampaha)

Dear forum

Is there a public internet access anywhere near Gampaha please and if so can one give location please

Thank you

Ian

Internet access (gampaha)

Hi Ian,

The town has quite a bunch of %26#39;communications centres%26#39;, most near the station but also scattered over the suburbs. Most offer %26#39;e-mail%26#39; (Internet access). Some DSL and some dial-up; DSL is not necessarily better in afternoons and evenings because the centre owner might have managed to cram 15-20 connections on ONE %26#39;home use%26#39; line. In mornings (no school students) it%26#39;s lovely though, and generally cheaper than dial-up. Good price for DSL is Rs 2-4 /minute, dial-up Rs 10+/minute.

Just general guidelines; last time I passed through Gampaha was some 2 years back and the exact comms centre situation can change by the month...

Have fun,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]

Internet access (gampaha)

Hi Ian,

Gamapaha post office provide internet and email facilities. Also as erik mentioned there are lot of internet cafes and communication centers in Gampaha.

Nishantha

Dear Nishantha and others

Thank you for this information - writing this message from internet facility in Gampaha

For now

Best wishes

Ian

location of Talangama villa / wetland

Dear Forum

Please can anyone give direction for getting to above location from Gampaha

Ian

location of Talangama villa / wetland

Hi Ian,

The easiest way from gampaha is through new Kandy road off belummahara junction via Kaduwela.

Nishantha

location of Talangama villa / wetland

Hi Ian,

Talangama Villa is rather difficult to locate. Suggest once you arrive in the locality to telephone the villa to get directions. The telephone number of the villa is (011)2744675. Trust you find this usefull.

Hamish

HI again

thank you for the info- am now in SL and will give the number a call for directions

Thank you again

Ian

Pilikuththuwa forest/temple, Gampaha

Dear Forum

Please can anyone tell if above temple or forest is near Gampaha and if so can they help give direction please

Ian

Pilikuththuwa forest/temple, Gampaha

Hi Ian,

Yes this is near Gampaha. Actually you have to go to miriswatte junction and then near Pradeshiya Saba building there is a road on your right side when traveling to Kandy side. You have to travel few kilometers on that road. ask someone in the middle of the way. In the same time you can visit Maligatanne too.

Nishantha

Pilikuththuwa forest/temple, Gampaha

Dear Nishantha

Thank you again

I am hoping to get there some people will very kindly show me hve already been to Asgiriya temple at Gampaha

Yours with thanks

IAN

Tour company

I am planning a trip to Sri Lanka using www.srilankaholidays.net (lanka Holiday), Prebudda Jayasinghemy contact has been very helpful but since I am about to send him my money to book this holiday I would like to know if anyone has used their services and their comments.

Thanks for your help.

G

write to BBC Watchdog

if everyone that has been affected by First Choice or Thomson cancelling their Sri Lanka 09 holiday would write to complain to BBC Watchdog they would have to listen and try to resolve this terrible situation. The link is here - so lets get writing....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/gotastory/

write to BBC Watchdog

Totally agree i have emailed them last week.

Fingers crossed

write to BBC Watchdog

Hi Dizzi,

I Recieved my letter today, dated the 4th march, i find it most interesting that TUI take over first choice, what was a premier holiday company, and turn it into a naff holiday company.

I spoke with the agent today, and she knew nothing, amazing!! truly amazing, when you concider the agent posted the letter, albeit 2nd class, ummm 2nd class makes you think does it not.

I am up for cancelling my holiday, but i will not get a full refund, because i paid on my credit card, i am going to be ripped of to the tune of 2%, and i am booked to go for three weeks, cabin upgrade the full monty, so imagine what it is going to cost me!

What to pack for March touring Kandy,Nurawa, Kandalama??

Evening everyone

We%26#39;re off to Sri Lanka in less than 3 weeks doing the Kuoni Hihglights 7 days tour including 1 night in Colombo and then Nuraway Eliya, Kandy and Kandalama.

I%26#39;m getting all sort of contradictory info on this and we just need to know what to pack as I%26#39;d be unhappy to feel chilly at some points. I was planning only to take long sleeve Tshirts, combat trousers, trainers and flip flops.

Any help/advice on the temperatures/type of daytime/evening time temperatures would be great!

Thank you VERY VERY much :)

What to pack for March touring Kandy,Nurawa, Kandalama??

Hi,

Pack cotton light weight clothes. A pullover for evenings in Nuwara Eliya is a must as it gets quite cool up there.

Pack light. Clothes are extremely cheap in Sri Lanka.

Colombo %26amp; Kandalama daytime temperatures will be 31-33 C and nighttime around 23 C. Kandy is a couples of degrees cooler than Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya daytime will be 20-22 C and nighttime around 8 C.

Hans

What to pack for March touring Kandy,Nurawa, Kandalama??

Hi DivingFrenchie!

Well, you are going to Sri Lanka at the hottest time of the year there and you should be sweltering for most of it!

However, it can be cool in the highlands ... Nuwara Eliya is very high and the weather is unpredictable there too. I would take a jumper for the evenings just in case. We were at Haputale (also high) and Ella in January (when it is cooler than March and April, I know ...) and we were definitely chilly at times, even with the jumpers. The other place where you might need something a bit warmer, is in the airport en route, if you have a stop in a place such as Doha. The air-conditioning is chilly here and if you have a stopover of 2 or more hours on the way there or back, as we did, you might be grateful to have something warm to put on!

All the best

Sue

pores

Weather in May

Hi, thinking of going to Sri Lanka in May this year, slightly put of as its moonsoon season, should we still go?? really want too but dont want the weather to be a problem, please help.

Weather in May

Hi there....

First half of May should be ok, with risk of hefty downpours late in afternoon and evening times, second half?, well definately getting wetter by the day, but unlikely to rain all day..

Monsoon by the way means wind and not rain !

Regards

Dave

Weather in May

Hi thanks for that really want to book, but worried about the weather dont want the rain to spoil it for us. Sarah and Dave.

hi

when you are coming to Sri Lanka in May, dont forget to bring raincoats and umbrellas, but its not sure about the weather, it changes always. The rain also not cold, but its a little warm.

Shehan

Weather

Hi

We go in 4 days cant wait! Just wondering what the weather is like and what the forecast is for the next week?

Weather

Hi,

It look like some scattered thundershowers can be expected in the coming days after a drought that has lasted since Xmas.

Hans

Going to Lanka in 10 days

Weather

Hi

Dont worry, it want rain so soon. As i belive there is much more time for the raining days although the raining season has started. But it looks like a little dark and cloudy.

Shehan

Flights

Hi Guys

i am wondering before i start to trawl the Net, if One of the Experts can tell me about booking Flights%26#39; please ?

I wish to book up Two Flights on the 31/01/2010 or 2/01/2010 returning back 14 Days later.

So the question is, can i do this now via a Airline and who is going to be the cheapest ? Is does not matter if it is non direct and either from Manchester or Heathrow and Cattle Class or Buisness.

Many thanks and hopefully this will save me ringing around and searching the Web

Best wishes

Flights

Hi,

Airlines:

SriLankan Airlines (non-stop from Heathrow)

http://www.srilankan.aero/

Emirates (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham via Dubai)

http://www.emirates.com/uk/english/

Qatar Airways (Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester via Doha)

www.qatarairways.com/uk/en/homepage.html

Kingfisher Airlines (Heathrow via Bangalore/Chennai)

http://www.flykingfisher.com/

Booking engines:

Opodo

http://www.opodo.co.uk/

Expedia

http://www.expedia.co.uk/default.aspx

Dial-a-flight

http://www.dialaflight.com/

Cheapflights

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/

Hans

Flights

Hi Hans

thanks for the quick response.

The problem i am having is other than Emirates,the main contender Airlines that you kindly mentioned,do not allow via the web sites to source the flights with the return Date i have in mind, mid Feb.

I was sort of hoping someone had maybe sought out and priced up, thus saving me the leg work !!

I guess Kingfisher etc will be coming in for my Dates%26#39; next Year around the high end 拢300, with Sri Lankan a close Second Mid 拢400, and the rest on and up.

Thank you anyway

Best wishes

club palm bay hotel

please can anyone help me, i have found great reviews for this hotel but i need to know which company i can book it with, i have looked at all the main ones but they don%26#39;t seem to do it please help

Ann

club palm bay hotel

Hi Ann

Try Mercury Direct, hope this helps

Regards

Dave

club palm bay hotel

bump

bump

see sunday observer 9th advert for mercurydirect.com/djcbz7 good luck jc london

bump

Travelmad

Is this the best replies ';Bump'; you can give, not only in this forum, but i noticed many others too!

Regards

Dave

travellguy

didn%26#39;t mean to be funny, it is just that loads of people have put a review about the hotel and i was hoping some of them would give me a bit more info and who they booked with, can%26#39;t all be with Mercury Direct

Ann

Ann

No problem, i did not know what it meant, to be honest i really thought someone was messing around, sorry..

Did you try Mercury Direct?, they are really good, and maybe the cheapest too.

Regards

Dave

Hi Dave

i have looked into mercury ,i can book it now but i just wanted some others to compare by, also they do not have the flights available yet, so im not to sure how they can book for me,i need a full price not a guess price

Ann

Hi Ann

I can only suggest that you do go ahead and book with Mercury Direct, ok, so they don%26#39;t have the excact flight details yet, but you can bet it will only get more expensive later!!, the price of fuel for instance will certainly push up prices, but of course, once booked, and deposit paid, you are covered!!.

The other thing to bear in mind here is, Mercury ONLY use scheduled flights, and NOT any cheap charter.

Trust me, no other company will beat Mercury%26#39;s prices, i should know, i have travelled with most companies going to SL, nice people to do business with!.

Anyway, whatever you decide, i hope you will have a great holiday in Sri Lanka, i know i will, and always do, i am off again in about 10 days for a month!!

Regards

Dave

trip to mirissa

I am planninng a 4/5 day trip from colombo to mirissa any ideas on places to visit on route to break up the 10 hour journey

trip to mirissa

Hi,

Colombo to Mirissa is about 150 km. How will you be travelling? Taxi will take 4-4陆 hours. Train will take about 4 hours.

Hikkaduwa is about half way.

Hans

Timeframe for tours from Negombo

Hi Everyone

We will be staying the Jetwing Beach from 1st April to he 14th April and were hoping to do a couple of tours to see some of the highlights of Sri Lanka.

Ideally, we don%26#39;t really want to be away from the hotel for too many nights as we%26#39;ve already paid and are on a tight budget. I%26#39;ve been quoted just over 拢200 each for 2 day 1 nights tours to the cultural triangle and then down to Yala - does this sound reasonable?

Any recommendations for tour timescales and best places to visit would be much appreciated please...definately want to visit the cultural triangle, Millenium Elephant Foundation and Yala if possible.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks

Zoe

Timeframe for tours from Negombo

Hi Zoe,

You want to do too much in too short time.

Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya?) to Yala is 360 km = 9+ hours drive. Yala back to Negombo is another 340 km = 9 hours because you have to pass through Colombo.

Where do you intend to spend the night? In the car?

MEP, Cultural Triangle, Kandy?, Hill Country? and Yala is minimum 1000 km = 25 hours driving and requires minimum 4 days.

GBP 400 is about LKR 64000. Transport for 1000 km will cost LKR 35000-40000. Without knowing your standard of hotel and exactly which entrance fees are included it%26#39;s difficult to tell whether the price is reasonable.

Hans

Timeframe for tours from Negombo

Thanks for getting back to me Hans.

We really don%26#39;t know a huge amount about the time spent travelling between the various places so am a bit clueless on this! :-)

I%26#39;ve been quotes 拢208 for a 2 day 1 night trip to the cultural triangle including starred (don%26#39;t know what level) accommodation and entrance to attractions. Then 拢208 again to travel from Negombo down to Yala and the Turtle Hatchery on a seperate 2 day 1 night tour. This is with Erickson - still waiting for Lucky to come back to me as he is currently on tour.

Ideally, we didn%26#39;t want to do for example a 7 day tour as we can%26#39;t afford the extra accommodation for this.

Was really looking for ideas to do a couple of 2 day 1 night tours and an idea of what we can expect for prices. I notice on the map that there are other nationial parks - are they worth a visit instead of Yala and maybe a bit closer??

Thanks again

Zoe

Is GBP 208 for the 2 of you or per person?

You could visit Minneriya National Park in the Cultural Triangle. Lots of wild elephants, but no leopards.

Have you consulted your travel insurance about visiting Yala? Due to UK FCO travel warnings they might not cover even for minor, non-terrorist related incidents.

Hans

pores