Has anyone seen any whales recently?

Hello from sunny Sri Lanka,

We were planning to go whale watching during the week, in or around Mirissa. I have seen two places that offer boat trips etc. What is the liklihood of actually seeing whales?

Has anyone been during February?

Thanks,

Nigem

Has anyone seen any whales recently?

Hi Nigem,

Would this answer your question?

tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293961-i8983-k2鈥?/a>

Hans

Has anyone seen any whales recently?

Went out with Mirissa water sorts over a week ago and saw loads of blue whales. It was a great trip and also on our way back we were excorted by a big school of spin dolphins. Mirissa Water sports we felt were the best option Big boats with great freedom to move around. Don%26#39;t forget to bring your swim suit as the boat stops for a swim on the way home. It was a truly wonderful experience.

Jody

Hi Nigem,

I met John and his wife in Bundala Park last week. They have seen seen of blue wales in last week nead dodra. They have done this from Mirissa to Dodra.

Nishantha

Thank you everyone,

We have booked a trip with Mirissa sports on Thursday, and have spoken with the organiser. She says there have been sightings this week. I will let you know the outcome, and look forward to the experience,

Nigem

My girlfriend and I went whale watching last wednesday and we saw 1 or 2 whales about 5-6 times. It kept on diving and re-surfacing.

It was amazing!!

Try and see if you can get a boatfull of people as it%26#39;s much cheaper.

We paid 3000rs pp. I think they try and charge 8000rs but Lesley at Coconut Beach Cabanas in Tangalle knew someone who%26#39;d rented out the whole boat so we got it much cheaper.

We left Mirissa Harbour at 7am and got back about 12.30pm.

A brilliant way to spend a morning, I%26#39;ll upload some photos of the whales later today.

Well, we went out on Thurs at 7am with Mirissa sports. There were only 4 of us on a boat that could take 12+ I guess. It gave us lots of space to move around, and all stay under the shade of the canopy between sightings. There were also 3 Sri Lankan spotters/driver. It took about 2 hours to get to the site that whales had been seen on the last few days, aided by their GPS. We saw dolphins on the way out there, and blue whales close to the previous sightings. First just one, that surfaced and dived a few times before disappearing under water with the classic big tail being the last bit to disappear , then 3 whales and then another couple of sightings, each time we followed the whales around and they were much bigger than I imagined. They were brilliant to see, and it was a great experience that I would recommend.

Nigem

Return flights

I have only booked a flight into Sri Lanaka - do I need to have booked a flight leaving Sri Lanka in order to get in? Many thanks

Return flights

Hi there,

For sure! And either

a) Within 30 days after arrival, then you can enter visa-free (automatic visa on arrival).

b) For a longer time, but then with a visa already obtained in e.g. Spain. Basic period is 3 months maximum unless you want to do more than tourism, really depends on your purpose.

With a one-way ticket without this, the airline is not allowed to check you in on your flight to Colombo. We%26#39;ve had regular problems with this (each time by having an onward ticket but not bringing all the needed proof with us...).

All the best,

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

Return flights

Thank you! will book return flights to Delhi!

Changing Money on tour

We are going on a Kuoni Tour in March for 8 days, our first night is Mount Lavinia , will it be better to change up stirling at Colombo Airport on arrival , or at the hotel , or can we use an ATM if there is one near the hotel .

If anyone has been on the Ceylon Tour could you advise if it is easy to change money throughout the tour. We would be grateful of any other advice from anyone who has been on the Cylon Tour with Kuoni .

Thankyou .

Changing Money on tour

Hi,

Better change at the airport bank counters. You getter better rate there than in the hotel. Hotels are usually 10% less than banks.

I guess the closest ATM from your hotel (which?) will be somewhere on Galle Road, so it will be at some distance.

There are banks and ATMs in every town so depending on your schedule you can change/get money there. Banking hours are 9am - 3am Monday-Friday. Otherwise you can change at hotels at a lesser rate.

Hans

Changing Money on tour

Hi Hans , thanks for the advice . Really looking forward to our trip counting the days now .

JULY - sea swimming Negombo Jetwing Seashells

Hi,

is it realy impossible to swim in july. Perhaps it is possible in the morning ?

Thank you very much for your answers !

Janez from Slovenia

JULY - sea swimming Negombo Jetwing Seashells

Hi Janez,

Bathing is possible all day, as long as your feet can still touch the ground. Swimming is IMpossible, the problem is the sea currents/waves which happen 24 hours due to the prevailing Western winds. Only Dec to March it%26#39;s usually safe.

All the best,

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

JULY - sea swimming Negombo Jetwing Seashells

Hi Janez..

The sea in July is very dangerous. Every hotel will hang red flags because of than..

Shehan

Thank you all! What about taking a trip to south (Bentota). I%26#39;ve heard that there is possible to snorf and watter ski ?

LP

Janez

Hi Janez,

Snorf? Do you mean snorkeling? Bentota is not good for snorkeling. You have to go further south to places like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Polhena (near Matara). These places have a protecting coral reef, which also means a lot fish.

You can waterski in Bentota on the river all year.

Hans

Hi again..

Benthota is a good place for watersports. if you need a calm beach in july, you will have to go to trinco or Arugambe. you can do snokeling in Trinco Pigon Island and also in Hikkaduwa and Unavatuna.

Shehan

Thank you all, for your informations !

See you in SL soon.

LP

Travel Times

To further tweak my travel plans for our sri lanka holiday I鈥檇 like to get a few approx travel times between places. So can anyone tell me the rough times to get between the following places:

From Mt Lavinia to Pinnewala elephant orphanage (we鈥檇 like to get there by 9.00am for the morning feeding and bathing)

From Pinnewala elephant orphanage to Dambulla (cave temples)

From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

From Nuwara Eliya to Negombo (think this is about 6 hrs, anywhere to stop off on the way to break the journey up?)

Thanks!

Travel Times

Hi,

Mt Lavinia to Pinnawela is about 90 km. As you will pass through Colombo city you should reckon with minimum 3 hours drive, maybe close to 3陆 hours.

Pinnawala to Dambulla is about 80 km, so it will be a 2陆-3 hours drive.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is 77 km. The renovated road is good but winding and uphill, so driving only will take about 2陆 hours, but you will most likely stop and watch the vistas and waterfalls and visit a tea factory.

Nuwara Eliya to Negombo depends on which route you choose. Via Kandy it%26#39;s about 170 km and via Hatton it%26#39;s slightly longer. Both will take 5-6 hours. You have travelled most of the Kandy route previously, so maybe going via Hatton is an idea. You can stop off at Kitulgala for white water rafting or visiting the site where the River Kwai movie was shot.

Hans

Travel Times

Thanks very much Hans.

Didn鈥檛 realise that Pinnawala was quite so far away, that鈥檚 gonna mess my plans up bit!

This might help you Beerowl...

srilanka.travel/lang/鈥istancefinder.php

You a Forest fan by any chance like me??

Sad times...

Edit:

srilanka.travel/lang/鈥istancefinder.php

That%26#39;s better!!!

Hi,

Just a thought but have you considered it the other way round? I have done Mount Lavinia to Nuwara Elia via white water rafting. Also at the other end Negombo is closer to the elephants, and also to the airport if you fly home afterwards.

Nigem

Thanks for link Faceman, quite a useful site. The only problem is it doesn鈥檛 give actual times just distances. When it says Horton plains to Colombo, 100 miles you think that should take about 1 陆 hours but no, 6/7 hours! Is there a rule of thumb for estimating time between places?

I鈥檓 not a forest fan I鈥檓 afraid, originally from Sheffield so I鈥檓 a Wednesday fan (hence the 鈥極wl鈥?in my name!)

Nigem, it may be a good idea to do it in reverse. At least that will get rid of the longest journey of the holiday right at the beginning.

Yes. Assume something between 30 and 40 km/h for long distances in Lanka including all Ax %26#39;highways%26#39;, and add a 1-hour surcharge at least for routes passing Colombo during daytime. Hans uses 30 km/h and we use 40 km/h, the difference might be our expectations of our drivers ;-)

All the best,

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

Hi,

%26gt;%26gt; Is there a rule of thumb for estimating time between places? %26lt;%26lt;

It mostly depends on the route you take (road standard) and time of day you travel.

The rule of thumb I use is 20-25 miles/hour (30-40 km/hour) for travel during the day. During evening and night it could be 30-50% faster. If you are crossing Colombo city during rush hours you can easily add 1 hour to the travelling time.

Driving on hilly roads slow down quite a lot. Even on the newly renovated road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya it takes 2陆-3 hours to cover the 77 km distance.

Hans

Thanks Erik and thanks again Hans. I鈥檝e got a fairly decent estimation now of how long all my journeys will be.

Cheers!

Sunils Hotel??

Has anyone stayed in Sunils, I%26#39;ve read the reviews and the few that are there seem ok ??

Grateful for any advice.... I plan on staying there this Easter. Looking for a nice pool and a place to relax in.

Thanks a mil!

applying eyeshadow

malaria

Been told by nurse that its not nessecary to take malaria tablets for the area, what are everybodys thoughts?

malaria

Hi,

For Sri Lanka malaria tables are only necessary for overnight stays in the Cultural Triangle, Yala %26amp; Uda Walawe National Parks.

Hans

malaria

We%26#39;re travelling to Sri Lanka next week and the nurse at our GP surgery also said that malaria tablets not needed for beach holiday - moquito bite protection all that is necessary. According to her, the far north of the island would carry most risk.

I dont take them pills, Ive seen what they can do. Get some repelent with deet from Boots chemist and use it when going dusk. Also get some mosquito spray or a plug in for your room, Keep windows closed at night spray room when laving to go out if you decide on the spray.

Hi there

I%26#39;ve been to the hotel a few times, and have always been advised by my gp%26#39;s practice nurse that malaria tablets are needed. After speaking with a number of other holiday makers while at the hotel, they%26#39;ve been advised the same, although some do not always take the advice

Lindsey

First Choice

has anyone else booked a trip to SL with this company then had their tour to Yala National Park cancelled at the last minute? we think that First Choice have been trying to sell a trip that they couldnt safely send people on, in the hope that the Foreign Office would change their travel advice.

thanks to all who take time to reply

bonny 10

First Choice

Hi Bonny,

1st choice or last choice ?.

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Cuba with 1st choice. We%26#39;d booked a hotel in the eastern end of the country but a couple of weeks before we were due to travel , the hotel and the complete area around it were devastated by a hurricane.

There were lots of photo%26#39;s posted on the net showing , clearly, that the hotel was uninhabitable. Windows blown out, roofs ripped off and one of the restaurants completely destroyed.

All other travel companies stated at once, that the hotel was out of commision and offered their clients alternative holidays or a refund.

1st choice continued to give out statements that everyone booked through them would be travelling as arranged.

This was obviously a lie.

For myself and the people I was travelling with the timing didn%26#39;t matter too much although it would have been better to be given some time to re-arrange our holiday but for some , the 1st choice action was really bad.

One party had their wedding arranged at the hotel and a party of nineteen people travelling , just for that event.

1st choice repeatedly, told them that the holiday and wedding would go ahead as arranged.

They kept this charade going right up to the last possible minute . I think there was a legal time of 48 hours when they had to tell the truth and offer alternatives and they ran every individual case right to the wire before backing down.

Obviously, they didn%26#39;t want anyone to have the time to arrange a different holiday with another agent . They wanted everyone to be locked in to their alternative holiday offers.

When we were finally offered an alternative , 48 hours before flying, we accepted but on arrival , realised again , that 1st choice had lied to us about the quality and what was available at the alternative hotel.

So, 1st Choice .?

Last choice for me. Don%26#39;t forget, they are there to make money. Most companies with any sort of sensible management realise that keeping the customers happy brings them back again.

In that Cuban fiasco there were thousands of holiday makers all swearing never to use 1st choice again.

I would use them, but only to obtain a cheap, discounted fare if they had any going when I wanted to travel.

You can see the upset this episode caused people by searching back through the Cuba forum. That%26#39;ll give you an idea of how 1st choice operate.

I reckon, relating to Yala, they think it%26#39;s a selling point for their trip so again, they%26#39;ll be taking bookings and only changing the itinery at the latest possibly moment.

Rod.

First Choice

Thanks Rod i think you have hit the nail on the head, visiting Yala would have been great but if im truthful the main reason we are going is to stay in Jetwing Beach, but it wont stop a letter of complaint going to 1st choice when we get back. We should know better last year we travelled to Costa Rica with them and although the tour we did was fantastic the hotel was dirty and not the class we had paid for, but we did get some compensation. we swore never to travel with them again but the travel market is now so sewn up with very little choice for the consumer, so here we go again but i have researched the hotel throughly and i know we will have a fantastic time in SL. TWO WEEKS TO GO!!

Have a look at the other threads/topics on here (and elsewhere) about ';anybody other than First Choice or Thomsons';.

I would not go with First Choice again after what they have fone this year, cancelling flights ( or rather not cancelling or informing) read the threads on the waikkal forum. I would not believe a word they say

Good Luck

lois

sorry what they ahve done this year

Are FC/Thomson flying over xmas 09

Could anyone confirm if FC/Thomson are flying over xmas 2009 as we (15 of us) have booked to travel 18th Dec thro to 2nd Jan 2010 we have also booked a wedding but will have to cancel FC and go with someone else if they%26#39;re not flying, we will be staying at hotel dolphin so dont want to lose places their either.

If anyone can give any info about FC, flights, hotel or weddings there all is appreciated.

Thank you

Denise

Are FC/Thomson flying over xmas 09

See the thread First Choice cancelled.

Sorry to say but Id start looking again.

I have my travel agent fighting to get my deposit back.

The holiday is still available BUT no flights and so they wont give us our deposit back.

Ring your travel agent now!

Are FC/Thomson flying over xmas 09

Hi Denise,

The only one that can confirm whether they are flying or not is FC/Thomson (if you can trust what they are telling).

TUI and First Choice have merged. TUI will take majority control of FCA, forming TUI Travel, based in London, UK. Thomsonfly and FCA announced to operate under Thomson Airways from 1st May 2009.

Both FC and Thomson websites stat that they will start flights to Sri Lanka from 6th November 2009.

Hans

Thank you for your messages, I also read that they will be flying from November but wasn%26#39;t sure if this had changed or not so am keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks, Denise

Sri Lanka

Hi,

We%26#39;re hoping to go to Sri Lanka for the first time in September and were thinking of basing ourselves in the South. Would this be a good time of year? Also, I%26#39;ve read somewhere that the South has never fully receoved from the Tsunami. Is this correct?

Thanks

Sri Lanka

Hi,

This is in the monsoon season, but until mid September mornings are bright an sunny with clouds building up in the afternoon and many days have a hefty late afternoon/evening shower. Second half of September has more unsettled weather with more frequent showers.

It will take many years before the scars from the tsunami are totally gone, but most places have have recovered 90+ %. The beach in northern Hikkaduwa has even improved from the tsunami rehabilitation.

Hans

Sri Lanka

Hi there,

Yes it%26#39;s a good time. Already in the southwest (Colombo-Galle) and even more so in the south. The eastern half of it, Tangalle-Tissa, even has the dryest period of the year then.

All tourist infrastructure in the south has fully recovered from the tsunami; insofar the owners found it profitable to reopen again that is, some smaller businesses chose not to do so. The locals might not all have recovered fully but the few makeshift housing projects left are hundreds of meters behind the coast, so not at all nuisances to the tourists.

Have a nice Southern time,

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

Is Hikkaduwa a recommended to stay for two weeks??

Hi again,

Depending on what you%26#39;re looking for: yes. Has a nice (and now improving again) coral reef and hence some shielded swimming, and lots of restaurants and bars for freedom in eating during the evenings. Accomodation is %26#39;limited%26#39;: the hotels reach up to about 2-3 stars at most, except for a few luxury boutique places with corresponding prices. As a base for outings most places on the southwest coast have similar qualities; workable for a few one-day outings but the real inland (e.g. Kandy) requires a multi-day trip.

At your service,

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

Thanks for that. We%26#39;re going for 1st two weeks of September and keep going round in circles on where to stay. We%26#39;ve gone from Unawatuna to Hikkaduwa??

Yep, not an easy choice. U%26#39;tuna is on a fully reef-shielded bay so better swimming (but less fish life on the reef). And the beach itself a lot worse than H%26#39;duwa, esp. the southern part of that - quite a few pictures on the web of the U%26#39;tuna beach are pre-2004 and don%26#39;t reveal the permanent reduction effect the tsunami had on it.

I%26#39;d recommend booking for an initial few nights over the Internet in one of the two places, and then making a day trip to the other (about 1 hour by tuktuk or bus). After that you can decide on the place to stay and accomodation for the remainder...

Have fun,

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

Why book all your accommodation in advance - there will be no problem getting a bed anywhere. Go to Hikkaduwa, which is great and then shoot further south or vice versa. Beach at Unawatune isn%26#39;t so great as it%26#39;s pretty narrow whereas Hikkaduwa is wide. Of all beaches my favourite by far is Mirissa which is absolutely beautiful - about 30 mins further on from Unawatuna.

Thanks for that. Does Mirissa have good restaurants, bars etc?? I think we%26#39;ve decided to go for a 6 day tour from the West coast, then head South for a chilled second week. Now I just need to find a good value tour operator. There is so much to see out there so want to make sure we see it all - and enjoy the beach!! Thanks again and will definately look into Mirissa.

Hi again,

Yes Mirissa (and Tangalle) have the most bars/restaurants of the real south coast resorts. It%26#39;s clearly below the volume in Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa but it should be enough variety and quality for at least a few days stay!

All the best,

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

Mirissa has 3 or 4 bars/restaurants on the beach not including the hotels/guesthouses that serve food.

We loved the Suda Weli restaurant, Great food, beer for 160rs and a fantastic atmosphere with brilliant service.

There are plenty of places to stay in Mirissa, we really liked the Paradise Beach Inn (it%26#39;s got paradise in it%26#39;s name anyway!!) It%26#39;s got a pool too but I only used it to wash the sand from my body after swimming in the sea.

If you need a good driver, let me know as our driver was very safe, had a great knowledge of the island and he was a top chap. We came back a week ago and we had a fantastic time. We did a 7 day inland tour which I planned, then kicked back on beaches for the last 9 days. If you like I can email you our itinerary for you to have a look at.

Elephant Orpanage

Advice please for a novice traveller

Staying at the Kani Lanka resort in March 09 and wanted to now if there are any organised trips to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage and if not what the best way to get there and back without me being a Muppet and getting scammed.

Thanks in advance

Elephant Orpanage

Hi monksHabit,

If you want contact info,for a good , reliable driver, from the Kalutara / Beruwella area , who%26#39;d give you an advance quote, I%26#39;ll be happy to send it to you.

Rod.

Elephant Orpanage

Hi there,

Depends on what you call %26#39;organised%26#39;. Nearby some tourist hotels there are independent operators who try to pool: they announce e.g. a trip once a week to Pinawela and this way can share the cost over a small group of travellers instead of charging the full car to one couple.

Otherwise, it%26#39;s simply a matter of a private car. See the general TA Lanka FAQ on guidelines on how not to get scammed (by paying too much for the right quality OR by being cheap and getting cheapish quality.)

All the best,

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

Rod

that would be great. Any help is much appreciated.

Do you know what the approx travel time from Kalutara to Pinnawela is?

Erik

Quote: Otherwise, it%26#39;s simply a matter of a private car. See the general TA Lanka FAQ on guidelines on how not to get scammed (by paying too much for the right quality OR by being cheap and getting cheapish quality.)

Excuse my Muppety (can%26#39;t you tell I don%26#39;t do the internet that often) Where do I TA Lanka FAQ guidelines?

Thanks again in advance

Hi again,

Sorry I was too much in a hurry to copypaste the link. Here it is

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293961-c89412/Sri-La…

and you%26#39;ll also find other useful tips in this section!

Regards,

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

PS To answer the other question: count on roughly 4 hours one-way from K%26#39;tara to P%26#39;wela.

sorry it should say:

Where do I find TA Lanka FAQ guidelines?

your hotel/guest house will organise a driver for you no probs, you tell them how much youre willing to pay. we hired one for £30 a day and got a mini bus and he took us EVERYWHERE and pad for his own meals and accom. if youre just wanting to go to the elephant orphange it shouldnt cost you that much, and although it would be nice to stay there all day, its not really a full days trip, so haggle !!! its easier than you think. failing that, just get a tuk tuk, theres hundreds of them xx jo

hi monks habit,

I am chamara from srilanka...

Pinnawala elephant orphanage u can reach by 4 hrs travel...yes can organise a trip according to u r interests....not defficult find a car and a good driver in srilanka...defenetly u would enjoy the trip because srilanka is a very nice iland....

we are also going back again to kani lanka march 09 from bedford if u post when going if its the same time we could link up and i will try to make sure u not taken for muppet for days out we got to meet some reliable people last year and also some people not so reliable but whatever u do it is great out there just take it all in and enjoy

What dates are you there? We are also going in March and like you , novices!!

tours from browns beach resort

looking at staying at browns beach resort in aug anyone reccommend near by tour operators and any idea of prices

pores

Kani Lanka

Anyone out there staying at Kani Lanka 10 - 20 March who might wanna get together for trips?

Neptune Hotel and Scuba Diving

Just wondered if any one could give me any advice on whether the Neptune Hotel has got safes in its rooms.

Also is Scuba Diving possible in the Beruwela area during September? If so can anyone recomend good Dive center?

Neptune Hotel and Scuba Diving

Hi there,

Only on the 2nd question: yes, it%26#39;s even the only place on the west coast with off-season (morning) dives.

See

http://www.divesrilanka.com/

All the best,

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

Neptune Hotel and Scuba Diving

Thanks for the Reply,

I had looked at this site already and they seem to indicate that the diving season in Beruwela is %26#39;November through May%26#39; and so I was a little confused if this ment Diving wasn%26#39;t posible during September. I have mailed Dive Srilanka now to check.

cheers

Yes you%26#39;re right. Upto last year Beruwala also had a morning dive in the summer but apparently they%26#39;ve stopped that. So better contact them directly, maybe you are lucky to find a west coast place...

Regards,

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

what clothes to take in the month of august

just wondering what clothes to pack as know the weather can be up and down in month of aug

what clothes to take in the month of august

Hi there,

Sun/clouds can be up and down. Temps NOT so always same clothes. Prepare for 30%26#39; and high humidity. So linen/cotton is better than nylon/polyester.

All the best,

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

cost of food and drinks

could someone please give me a idea of prices of food and drink,cost of meals and price of pint etc

cost of food and drinks

Hi there,

Lunch including local drinks: Rs 700-900 per person.

Dinner (ditto): Rs 1200-1500. Drinks around Rs 100-200 per can/glass including local pints.

All the best,

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

kani lanka

going kani lanka march has anyone got any info on white water rapid trips we went kai lanka last year but never got time to do this trip thanks

kani lanka

You mean Kitulgala rafting. It%26#39;s about 4 hours by road from Kalutara. Heard positive stories, not too hard compared to real mountain rivers; Sandya went on a day that the dam was closed (no rafting) but that%26#39;s only Sundays so your operator will know to avoid those...

All the best,

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

advice needed when and where

Hi

We would really like to visit Sri Lanka and can%26#39;t decide whether to make it this year or nextspring. This years choice of months are September or October but even after reading through previous posts, still not certain whether we would get any sunshine. Which resorts are likely to have the best chance of good weather at this time of the year. many thanks

advice needed when and where

Hi,

All resorts on the west coast have similar weather. Not really safe to travel to the east yet.

First half of September will be best chance for sunshine. Second half of September is in inter monsoon with more unsettled weather and definitely more rain, but also some sunshine. I never had a day in Sri Lanka totally rained away.

Weatherwise (sunshine) best times to visit is from mid December to mid April.

Hans

advice needed when and where

Hi - we went to Sri Lanka last year in the last week of September, first week of October (23 Sept - 8 Oct). The weather was fantastic the whole time. We had one day when it went cloudy for a couple of hours at around 3pm and one massive rainfall which was during the night. The locals did say that the weather prior to our holiday had been a little rainier but still very hot between showers. Like I say we couldn%26#39;t have asked for better weather when we went. We stayed at the Riverina Hotel in Beruwela. Had a great time, would be happy to go back.

pores

3 week honeymoon in sri lanka - August

Hi all

We have booked our flights to sri lanka for our honeymoon this August.

We have 3 weeks and are looking to start off with a few days R%26amp;R on the beach followed by a tour around to see some of the cultural sights and wildlife before ending our holiday on the beach for that final bit of relaxation.

The problem - it all looks lovely and we can%26#39;t decide where to stay and for how long. (Some of the resorts seem to cater more for the 2 week package holiday.) We had thought of booking a tour for the middle section of our trip in advance. Would this be advisable or are we better to book hotels independently and hire a driver?

Any ideas gratefully received.

with thanks

3 week honeymoon in sri lanka - August

Hi there,

It should not matter much in price. It is helpful to get the quote on a full tour (10 days) covering at least Cultural Triangle, Kandy area, Hill country and a safari packed in between somewhere. Then for the hotels the operator proposes, look for the independent prices (e.g. asiarooms.com) and doublecheck the driver/transport price using a distance calculator and the target rate of Rs 35-40 per km. If the operator is not too expensive, better use him as it saves you the hassle of all separate hotel bookings, different types of vouchers etc. etc...

All the best,

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

3 week honeymoon in sri lanka - August

Not sure what your budget is but if you want a beautiful beach to head to Mirissa is by far the nicest and you don%26#39;t gt hassled by beach sellers. there%26#39;s everything there from cheap guest houses to places like Paradise beach which is mid range and Mirissa Palace which is higher again. Walk in no problem, or check out the few that are available through the internet on http://www.go-lanka.com

first choice/no choice

just an update to say we have now changed our holiday to jamaica same dates as srilanka(15thsept)still with first choice because we had no choice we couldnt get r deposits back because the holiday itself wasnt cancelled only the flights and we could not afford to keep waiting for there so called promises that they were sorting the flights out i think 5 6 wks is quite long enoughth to no what they r doing we had to pay 15pounds per person to do it but we trying to claim it back hopefully it will b all ok this time but we wont b booking with them again

first choice/no choice

sorry to hear you have had to change your plans. We were very lucky to get all our money back without argument. I know its an awful thing to say but the way FC have treated customers they deserve not to be in business for much longer.

first choice/no choice

Hi there...

Why do i get the feeling that this episode is all about FC getting people to change thier holidays to suit the company rather than it%26#39;s customers??

The whole thing stinks, you really should take the matter further, maybe with one of the big daily newspapers, or BBC%26#39;s Watchdog program, but certainly with ABTA !

Regards

Dave

hi

just an update to say we have contacted watch dog as well as sendng in an official complaint both to atol and first choice but we couldnot hang on any longer to sort our holiday out because it is also my bothers wedding but belive you me they have (fc) not heard the last from us

dream tickets

as anyone booked a holiday to sri lanka with dream tickets as they seem to offer the best prices for aug

dream tickets

Hi,

Have looked at your various questions and would comment as follows:-

1). ';Dream Tickets'; - Have never heard of them before so can%26#39;t comment.

2). ';Emirates'; - Have flown with them 16 times in all 3 classes with never any problems. Food is always good by airline standards, drinks are free (ex champagne in economy) and the entertainment system is great.

3). ';Clothing'; - as Erik says it is always warm so light clothing is appropriate unless you go into the hill country when it is cooler (say 14C) at night.

4). Tours - We have used Malkey ( www.malkey.lk )and found them completely satisfactory. You can either hire a car for self drive as we do for about 20,000SLR per week or you can hire a car with driver from 4,250SLR per day. Full details are on the website.

5) Food %26amp; Drink - Costs are always reasonable, with the figures given by Erik as a good average. Even the more expensive hotels are cheap by UK standards. I have just had a quick look at our bills from a recent stay st the Mount Lavinia and dinner for two, including a pint and a soft drink was generally under 4,500SLR. Incidentally, drinks are relatively cheap from supermarkets like Keels %26amp; Cargills. Try the very smooth ';Strong Beer'; which is 8% and only costs around 100SLR for a pint bottle!

Sri Lanka is a great place with really friendly people - enjoy your holiday. Please ask if you have any more queries.

Regrads, Peter.

dream tickets

Peter

Must have been a while since you visited Sri Lanka.

A beer for LKR 100!! You can%26#39;t buy even at the off license. IIRC we paid LKR 120 for Lion Lager. Carlsberg and the stronger variants were more.

Only few Keels and Cargills have a license to sell beer %26amp; alcohol.

Hans

the guy peter is way behind in the price guide for beer and drivers, however the airline is great...august is very warm and long trousers for evening for mossies and hioll country cooler maybe long sleeves.

Juliefernando...

Just to add..., agree that previous prices for beer, drivers ect are a ';little'; behind the times these days, BUT Dream Tickets is actually a travel company and NOT in fact an airline !

But, can vouch for Dream Tickets, found them to be very professional in every way, and as original poster had said very good value too, they sadly missed out on my booking this time around because i found a better deal with a Colombo based company, but will definately go back to them in future.

Regards

Dave

i know they are not an airline , i was referring to an earlier post about emirates and forgot to put in emirates,..thanks

I have book with Dream Ticket to Sri Lanka in August this year having used them before to Dubai. We found them to be very efficient and the service excellent. We have also booked a 5 day tour at the beginning before travelling to stay at the Club Hotel Dolphin for 10 days. The tour is organised through a local company which we were told are also used by Kuoni. The flights are through Kingfisher which if you read other TA reports are an excellent Airline. Hope this help.

thank you for replies we normally use first choice but as they,re not going to sri lanka in aug had to look at other company glad people have used dream tickets puts my mind at rest

shopping gems/clothing

Hi

We are off to Sri Lanka in the summer.Have heard it is a good place to get jewellery. Any tips on places to buy from. We wont be in Columbo at all but will be in Una so Galle nearby. We will also be near Kandy for a short while.

Also we would like to pick up some cheap clothing for myself, husband and 2 teenage boys. Is this easy to do-saves on the packing

Thanks for your help

shopping gems/clothing

Hi there,

The best gems (%26amp; gold/silver) in Galle are in the shops in the muslim area, northwest of the railway station. There%26#39;s 1-2 streets there literally lined with jewelry shops. Also you find a few at Sea Street which is the main shopping area, parallel to Matara road so east of the railway station.

Clothing I%26#39;d buy either in the malls opposite the bus stand or in Sea Street (shops and market stalls). Enough choice of western-style clothing also.

All the best,

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

shopping gems/clothing

Many thanks. That is really helpful info

Helen

Anyone arriving Colombo Sunday 1st March?

Am trying to arrange some shared transport from Colombo airport, southbound, Sunday afternoon If anyone is interested in a shared fare...please let me know. It is for one person only, plus minimal luggage.

Anyone arriving Colombo Sunday 1st March?

hey there, im flying out with sri lanka airlines on the 28th feb get to sri lanka on the 1st. gona be traveling to hikkaduwa, would be cool to share a lift. im going surfing and will have boards with me.

Martin

Don't use Red Dot Tours

I posted a complaint on trip advisor about Red Dot screwing up my reservation (arrived on 6th, but they booked for 7th) and being a middle man for another maldives travel agent (shades of maldives)...the GM of Red Dot wrote me a personal email basically telling me off....drop me an email if you want details.....if you going to book a maldives resort...use shades of maldives...Red Dot basically booked my reservation through them...and a shades of maldives agent greeted me at male%26#39;.

Don't use Red Dot Tours

We have just booked with them as we had seen some good recommendations. Are they really bad?

Don't use Red Dot Tours

Hi there....

NO, they are NOT bad at all, in fact one of the BEST in my opinion, have used them and found them to be the exact oposite of what original poster has said, actually to be honest i am wondering if it is the same company they are moaning about ??

Please do not worry, you have booked with a really good company, and they will take good care of you during you visit, to be honest this soundsl like a little advertising for a rival company, so please ignore it !!

Regards

Dave

Hi

many thanks for that reassurance. I had heard nothing but good things about them. We have just sent our deposit off for a trip next year

Cheers

H

Obviously feels agrieved, sufficiently to post this same message simultaneously on the India, Maldives and Sri Lanka forums, as well as posting same earlier on the Sri Lanka forum (27 August).

However my opinion and experiences are that Red Dot are excellent for trips to Sri Lanka and you can find similar comments at reddottours.com/Information/鈥ndex.php

going back to 2004.

I%26#39;m not a rival company...i%26#39;m just a customer complaining about Red Dot%26#39;s screw up. The reason why i posted the same comment in 3 forums is because Red Dot specializes in Maldives, India and Sri Lanka. They are generally good...but u better double check your schedule and timing with the agents.....can you imagine flying in late finding out your reservation was not booked...i flew in on the 6th...they booked for the 7th....again..if you want details..email me

and the fact the GM of Red Dot was rude and patronizing....was the reason i decided to post again....i have those emails with that jerk saved too if you want to see.

As explained in the India forum, Vituwat is engaged in a personal vendetta after a minor but regrettable inconvenience at check-in. Red Dot acted quickly with the Galle face management to remedy this. Red Dot chose not to pay for Vituwat to be upgraded in future nights as the small and temporary error did not warrant such a response. Vituwat then attacked Red Dot on TripAdvisor. I wrote to Vituwat to point out the inaccuracies in Vituwat%26#39;s attack. So Vituwat attacked us some more in other forums. That is basically where we are. It is all very silly and serves no positive purpose on a consumer-led site where presumably readers are looking for independent, intelligent assessments. I am proud of the personal service that our Colombo and Indian offices seek to provide. Vituwat%26#39;s comments cause huge damage -- he knows it and revels in this sense of power. His argument in an email is that ``the customer is always right.%26#39;%26#39; I believe that such confrontational attitudes are outdated. We will continue to try to foster happy supportive relationships between ourselves, customers and suppliers, to everyone%26#39;s benefit. David Hopps, director, Red Dot Tours

And as Vituwat is making the correspondence public, I am happy to do the same. That%26#39;s assuming I can find it. Because there comes a time when we all have more important things to do.

Hi David

Great reply !!, you certainly have my vote of confidence having used your company for trips down to Sri Lanka from London.

I found your service to be EXCELLENT from the first e-mail contact to leaving for home, including i have to say great help with extending one visit !

So, keep up the good work, and please do ingore the defamatory remarks left by a certain other poster, they ARE NOT DESERVERED

Regards

Dave

A VERY happy customer of Red Dot Tours !!

Here is what was posted in response on the India forum

Looks vindictive to me (baed on my experiences of Reddot and knowing how problematical some people can be)

';...I regret that Vituwat is engaged in petty retaliation. Vituwat%26#39;s booking was not in India. It was in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, yet he is seeking to undermine Red Dot%26#39;s reputation in an inappropriate forum. As explained both to Vituwat in a series of emails and in a management response to his entry in the Galle Face Hotel (Colombo)section, Vituwat suffered a regrettable yet inor inconvenience at check-in because a voucher had been mislaid. He was upgraded that night by way of an apology. Red Dot and Galle Face chose not to upgrade him for subsequent nights. Red Dot will continue to work in difficult trading conditions for the benefit of all its clients and seek a fair relationship between ourselves, customers and suppliers. This is not a fair relationship. I see no advantage anyone in such obsessively destructive behaviour

David Hopps,director, Red Dot Tours ...';

IMO Reddot are excellent for Sri Lanka

pores

First Choice cancelled holiday/ Watchdog

I am still fighting FC to get my deposit back and have now contacted their complaints department, Atol and also BBC watchdog.

The form on line for watchdog is easy to use and if we all email them they may take up our plight and push FC into giving our deposits back

First Choice cancelled holiday/ Watchdog

yes I have also contacted watchdog this week as I know a few others have as well.

Have also been intouch with FC but no reply.

We were going on the 2nd of june which means we should pay our full money by the 10th of March.

I don%26#39;t know were we stand if we don%26#39;t pay it do we lose our deposit and our holiday???

Places to eat - Kingfisher and Hot Rock and Banana Garden

Food,cleaniness and service can be a bit hit and miss in Sri Lanka. Having been to Unwatuna twice within 2 years we would recommend the following places to eat: Kingfisher an excellent place to relax and enjoy your meal some unusual dishes on the menu such as hot prawn spicy soup and green thai green curry soup fabulous ! The waiters are two very pleasant lads that speak good english we understand that the establishment is Swiss owned and would highly recommend a visit. Second place, more-or-less next door is Hot Rock owned and run by a Sri Lanka family, once again superb food at a very good price -the kitchen can be seen from the seating area looks clean and well organised. Banana Garden is still good although service has slipped whilst the owner%26#39;s wife has been away, good clean food but they need to watch the tables more rather than natter in the corner ...........perhaps its time the wife returned............

Places to eat - Kingfisher and Hot Rock and Banana Garden

Thanks.Will visit when I go to Unawatuna in March!Anymore tips would be very welcome X

Places to eat - Kingfisher and Hot Rock and Banana Garden

what do you want to know - we know Unwatuna quite well

hi,

We are going to Unwatuna in march. Do you think we would be better booking half board or just B/B.

Also have you any suggestions for clean ,homely guest houses.

Thank you.

Chris and John

Hi

We are spending 9 nights in Unwatuna July/Aug after a tour around the island. Thanks for your recommendations of places to eat. We will probably want to chill most of the time.Any localish trips wsorth doing-we will definitely look at Galle.Any other comments on restaurants.Many thanks.

We think the best guest house to stay is Villa in Paradise if you search the internet they have a website. The guest house is owned and run by a couple from Yorkshire. I have already posted a review on here concerning our latest stay. The owners are only there until the end of March but the guest house is actually open 12 months of the year the staff left in charge are more than able. It is important to note that the guest house is on the hill and not on the beach but this offers a number of advantages from staying on the main road (not withstanding what happened there 4 years ago!) We like this guesthouse/Villa because it is not crowded they have about 9 rooms on 3 floors which invariably means that you usually have the whole floor to yourselves. Bed and breakfast is enough you dont want to be tied down and besides the tropical heat plays havock with your appetite. It is important to realise that Unwatuna is a sleepy place with little going on at night, which is just what we enjoy - we often are in bed by 1030pm and up early to catch the sunrises. Good trips are Galle Fort best in the morning before the harsh afternoon sun, a trip to Tangalle is well worth while, book in to a cheap guesthouse and watch the crashing waves it takes 3 hours by tuk tuk and we felt more than safe, although the buses need to slow down a bit. A trip to Mirissa beach is well worth a visit excellent safe swimming. Shopping in Galle not as good as Colombo take a look rich or Manjari. Tuk Tuk to Galle about 300 SLR and no more. No trip to Unwatuna is complete without dinner at the Lighthouse House expect to pay between 拢50-拢100 for 2 people.Don%26#39;t swim in the sea a Welligama the sewage pipe is near by and the water is full of bacteria. Watch out for touts in Galle Fort, take a torch if going to Unwatuna its dark and not very well lit, approach any dogs with confidence and they wont bother you, as in all of the west coast watch yourselves whilst walking on the road the driving skills of Sri Lankans need some attention. Welligama has a snake farm inland which is quite interesting. Try and stay in Colombo at the end of your holiday its well worth a look. If staying in Unwatuna why not try a few nights up the coaat at Hikkadua best hotel Asian Jewel. Have fun, please bear in mind also that the 拢 is week and 25% more expensive than the last time went 2 years (just returned Jan 2009) Best regards anything else please ask.

Going to Unwatuna in July / August if the weather is bad don%26#39;t hesitate in getting to the east coast - I wouldn%26#39;t bother booking a hotel, perhaps book one for a couple of nights and then look around there will be plenty of rooms, nothing worse than boooking a guest house for 2 weeks only to find out there is a better cheaper one around the corner - relax theres plenty to choose from you wont be without a roof over your head.

Hi

Many thanks for your great tips. Looking forward to it. We have actually booked with Reddot tours so we have accommodation at Thambapanni Retreat. 2 rooms one for us and one for our teenage sons.Regards

H

I am not able to contact Banana Garden in Unawatuna. Can somebody help? I am going there in March, and all my e-mails are coming back!

Thank you!

Hi Sonia,

Contact:

Banana Garden

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Tel : +914381089

Email : mail@unawatunabanana.com

Give them a call.

Hans

Kuoni - Ceylon Tour May 2009

Hello,

We have booked to go to Sri Lanka on the Ceylon tour with kuoni at the beginning of May.

Please can anyone advise me on the weather at this time of year?

Also because we will be doing a lot of travelling around, what sort of footware is best? Full shoes or sandles???

In the evenings is it very casual at the hotels?

Any other advise would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Kuoni - Ceylon Tour May 2009

Hi there..

Weather should be ok, well hope so as i am there for first 9 days in May too !, maybe a heafty shower or two in late atfernoon, evening time, will be HOT though !

Footwear?, well make it as comfy as possible, either sandals, or trainers or things like that.

Tour hotels are ';usually'; an informal affair, but some may request ';long attire'; for gents at dinner times, so that would mean some form of long trousers !, other than that, no problem i think.

Hope this helps, but of course feel to come back and ask some more.

Regards

Dave

Kuoni - Ceylon Tour May 2009

HI misssjc, when are you there? and are you doing the north tour? we%26#39;re there from 28th/29th april and doing the 6 day north tour.

hello

Cant tell anything about the wether, because it has changed these days. how ever its hot in May.

You can choose any kind of comfertable footware.

Shehan

Hi, we are going on the 4th of May for 8 days before we fly to Velassaru in the Maldives for a week.

Thanks for everyones replys.

How much does the average meal cost?

Is there any thing that we need to look out for saftey wise?

Where is a must visit place for when we have free days?

Thanks again

Hi,

%26gt;%26gt;How much does the average meal cost?

It depends on where you go and eat. At Local restaurants called hotels you can have a meal for LKR 100. At touristy places count LKR600-800 for lunch and LKR 1200-1500 for a 3 course dinner. Both including a local drink.

%26gt;%26gt;Is there any thing that we need to look out for saftey wise?

Stay away from government buildings, government convoys and large gatherings.

%26gt;%26gt;Where is a must visit place for when we have free days?

It depends where you have your free days.

ah looks like you%26#39;ll be on the tour after us then, we%26#39;re off to maldives as well, soo looking forward to it,

have fun!

hi again

1. Meal cost?

If you are taking from a local hotel.. it cost LKR 100-250, In a normal restaurant LKR 600-1200,

In a Hotel LKR 900-1500. including the softdrinks.

2. Safety Places ?

Avoid public transport, Large gathering places, government places

3. Spending you free days?

If you are in Negombo.. you have a very large range of places to visit.

Shehan...

cost of taxi from airport to browns beach resort

as we have,nt got any transfers we,re wondering what to expect to pay for a taxi from airport to browns beach resort

cost of taxi from airport to browns beach resort

Hi,

Expect LKR 1200-1300 from the airport taxi counter. More if you arrange pick up with the hotel.

Hans

cost of taxi from airport to browns beach resort

thank you so much any idea of exchange rate to the pound over there

Today%26#39;s rate should be about LKR 160 to GBP 1.

Hans

cheers is there a atm machine outside of airport as normally change money when i get over seas as better rate

There are ATMs at the airport and in most towns all over Sri Lanka.

Hans

Any chance of sharing transport?

A shared lift required for one person from airport (arrival 4.20pm Sunday 1st March) to either Tangalle, or partial way down.

Any chance of sharing transport?

Sorry we arrive and are heading down the day before..

A good question though ...

Any chance of sharing transport?

Hi

there is a vehical rent desk inside airport,before u go out.operate by airport itself.if u tell them that u want to share transport to tangalle,they will find somebody go that way.one or few people same as you.then u all can share the cost.this is doing mainly prevent people from illegal taxis waiting outside.they will give you best fare from share...garenteed.

Or alternatively get the train from Colombo Fort to Matara then tuk-tuk from there. Takes a lot longer but perhaps more enjoyable and certainly far cheaper.

Thanks for the reply. We can actually arrange a vehicle (I live in Tangalle) - just wanted to spread the cost a little. Think in the present climate we need something pre-arranged! Ta anyway.

Trains not reliable Sunday 4 pm!

esala festival in kandy

does anyone know the dates for the 10 day festival this year

esala festival in kandy

Hi there...

Exact dates yet to be confirmed for this festival, but expect last night to be on or around Poya day in August, so right now closest i can get is Wednesday August 5th as last night ...

Regards

Dave

esala festival in kandy

that,s a real shame as don,t arrive in sri lanka to 17th aug so will miss it.do you know of any other festivals around this time

Isn%26#39;t there that mad mutilating festival in Kataragarma in August sometime???

Where they stick needles in them etc.

Kataragama Esala Festival is in July.

Hans

I think my name ';the mad mutilating festival'; is better than the proper name though!! ;-)

Negombo in September

Am looking at the Goldi Sands in September - any comments? Also the Neptune in Beruwala at the same time. First time to Sri Lanka

Negombo in September

Hi there....

Well 2 completely different hotels and resorts of course, hotel wise then Neptune is definately the better of the 2, but resort wise then maybe Negombo is better, the beaches at Beruwela are of course much better too!

Weather wise, really no difference between the 2, both ';should'; produce much the same, with lots of hot and sunny stuff, BUT !, in September you run the risk of increasing chances of pre inter monsoonal heavy rains, but mainly in late afternoon and evening times !

Regards hotels, then maybe check out he hotel guides here on TA for those, both have some reasonable reviews, but Goldi did pick up on or two not quite so good ones recently, but ulitimately of course your choice.

Regards

Dave

Negombo in September

Hi thanks for that. we saw the holidays advertised in The Mail and they%26#39;re on offer 2 wks for 1 deal. the company was Mercury Direct. Is it a case of %26#39;you get what u pay for%26#39; in Sri Lanka or is it better to pay more to guarantee the quality. Usually go to Greece (20+ years) so this is a new experience!

Hi again...

Nothing wrong with Mercury Direct, have used them several times in the past myself, for of course Sri Lanka, and also Malta and Cyprus too, highly recommend them.

They are doing most of thier hotels in Sri Lanka on the same basis right now, so maybe worth checking out thier website too !

At least you WILL get to go to Sri Lanka with MD, not like with a certain other company being mentioned on here recently !

Regards

Dave

Hi again! Many thanks for that. I might pick your brains again!!

Hi

If you need a good tour, you can choose Negombo. because its easy to start all the tours from negombo. I recommend Goldi Sands.

Shehan

Hello!

Thanks for that. I%26#39;m sort of leaning towards the Negombo option only because the Beruwala one is another 3 hours travel - and after 11 hrs on a plane not sure I%26#39;m up to it. Thankx again for all the advice

Hi there

Don%26#39;t let the transfer time influence you too much. We went to SL for the first time last year and picked Negombo for our July trip because of the short transfer. Like you, the idea of a 3 hour transfer after 11 hours flying sounded dreadful. In November we went back but this time to Ahungalla. It was just the two of us in a taxi and the trip was really part of our holiday. The driver was able to give us plenty of info as we drove and we stopped for drinks and snacks on the way. It really didn%26#39;t seem to be a three hour journey.

Hope this helps

Andand lor

hi again..

Negombo is the best place to rest after a jouney of 11 hours. From Negombo you can start your tours easily.

Shehan

Hi there thanks again! Amhoping to make the big decision this weekend so fingers crossed. Thanks for everyones help

Monarch (Hotels) UK

Hiya Folks

I%26#39;ve found a company online by the name of Monarch, they are offering some attractive packages at all the usual Sri Lankan Hotels, has anyone dealt with them?

According to their website:

http://hotels.monarch.co.uk/beach

';All bookings are fulfilled by Monarch%26#39;s sister companies, Cosmos %26amp; somewhere2stay';

Monarch (Hotels) UK

Hi Mark

Not heard of them as a hotel booking company, but they are part of the Cosmos group (Monarch is the airline brand name of Cosmos), so well established in the travel business.

Regards

Dave

Monarch (Hotels) UK

they%26#39;re seem sound enough, cheers Dave

flew with monarch to orlando and it wasnt the best flight ive had';cattle'; class comes to mind.

not flying with them, just thinking of booking some hotels

Hi

Cosmos has rebranded to Monarch holidays when they are selling direct to the public.

the same goes for somewhere2 stay

hope this helps

thanks again, I%26#39;d better get it booked coz I%26#39;m going in four weeks!

Comment of timitart of Palm Paradise Cabanas,Tangalle19.02.

Ayubowan,Timothy Bartling -

I can%26#39;t believe that you could judge our place fairly after having been mere 2 hours from 3pm to 5pm in our premises - most of the time lying on a lie low your mobile on the ear while your wife/ girlfriend was lying next to you reading a book.

I fear that you mixed up cause and effect.

Here follows the facts:

the bombardments of rules:

in our office there is only one A4 signboard saying that the beach restaurants are not connected to our resort because by experiences we try to avoid later complains of our guests to us (overcharged prizes, quality of meals, hygienic problems, etc.).

In the leaflet which is handed over to our guests you find the normal information about PPC like in every well standard resort.

In our cabanas there is just one small signboard in the bathroom asking the client not to waste the precious water.

Near the gate we had to poste the hint not to take the lielows and the cushions to the beach because they got robbed regularly.

The gate is only locked between 12pm to 6am.

The 1.1/2 m mesh wire fence was necessary due to drunken beach boys - as you met them in the beach - and not because of the locals in general.

Our relationship to the surrounding villagers is brilliant particullarly after the tsunami.

Out of 22 cabanas there are only 2 from where our guests can%26#39;t see the beach or the sea because they are positioned behind the dune in some kind of depression.You selected yourself one of these 2.

Thus even without of a fence the beach or the sea are not to see from these 2 ones directly.

20 cabanas have free view to the beach or the sea!

In our resort nobody is charged for umbrellas and towels. We only charge less than 1 USS for sun/beach umbrellas, beach towels and beach deskchairs.

Dark + smelly cabanas: at sunny days if the door and all windows are opened the interior of the cabanas is bright and the sea breeze is freshening the room.

See our fotos of inside the cabanas at our website

(www.palmparadisecabanas.net)

The roofs have only a few glastiles in order to prevent inside the heat of the sun.

I am very sorry that we as europeans don%26#39;t charge in

US Dollars or SL Rupees.The exchange rate of both moneys in the past were too ';flexible';.

Besides our ';skyhigh'; BB rate is USS 35 -.

Hence who is uptight here: you, Tim or we, PPC ?

Dr. M. Meinecke (owner of PPC)

Comment of timitart of Palm Paradise Cabanas,Tangalle19.02.

I%26#39;m sorry, but I have no idea what your post is about. You have not provided any link or explanation as to who this person is and what/where his story is.

Could you explain?

Comment of timitart of Palm Paradise Cabanas,Tangalle19.02.

tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g304142-d4…

Hans

emirates

anyone flew with these and are drinks included on the flight in economy

emirates

Yes, last fall 2 x. All drinks included.

All the best,

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

emirates

Emirates are as good as they get, good service, food and entertainment system. drinks are all inclusive.

Flew Emirates in November. Really good flight. Good food, fantastic IFE system with dozens of up to date movies.

If you join the skywards club you can pre-book your seats for all legs of outward and homebound flights so no hassle at check-in.

Mm maybe shouldn%26#39;t have mentioned that bit?

Hi,

Emirates is my favourite airline. 2-3 times a year to Colombo via Dubai. Service is average to excellent, food good an aplenty, excellent ICE entertainment with over 600 channels of entertainment - all on demand. And of course drinks are free throughout the flight.

If you fly from Heathrow you will have the chance to fly the new Airbus A380.

You can check in online between two to 24 hours before departure and most airports have a special counter for passengers that have checked in online.

Skywards is the best frequent flyer programme. I have just redeemed some of my miles for a return flight to Colombo. Only paid taxes LKR 3360.

Hans

thanks for replies just a couple of things have just joined skywards can you still collect sky miles if i,ve booked flight with dream ticket and not on emirates website.as for drinks do they come round or do you call them when ready for a drink

Hi,

You can still have your miles credited to your Skywards account. You can add your account number in ';Manage a Booking'; on https://fly.emirates.com/MYB/MMBLogin.aspx provided dream ticket have given you the booking reference. If not, just show your membership card (temporary?) at the check in counter.

There is usually a drinks trolley coming round the cabin shortly after take-off or in connection with the meals. Otherwise you can use the call button, ask a FA when they pass through the cabin or go to the galley to get one.

Hans

Hi

Not really a reply, but does anyone know how to upgrade? Is it better to wait until check in or try before? [Partner has bad memories of long haul and vowed never to do it again - long legs!]

Thanks

Carol

Doubtful that you will get a free upgrade (op up) on Emirates unless you have status with Skywards.

You can upgrade with miles (online, at the airport, on board).

Hans

Hans

Thanks for your reply.

Am willing to pay for upgrade, wasn%26#39;t thinking of a free one!

Carol

Then contact you nearest Emirates office:

emirates.com/english/help/offices/local_emir鈥?/a>

Hans

pores

Is it safe to visit now?

Hi, we have a flight booked to arrive in Sri Lanka on Sat 28t Feb. We are planning to go to Kandy, Yala and Galle. How difficult is it to travel in Sri Lanka at the moment, are there alot of security checks, and would it be better to come another time? If not, what is best and easiest way to travel to Kandy from the airport? Thanks for any advice.

Is it safe to visit now?

Hi,

Sri Lanka is as safe as it has been for the last few years. Check recent posts in this forum.

There are security checkpoints, but mostly in Colombo, and vehicles with tourists are usually just waived on, so it will only disturb your travel around the island to a minor degree.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is not warning against travel to Yala, opposed to countries like UK and Australia. When I visited Yala last April the area was peaceful and the people there really need tourists to visit the area. Kandy and Galle are also safe for travel. Just take a few precautions, i.e. stay away from government buildings, government convoys and large gatherings.

I have visited Sri Lanka frequently over the last 30 years. Last visit was in January and I am going back again in 3 weeks. I have never felt unsafe there and never been troubled by security checkpoints.

The best and easiest to get from the airport to Kandy is to hire a car/van with driver. There is a taxi counter with fixed prices at the airport just after the bank counters as you exit from customs. Price should be about LKR 7000.

Don%26#39;t postpone and enjoy your holidays in Sri Lanka.

Hans

Is it safe to visit now?

Hi,

I personally believe that Yala is place not to be missed if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Its high time now to see leopards. Went two weeks ago and saw three leopards. sloth bear tuskers etc. Didn%26#39;t feel unsafe at all.

Nishantha

Silverline Hotel - N' Eliya

Has anyone been to this hotel in Nuwara eliya? Any idea if its good?

And what are the good bungalows in Nuwara eliya for a party of 8 with 2 kids?

fave places to eat in the negombo area

all though we,re all inclusive at the browns beach hotel we,d like the odd nite out anyone recommend places to eat and is there any surrounding entertaintment

fave places to eat in the negombo area

As we vsiited Negombo last year and are coming back this year, I can recommend Palm Lanka, King Coconut and Sherryland for the meals

For a bit more life when drinking Shderryland and Rodeo were akways quite busy and lively. Both of these are not too far away from Browns, amaybe 10 min walk. Don%26#39;t expect too much in way of entertainment.....We didn%26#39;t find any, unless, of course we went to wrong places.

Have a great time

fave places to eat in the negombo area

good food in, the king coconut, Coconut Primitive, Bijou and Sherrylands, best pubs, sherrylands and Rodeo all 10 mins walk from Browns Beach, entertainment is pretty low key.

exchange rate

i was wondering what the current exchange rate is at the moment for the english pound

exchange rate

See

http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

for Interbank rates, around 164 now. ATM slightly lower and cash Rs 2-3 below that.

Have fun,

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

exchange rate

Hi there...

Around ! 160 Rupees to the Pound, depending in where you go, hotels would pay MUCH less than this.

Last August it was 220 Rupees to a Pound, but then the dreaded credit cruch set it !

Regards

Dave

oanda is only an indicator.

Better look at Sri Lanka Central Bank rates for telegraphic transfers.

http://www.cbsl.gov.lk/info/_cei/er/e_1.asp

That%26#39;s about the rate you get using ATMs. Deduct 2-3 rupees when exchanging cash Pounds.

Hans

Are you traveling to Tangalla 13th March?

Hello,

We%26#39;re staying at the Palm Paradise Cabanas from 13th - 23rd March. We land in Colombo early on the 13th. Just wonderd if anyone else was travelling to Tangalla around the same time and fancied sharing a taxi to cut costs and maybe make the journey go a little quicker?

Look Forward to hearing from you.

october weather

Hi

We visited Sri Lanka in 2003 and always vowed to return. However, our only time to go is during October which seems to be the wettest month. Has anyone been then? Are the days overcast and wet or just frequent tropical showers?

Thanks

october weather

Hi Phil,

Have been there the last 2 Octobers. It wasn%26#39;t that bad but indeed worse than e.g. January.

Of the about 14 days, about 2-3 were all overcast with quite some intermittent showers. The other were more of the latter version mentioned: showers-sun-clouds-showers again and this at least 4-5 x per day. I was near a hotel and it was really enjoyable for the crowd and staff there: sunbed-to-pool, tanning, sunbed-inside and people lounging at the bar and then sunbed-to-pool again!

All the best,

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

october weather

Hi Phil

I was in Beruwela last week of September first week of October last year. The weather was fantastic. We had one overcast afternoon and one really heavy rainfall which was after dark. Other than that it was hot and sunny the whole time. The locals told us that it had been a bit wetter the weeks before we went but was great during our two weeks.

Thanks very much for your speedy replies, really appreciated. We have taken the bull by the horns after your comments and have booked Jetwing The Beach for 2 weeks in October.

Thanks again

Phil and Marguerite

pores

Currency

Is it best to take sterling pounds or use a cash point to Sri Lanka to exchange for local currency. I%26#39;ve been told the USA dollar isnt excepted all over Sri Lanka

Currency

Bring pounds (change at banks) OR use an ATM. It%26#39;s useless to first change to dollars, and rupees are not really available outside the country.

All the best,

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

Colombo transport

Can anyone advise on the cost of taxi from the airport to a hotel in the city center? Know of the stand at the airport, but wondering the price.

Also, we are continuing on to Tangalla the next day. Is the a/c bus the best bet? Or train? Or shared car?

And which is better for cash, ATM w/drawal or cash exchange?

Thanks!

AK

Colombo transport

Hi there,

1) About Rs 2,000-2,500 depending on the place of the hotel.

2) Depends on your luggage. The AC bus can handle at most a backpack and even then you%26#39;d often pay for an extra seat. If bigger luggage, then train to Matara and after that car or local bus.

3) ATM gives a better rate for sure. Have some cash for emergencies.

Have fun,

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

Colombo transport

Great. Thanks so much! ~Anastasia

yala national park

i,m just wondering what the problem is at yala as some people advise against it just wondering why that is.

yala national park

Hi there,

%26#39;Delayed%26#39; troubles with LTTE (they were real about 8 months ago). There _is_ still a group of them roaming the jungles near Ampara but the park, and esp. the tourist part, is clean now. However if FCO advises against it then your travel insurance often won%26#39;t pay anything if you go, also for any other accident happening...

All the best,

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

yala national park

i,m sorry as i,m new to sri lanka could you tell me who the ltte are,will have to check with fco nearer the time

Hi there...

LTTE, or commonly known as Tamil Tigers, are a group who have been ';at odds'; with the Sri Lankan Government for around 25 years, they have been fighting for thier own little piece of Sri Lanka, very similar to what we had here in UK with the IRA !

Agree with Erik about Yala, the FCO are still advising against all travel to there and surrounding aresa, you can go of course, BUT, should the unfortunate happen and you are taken ill, or simply have an accident, then your travel insurance will be void !

Regards

Dave

i,ve just been on fco website and it advises against yala still,i may rethink goin into colombo centre to as a number of bomb blasts recently there

Hi again

Not really anything of great interest in Colombo city itself, some shopping of course, but really nothing much else, most people including myself use it as a stopover en route to and from airport, may have to rethink this too as TODAY the FCO have added a warning about hotels close to Government buildings, installations ect !

Regards

Dave

Which is not unlogical. Last Friday one of the two very last (it seems) LTTE bomb planes, on a kamikaze mission, was targeting either the presidential palace or the Army/Airforce HQ, missed also due to flak, and in the end crashed into the Tax office 300 meters north of the HQ. Pilferage of the plane also hit the Transasia hotel which is nextdoor to the tax office. Only wounded in that building as far as I read and not too heavy damage, also because it leans back 100 meters from the main road where the tax office is, but still...

All the best,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya] - Colombo here we come (next week) without too much fears... :-)

watching english foofball

will i be able to watch english fa cup semi - finals while in sri lanka

watching english foofball

Hi,

Premier League and FA Cup football is shown on satellite channels in Sri Lanka.

Are you staying at Club Hotel Dolphin? I guess they have satellite TV. If not you can go to Negombo - 12 km away. Some bars there have satellite TV.

Hans

watching english foofball

thanks hans,

we are staying at the club palm bay anymore details were to watch near there thanks keith

Hi Keith,

Sorry, I got Marawila and Waikkal mixed up.

AFAIK Club Palm Bay have satellite TV.

C

You can try and contact them to confirm.

Hotel:

palmbay@lankacom.net

Colombo reservations office:

yorkhtl@lankacom.net

Hans

Should be on Star sports if on.

thanks for that -

flying out 18th april from heathrow for two weeks anyone else going then

ahem, you%26#39;re going on holiday to sri lanka and you want to watch football??????????? :P can;t you just record it??

Many Sri Lankan people are crazy about English football. My friend who lives in Aluthgama supports Manchester U, Arsenal and Newcastle U and knows more about their progress than many English people. You can watch football in a lot of hotels and bars.

Ju

3 nite/4 day tour cost

i,m wanting to visit as many places of interest as possible but play safe so where would you all suggest for a 3 nite and 4 day break and total cost roughly for 4 people

3 nite/4 day tour cost

Hi there,

Take only %26#39;Northern Loop%26#39; (Kandy %26amp; Cultural Triangle) or %26#39;Southern Loop%26#39; (Kandy %26amp; Hill country).

Cost:

* Minivan 1000 km x Rs 40 (slightly more expensive than sedan) Rs 40,000

* Hotel middle class (BB), 2 rooms ad Rs 4,000 x 3 = Rs 24,000

* Lunches and dinners 4 x Rs 2,000 = Rs 8,000 x 4 = Rs 32,000

* Entrance fees really depends on what you want, generally Rs 1,500-2,000 per person per day so Rs 36,000

Total is 40 + 24 + 32 + 36 = Rs 132,000 that%26#39;s 800+ quid. Can be done cheaper if you choose clean guesthouses instead of hotel, that%26#39;s about half the price.

All the best,

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

3 nite/4 day tour cost

In my calculations %26#39;Northern Loop%26#39; (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Elephant Orphanage) is maximum 700 km and %26#39;Southern Loop%26#39; (Elephant Orphanage, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama/Uda Walawe, Galle) is maximum 800 km.

For transport I would bargain with a prospective driver/ guide based on:

Northern Loop - 4 days 谩 LKR 7000 = LKR 28000

Southern Loop - 4 days 谩 LKR 8000 = LKR 32000

Hans

taxi cost from browns to colombo

thinking of spending a few hours in colombo what would the taxi cost be from browns beach resort

taxi cost from browns to colombo

35 km Colombo - Negombo times 2 makes 70 km. Roundtrip fare Rs 35 so that is about Rs 2,500 - actually not much different from one-way airport-Colombo fare but that one includes a (right, parking fees) airport surcharge...

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

taxi cost from browns to colombo

thanks for that won,t break the bank as 4 of us sharing the taxi lol,is there much you,d recommend doing while in colombo

Shop till you drop, that%26#39;s the main attraction there. Better keep the taxi as the places are quite scattered: Odel near Town Hall (luxury), Pettah Bazaar and Laksala (traditional), Majestic City in Bambalapitiya (large mall), House of Fashions nearby (outlet store),... And have lunch/tea at the city beach, best is Mount Lavinia (near Majestic City).

All the best,

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

In my experience drivers charge more for driving around in Colombo city. You will be stuck in traffic but the AC is still running, so greater fuel consumption. IMO you will not get a taxi from Negombo to Colombo and back for less than LKR 4500.

Hans

Hans is spot on with his price , i would be wary of paying any less for a colombo shopping trip.

Just back from Sri Lanka - Talalla in the south, past Matara

My girlfriend and I just came back from Talalla Retreat and had a great time there.

The hotel is lovely - simple yet chic and tasteful with lush, tranquil grounds and a nice pool. Half the rooms are open to the elements on 3 sides, although one can use shutters/blinds for more privacy. Even the lovely bathrooms are semi-open air. This took a day of getting used to but by day 2, we thoroughly enjoyed the ';one with nature'; feeling.

The staff are uber friendly and helpful. The food was delicious - the cooks can make excellent western as well as sri lankan food.

The large crescent-shaped beach was lovely - we were often the only ones on it, apart from a few fishermen in the evening. When the sea isn%26#39;t too rough, the water is a fantastic clear turquoise color. Went to Unawatuna one day and we were quite disappointed in comparison with our beach!

The downside? No air conditioning but we didn%26#39;t need it at all as the rooms are naturally well-ventilated as a result of the unique design and there is a fan - I usually get hot very easily and was quite comfortable.

In short, we would go back in a heartbeat.

pores