Has anyone visited this place yet? I went along one evening for the movie night - Great fun!
HI
Can you please let me know where to find this place, planning a trip down south and I am looking for a place to stay. any contact number or an address?
I%26#39;ll let you have the phone number by PM as advertising isn%26#39;t allowed on here.
Its a lovely place and friendly service. go there %26amp; get it.
When we travel we have found a lot of countries have factory outlet stores selling branded clothing a lot cheaper as they are overstock and accasionally the odd faulty item. ie: Malaysia has FOS and sells Gap and Next, Osh Kosh etc. Bali and Thailand have Billabong and all the surf brands, mind you most are fakes there.
Does Sri Lanka have any factory outlet stores or stores when you can get cheap good quality clothes that you can wear at home?
Many thanks
Hi
Most popular fabric market in sri lanka call HOUSE OF FASHION near Colombo. You can look fro factory seconded of the local product as well as branded stuff . also another place call ODEL you can have higher quality product .
Thanks ,
ind
Just seen what looks like a fantastic tour to sri lanka with dream ticket. Anyone been with them before and what are they like. How would they compare for service with Kuoni
sri lanka tour
Can%26#39;t help you with Dream Ticket, but have you looked at Red Dot Tours? We have booked two tours through them and have been well pleased. They have a brilliant website where you can spend hours looking through details of dozens of different hotels/villas in just about every area of Sri Lanka - great if you want to design an individual tour - but they also have ready-made tours, and can play around with those as well if you fancy a slight change. You can also decide whether or not you want Red Dot to book the complete holiday for you, with or without flights, or just part of it. They are the perfect choice for us as we aren%26#39;t brave enough to completely go it alone, but like to get off the beaten track a bit and not see other tourists.
We have just about as much fun planning the holiday as we have in Sri Lanka itself ... well, not quite!!!! Can%26#39;t wait to go back again.
Hope this helps.
Sue
sri lanka tourThey are a good tailor made tour operator, like Kuoni, but cheaper.
Hi there....
I know that this was originally a posting from last year, but felt i had to add a little something here.
I very recently got a quote from Dreamticket, and to say i was surprised how good it was is an understatement !!, MUCH cheaper than i could have got from all UK operators, not sure if i will take it up yet, waiting for a reply to a Colombo based source (not Red Dot), if they cannot match it then i will take Dreamticket%26#39;s offer, although i suspect that the Colombo one will come up trumps again !
Dreamticket are bonded, so money would be safe with them.
Regards
Dave
Your post got me excited and I%26#39;ve just booked a week in Sri Lanka at the Taj Exotica with Dreamticket. So excited!
Have read the previous post for e mail for Hotel Neptune and I have tried to e mail them but they have been returned.
Also been on Aitken Spence website and they have an error message with contacts for the Neptune.
Can any one help with e mail or fax number ?
many thanks
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
Fax: +9434 2276033
Hans
Many thanks
Hi there...
Try the following e-mail adresses for Neptune, would suggest that you address ALL in your mail to get best results !
If still no good, let me know, and i will send the GM a message to get an alternative one.
neptunegm@aitkenspence.lk
neptunerm@aitkenspence.lk
neptuneadmin@aitkenspence.lk
neptuneres@aitkenspence.lk
Regards
Dave
Thanks Dave
Hi all,
My fiancè and I are hoping to get married at Eden Resort Feb %26#39;09 and we were wondering if we could get married at sunset on the beach? Does anybody know if this would be possible or do they only do set times and locations at Eden? We would be grateful for any replies. Thanx in advance :-)
Regards
Jan
Hi Janine,
At all resorts where we%26#39;ve witnessed weddings they were extremely flexible with timing. So it%26#39;s very likely that Eden too will be able to accomodate your wish!
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
PS Plan well, sunsets in the tropics last a lot shorter than in Europe!
Thanx for your speedy reply, maybe it would be a better idea to just have photo%26#39;s taken at sunset instead then.
Thanx again
Regards
Janine x
Hi Jan,
I got married at the Eden and was the last wedding of the day.We were married at 3.00pm.However,as the other reply you have said they can be flexible but I think the lighting might be a problem.After sunset,it goes very very dark very quickly.If you ask your operator they may be able to let you know sooner than you think.Also if you have booked directly with confifi/eden then you should just contact the hotel.The wedding co-ordinator should be able to help.Hope you get your wish.
Bernie
Thank you so much for your reply. It isn%26#39;t SO important that we get married at sunset ( i hate having my photo taken so sunset or pitch dark would be more favourable lol) but we%26#39;d certainy like to get married on the beach.. Is a beach wedding an option? Could you tell me about your wedding please? Did you have the elephant ride and the drummers and dancers? We%26#39;ll be booking with Virgin Holidays.We%26#39;re looking at Eden for our wedding then Maldives for our honeymoon and looking online i%26#39;ve found loads of reviews and photo%26#39;s for the resort we want to stay in at the maldives but not so much on Eden, especially weddings.
Regards
Janine
Hi Jan,
Did you book your wedding at the Eden? We are booked to get married at the Eden in mid Feb 09 and then onto the Maldives for the last 3 days! Can%26#39;t wait!!
Regards
K
hi i got married there in february 08 we were there at the eden for 2 weeks and the maldive island meeru for 2 weeks, it was the best thing ever.
We had a fantastic time i wrote a review on her with pics but ill be happy to answer anymore questions.
we got married at 4pm and had pics on the beach you can have weddings on the beach however there was a tip from another bride on a forum and she did this and becuase of the water you couldnt hear the ceremony which was a shame so just food for thought.
but please dont hesitate to ask questions
heather
hi every1
iv just booked my wedding for feb 2010 at the eden where there for 8 days then going to meeru in maldives for 6 days after.just unsure on what my h2b should wear im wearing a dressing of cause but he doesnt want to wear a suit as he says he will be to hot.Also we have booked just an eden room are they ok has some of the pictures of the rooms dont look great.
thank you
zoe
Would it be better to climb the rock fortress in the morning or in the evening for the sunset??
My husband is a keen photographer and I am sure he will want to take sunset pictures from the top but would it be too hot to attempt this in the late afternoon?
For the best views of Sigiriya, you need to climb Pidurangala, the rock outcrop NEXT to Sigiriya Rock. That way, you have a focal point for your photographs. You will have it to yourself, it%26#39;s free and you get views of the northern side of Sigiriya which is the most interestingly shaped side. It%26#39;s a steep climb and the final few minutes are a bit tricky, as you have to scramble over large rocks to reach the top, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.
Sue
Sue%26#39;s probably right. But coming back to the original Q: no big difference. Either start before 10:30 AM or after 3:30 PM, the heat around those times is roughly same.
And if you want sunset pics: either check that there is good lighting on all parts of the stairs or bring a big torch. Sunset in the tropics happens FAST (30 mins from full daylight to dark) and the descend of the stairs is 60-90 mins...
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; {Sandya]
Hi,
The entry of Sigiriya closes at 5 pm and you will have to leave the site not later than 6pm, i.e. before sunset.
A morning climb is to prefer temperature wise. It is still quite hot around 3 pm.
Hans
thanks all, everyone has been really helpful.
I think we shall aim for the morning climb instead, since we wont be able to catch the sunset anyway.
I didnt actually realise that it sets so quickly in the tropics... thanks for that, shall let my hubby know he has a half hour window for his endless sunset photos. :)
Three more sleeps to go! yay!
WARNING all first choice customers on long haul holidays
First Choice-- have cancelled all flights to Sri Lanka from 8Th April Onwards
First Choice-- will not tell you unless you ring up, they will hold on to your money until the 56 days statutory cancellation period then they will tell you and offer you no alternatives or compensation
I paid the final balance and then 20 mins later I rang after reading the reports on trip advisor and they told me it was cancelled , ??? Yet they still took my money.
First Choice --has known about this for months
First Choice-- have behaved with due disregard for all of their customers aka the HBOS bankers
When my wife was paying the final balance the operator even wished her a happy holiday in Sri Lanka
First Choice-- have now took customer dissatisfaction to a new low
First Choice --asked me if I wanted to cancel the holiday AFTER they told me there were no Flights ???
First Choice-- are taking people’s money by deception and I’m sure this is illegal ?????
First Choice-- will not give you reasons why flights were cancelled .
i SUGGEST YOU ALL CANCEL YOUR fIRST cHOICE HOLIDAY BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY MORE INTEREST OUT OF YOU . If you think this is a rant then I ask you to read my other posts where I have praised First Choice highly ,I call it how it is and after spending thousands and thousands of pounds with First Choice over the last 15 years I now have My Silver Wedding holiday pulled out from under me with only 11 weeks to go .
It seems that First Choice has forgotten Customer service Loyalty and Honesty . If you want to know for yourself try ringing the pre dparture First Choice advisors on 08716649207 .
PS then they tell me I havent paid for the holiday when i request a full refund , absolutely unprofessional and sickening to think that in times like these the Big Companies still stick it to the hard working British general Public . Advert on TV says '; FIRST CHOICE , YOUR HOLIDAY IS SAFE WITH US ';
Like hell it is . Regards to all our fellow travellers Mick and Lois .
Hi Mick %26amp; Lois
Sorry to hear about your holiday being cancelled like this, but i do have agree with what you say.
These people have NOT even told the hotels in Sri Lanka yet that thye will not be taking up thier booked rooms !
Maybe drop a line to the Daily Mail !, the financial buffs there just love a tangle with companies like this!
Also of course, you should without delay contact ABTA too !, this will be against thier regulations too !
Regards
Dave
Hi, we%26#39;ve holiday booked for October 2009 and despite numerous telephone calls and letters of complaint, I still have not been told officially that our holiday is cancelled. I now know that it%26#39;s unlikely to go ahead and am prepared to make alternative arrangements. However I feel as do all of you out there that First Choice have acted appallingly. I have ever written to BBC Watchdog and have had a reply that they will investigate so perhaps anyone else out there with a gripe such as this should also write to BBC. I have travelled with FC for the past 5 years (2 of which to Sri Lanka) and have had no problems whatsover. What a nightmare. I so want to go back in 2009.
After reading all this on trip advisor I rang them on Monday and was told that they are not cancelling my holiday, that all holidays already booked are safe and they are only refusing new bookings - I am so confused! We have had no holiday for 5 years and this is a %26#39;once in a lifetime%26#39; holiday for us - we have luckily only paid a deposit but it is still £500!!! Don%26#39;t know what to do now...... they have blatantly lied to me if they are cancelling ALL holidays
I have now booked through Mercury Travel and I now fly to the SAME hotel although with a 2 hour break in Dubai , the same all inlusive terms , And a 2 Night Stpover in 4**** hotel in Dubai to break up the return journey home for less than £900 each , and thats flying with 4*** airline Emirates where you get excellent service and food and complimentary drinks . Bye Bye First Choice you lost me for good .
Hi dizzi
We were told that they were only informing people on a month to month basis. we were due to fly out on the 5th May we would have only been told in April. The holiday was booked through First Choice and we knew at the time of booking that it was a Thomson flight, it wouldnt have been a problem. They have also done this to friends of ours who were due to fly to Aruba in september they changed the whole flight form manchester to gatwick and different dates and then even had the cheek to ask for £5 administration costs. the same excuse no flights. at least our friends had a few months notice.
First Choice should hang their heads in shame, people save all year for a nice holiday just to be dissappointed by big companies, who, you think as their advertising goes %26#39;your holiday is safe with us%26#39;.
We are planning to get married on Taprobane Island next year and are trying to suss out potential venues for our guests to stay locally.
Guests range from families with small children, to couples that tend to stay in quality resorts, to couples that backpack. Any suggestions for places that may suit any of these...not having lot of luck googling options and am sure there must be more options than I am seeing. Any tips would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Accomodation recommendations? WeligamaHi,
Weligama Bay Inn, weliggama bay beach hotel are some options for decent accomodation.
Nishantha
Accomodation recommendations? WeligamaI suggest they go a few kms (about 5) down the road to Mirissa which is much nicer as the beach in Welligama isn%26#39;t anything special. Mirissa is stunning and a tuk tuk has you in Welligama within 5-10 minutes.
There are plenty of reasonable guest houses on and off the beach, most of which can%26#39;t be booked over the internet but which you%26#39;ll have no problem getting rooms in. Some you could try are: Ocean Moon, Sunshine, Dinu%26#39;s, Calm Rest, Sunset, Long Wave Rest, Sunrise, Mirissa Beach Inn (don%26#39;t go for the half board as dining at the restaurants on the beach in the evening is quite special). More upmarket is Paradise Beach Club and at the upper end is Mirissa Palace.
They%26#39;ll love it.
Thanks so much, that%26#39;s really useful and confirms what I was starting to realise re online availability.
After a 7 day trip around the highlights of Sri Lanka a friend and I are considering 3 days in The Maldives.
Would anyone sacrifice the southern coast of Sri Lanka - Mirrisa, Tangalle and Galle for a trip to The Maldives which appears an hour away? Any advice/views partisan or not would be appreciated.
After the travelling to the internal sights of Sri Lanka we thought it would be great to relax entirely on a beach then take a flight back to Columbo to catch our scheduled flight home to London.
We are in a quandry....Help!!
Blue
Hi Blue...
Maybe i am a ';little'; biased here, but personally i would not go to Maldives in preference to staying that extra week in Sri Lanka.
Ok, so you will have spent 7 days touring around, and most likely in need a a rest and being generally lazy, but for me the beaches around south, and south west would take preferrence over the Maldives anyday, and of course Sri Lanka is MUCH cheaper too !!
Regards
Dave
Hi there,
a) Yes the beaches in Maldives ARE better. Much nicer coral reefs and silence.
b) But it%26#39;s much more costly there. Also the 1-hour flight is ridiculously expensive if purchased separately, something like USD 200-250 return. Only when purchased as part of a bigger itineraty, e.g. Srilankan Airlines or Emirates or some charter airlines, the extra is maybe USD 100 and feasible.
Hope this helps a bit,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hi all and thanks for your views and guidance.
I wonder if I could prevail upon you again?
Is there a train from the Pinniewalla area (Elephant Sanctuary) to make it down further south to the coast. Or would it be better to take a private car?
So then 3 days traveling from Pinniewalla along the coast to then end up in Columbo for flights home. Any 3 day itinerary suggestions with places to stay?
I do not want to break the bank.
Thanks.
Blue
Hi,
The closest railway station to Pinnawala is Rambukkana - 2 km away.
From Rambukkana you can go by train as far as Matara with a change at Colombo Fort. Fares 2nd class: Rambukkana-Colombo LKR 140, Colombo-Matara LKR 230. If you want to go to Mirissa you may have get down at Weligama as not all express trains stop at Mirissa. If you want to go to Tangalle you will have to take a bus from Matara.
Back to the airport you can take the train to Colombo Fort and the airport bus (route 187) to the airport.
A private car to take you from Pinnawala to e.g. Galle will cost you around LKR 16000. Hiring a private car for 3 days to take you from Pinnawala to Mirissa and back to airport will cost you around LKR 18000-2000.
Hans
Good Morning all, I have some questions and would be most grateful for your input,advice and guide.
This trip is initially an extended flight stop-over between The Maldives and Kuala Lumpur. (we are Honeymooners)
We arrive in Sri Lanka Sat 25th April at 11.05am and we depart 28th April at 2.15am.
My fiance has already done some research and had asked for my advice/input we have two different opinions, I have said I would like to visit Kandy and stay there, by reading many reviews and doing some other reading too it seems there is more to do and see in Kandy keeping in mind we only have 1 full day. However I need to be very specific on what we do in Kandy, would anyone be so kind enough to give me a rough Itinerary to be in Kandy.
My fiance likes the idea of visiting Kandy but wants to visit Negombo, this is where i differed as by reading on Negombo it is a beach resort, a fish market it seems there is very little to do there,is there any point visiting Negombo as we would have spent 7 amazing days at the Maldives before this. Most important factor is time we do not have much time in SL but the time we do have we need to make the most of the best parts of SL.
I would appreciate any input and would like to know how we can discover best parts of SL In Kandy or Negombo in less than 3 days
Hi,
On the way to Kandy you should visit either Elephant Orphanage or Millennium Foundation to see the elephants.
I Kandy the things to do are visiting the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, The Temple of Tooth and a Cultural Show.
You can also have a short drive from Kandy to Ramboda Falls and back to watch waterfalls, tea plantations and visit a tea factory.
The beaches in Negombo are not the best, so after Maldives I would not bother about Negombo.
Hans
Kandy for sure. You will have a better beach in the Maldives. In addition to what was stated in the previos post, just a walk along the Kandy Lake is amazing. I have heard of several great places to stay - we stayed at Earls Regency and really enjoyed it. Plus the climate will be much better in Kandy. April in Colombo / Negombo can be very hot.
Thank you to those who have replied, I was doing some more reading and research and have made a plan,
We are coming from Maldives
Please advice;
Day 1: Arrive in SL by 11.05am on 25th April, we would have arranged a driver (fiance has details through this site) drive to Pinawella Elephants Orphanage, spend time there and then return to Kandy to one of the Hotels below, see a Cultural show if time allows
TBC YET Hotel Topaz, Amaya Hills, Mahaweli)
Day 2; 26 April 09 Only full day in SL
I am interested in seeing Adam%26#39;S Peak, Where is this situated? And would this be possible? The only full day we have and would love to see this site!
Visit Sigirya (how fair is this from Kandy?)Climb the rocks If I can!
Visit Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
Visit Royal Palace
TOO MUCH TO DO ON MY LIST BUT WILL TRY TO FIT AS MUCH AS WE CAN, OR IF ANYONE CAN ADVISE ANY BETTER PLEASE DO SO
Day 3: 27th April
Pack up and depart Hotel and leave with driver to see Botanical Gardens spend some time there, buy soveneirs and say Fare well to Kandy by 6.00pm as we need to travel back to the Airport for our Flight on April 28 at 2.15am,
Please for those who have visited SL please advise me on how this plan will work or not and what changes would be required.
I would be grateful for any responses
Nudz
Hi again,
Day 1:
Arriving at 11am means you will be out of the airport around 12am. The drive to Pinnawala takes 2陆-3 hours. The bottle feeding takes place at 1.15pm and the elephants are bating in the river from 2pm to 4pm.
I would leave the Elephant Orphanage to day 3 and proceed straight to your chosen hotel in Kandy. The Cultural Show is at 5.30pm. When the show finishes around 6.45pm is a good time to visit Temple of Tooth which is located just next door.
Day 2:
Adams%26#39; Peak is located near Hatton 80-90 km south of Kandy. The climb up and down takes 6-7 hours and to get to the Peak before sunrise you will have to start the climb around 2.30am.
Sigiriya is about 90 km north of Kandy (2-21 hours drive). The climb up and down will take you 1陆-2 hours. I was there in December with friends (including a 5 yo girl). We did it in 1陆 hours and she did it herself and didn%26#39;t complain. You should start your climb before 10am to avoid the midday heat. On the way back you cant visit the Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla.
Visit to Royal Palace (in Kandy?) can be done on return to Kandy.
Day 3:
Visit Botanical Gardens after breakfast and the drive to Pinnawala and spend the afternoon there.
Hans
Thank you very much for your view Han, I have a much better idea of what our short visit should consist of. My fiance was quite pleased with the information I gave him thanks to you which backed up my preference to visit Kandy.
So thank you once again
Hi, I stayed at the Riverina last October. I realised when I got to the airport to come home that I%26#39;d left a bikini and a dress on the balcony of my room! Stupid I know. Anyway my rep told me to contact First Choice when I got home which I did. They told me they don%26#39;t get involved with lost property and to contact the hotel. I have rang the hotel numerous times since getting home and have also emailed them. They say they have got my stuff. Initially they said they%26#39;d ask someone British to bring it back for me(?!) then asked me to email my address (done) then said they%26#39;d ring me back which they didn%26#39;t. Anyway to get to the point, is anyone going there who would be prepared to claim my stuff and bring it back to the UK then send it to me? I will obviously pay the postage once back.
If not does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get my things back?
Fallback is to ask them to send it in a parcel, air mail or sea mail. Of course you%26#39;d have to pay them the packing cost and postage. Safest way is probably to fax them a credit card authorisation for the amount asked, e-mail is not safe for these kind of things; fax capacity for hire in any suburb of UK towns, often in Internet/comms centres.
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hi there....
Hmmm, not sure that UK credit card companies would appreciate you faxing card details to hotels in Sri Lanka!, but, you should always ask them first !
Lost property is an often come across problem for SL hotels, and MORE than once i have come home with a little package for those who are in same position as you, so ';maybe'; your best bet is for someone who is going there to Riverina to bring it back for you, i hope that someone who is going there soon will reply to this post, if it was hotel i am going to at end of March then no problem for me to help out.
SL hotels are honest, and will hold onto lost property until it can be reunited with it%26#39;s owners.
Regards
Dave
Hello, I%26#39;m at my wits end now! The hotel have told me to arrange with DHL to have the parcel collected. DHL wont do this as I don%26#39;t have an account with them. The hotel wont arrange it because they say it%26#39;s too expensive (although I%26#39;ve explained I will pay them). I%26#39;m hoping if I enter this post someone might see it who hasn%26#39;t before and be able to help me!
We are going to SL end of March, we are staying at Tropical Villas which I think is next door to Riverina.
We don%26#39;t mind bringing your clothes back.
That would be fantastic!! Thank you so much. I%26#39;ve PM%26#39;d you to discuss details etc. That%26#39;s such a help.
hi , can someone please cheer me up ? we are due to stay at the Blue Water 20th September for two weeks but the weather forcasts for the next ten days are really bad,I know we are comming to the end of a monsoon period but can you please give me some hope by telling me there%26#39;s still a chance of spending some time sitting by the pool
also any information on the chances of not being bitten by mosquitoes would be appreciated.
also (and i realise i%26#39;m ranting on a bit)does anyone know if the squash courts are up to much .
thank you very much
royston
Hi Roy,
1. Weather forecasts paint the wrong picture. See a few posts down on Hikkaduwa having a pretty good climate right now; the showers are daily but maybe 5% of the time!
2. Depends on how good you prepare. The rooms with their AC are fine, it%26#39;s outside (and the al fresco restaurant) where you are at risk. Cream with lots of DEET is helpful.
3. Pass on squash. Generally Blue Water is a perfect sports hotel, not only the out-of-this-world pool but also some other options.
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Erik + Sandya thank you for taking the time to reply and for the information,the weather seems ok and if the mosquitoes are biting me then at least they will be giving someone else a break
regards royston
Mosquito borne illnesses are a HUGE problem in that part of the world. I have travelled to SL both during the rainy (monsoon) and the dry seasons and those little critters will bite you year around regardless. A few precautions I took:
1) Get anti-malarial pills before you leave.
2) Leave the AC in your room 24/7 (They hate the cold)
3) Don%26#39;t leave your balcony door or any windows open from dusk to dawn.
4) Spray DEET generously over your body from dusk to dawn
5) Avoid locally available %26#39;mosquito coils%26#39; if you have asthma or allergies,
6) I had a mosquito repellant device which I wore around my neck from dusk to dawn. Its the size of a pen, emits a low frequency sound that is inaudible to humans but was successful in keeping insects in general at bay.
Hope this helps and have a great vacation. It truly is a land like no other!
Jay
thanks jay
Hey Royston, Glad we are not the only ones panicing on the weather! My Wife and myself are also flying on the 20th and staying at the Blue Water.We have been coming in from work and the first thing we do is check to see whats happening! Fingers crossed eh?
Regards Andy
hi Andy
we leave Doha at 00:50 on Sunday ,probably the same flight,latest weather forecast on ';weatherunderground.com';is much better as from Monday,
happy to take whatever comes
royston
Hi Jay
Anti bug device sounds great, where do we get them? What are they called? My other half gets eaten alive everywhere we go, this may be the answer to his prayers!
Many thanks.
Debby
Re: Mosquitos
We always take vitamin B1 as a precaution and don%26#39;t seem to get bitten. Must take a least 2 weeks prior to departure and continue to take while away. The chemist also swears by this and we rarely get bitten in Asian Countries we have travelled. But we also spray Deet on ankles etc and wear long pants in the evening.
Good luck
Re: Mosquitos
We always take vitamin B1 as a precaution and don%26#39;t seem to get bitten. Must take a least 2 weeks prior to departure and continue to take while away. The chemist also swears by this and we rarely get bitten in Asian Countries we have travelled. But we also spray Deet on ankles etc and wear long pants in the evening.
Good luck
possibly visiting in july 7th onwards is this a good time to go, i note its towards the end of the rainy season. regards rob
visit to S/L in JulyHi Rob,
* First intermonsoon is about 6 weeks %26#39;between mid May and mid July%26#39;. So you could indeed have a tail of it.
* West monsoon is from early-mid July to at least end of September.
In the WM period, you%26#39;re quite okay. Nice sunny mornings and only some clouds starting in the afternoon, at some days with a few brief showers. In the intermonsoon period you might have similar days but also a few more unsettled days.
So all-in-all: the later in July the better, and even if you come on 7th and stay for a fortnight still plenty of good weather!
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
visit to S/L in JulyHi,
Early July is the change from inter monsoon (unsettled with cloudy/rainy days mixed with a good deal of sun) to west monsoon (bright and sunny mornings with some (usually) late afternoon and/or evening showers).
Hans
Thanks to Dave and everyone who recommended Browns Beach in Negombo. It was a lovely hotel, food was wonderful and staff so friendly. When we arrived the tour company had not booked us a beach room despite my insisting on this numerous times. We had been allocated a standard room without TV. I was disheartened but the hotel upgraded us at no extra cost.
We had a great time and even had an overnight to Kandy and despite a mix up with the tour company again we had a great time. Sri Lankan people are very friendly and all made us feel so welcome.
Hi Bmaz...
Good to know that you had a great time in Sri Lanka, and in particular at Browns Beach, i did think at the time it would be the better option for you and the family.
Thngs do sometime go wrong, especially if there is an agent involved, but thankfully it was sorted for you at the hotel.
I will be going down there at end of March, and cannot wait.
Regards
Dave
Hi Bmaz,
Happy to hear that you and your family had a good time in Sri Lanka. Thank you for coming to Negombo. We are ready to answer the questions of any person who comes to Negombo.
regards.
Shehan
I am flying to SL in 8 days for a weddimg, the bride has been trying to find out from SL airlines , if a box containing her wedding dress would be condsidered hand luggage or do they make exeptions , anyone done this recently....
Jason,,
Hoodlum
%26#39;Customer.Services@firstchoice.co.uk%26#39; complaints email, given to us on the phone by the pre departure team last night .
And my name is Lois lmao what do you mean %26#39;where did I get that from%26#39;
LOL someone else called me Lois yesterday before you were on the conversation.. really bizarre!!!
Thank you for email address. Pleased you got alternative flights etc sorted out.
Lol
We might have sorted out our holiday but we are still really annoyed. Mick has sent a long emial to FC today demanding an explanation if we dont get one in a given time, the same email is being sent to all national Newspapers, Abta, Atol, and Holiday Watchdog.
I feel sorry for the ones who have weddings booked.
Lois
Lois we are one of the couples with a wedding booked!! :-(
Our holiday is at the moment still ok as we were told ours is the last package holiday flying out to Sri Lanka with FC (8th April). We have sent them an email stating that a) we are concerned that ours will be cancelled too if they cannot fill the flight (they are currently trying to move cancellations earlier and get them on our schedule). b) that we will only be cancelled a week or few days before we fly which gives us no time to organise legal documentation etc for a wedding in another Country. We would prefer to change our destination now if it means peace of mind.. it is supposed to be our special day and our honeymoon all in one (we will make it special though wherever we are of course).
I can totally understand you both being angry and I am sure alot of the others on here who have been cancelled will join you in complaining to WD etc. I would too as they are causing me a right headache as on 3 occasions yesterday I was told our holiday was cancelled by HQ and then the branch told me all was ok and they went away and double checked and said it was definately ok. (I wonder???)
Helen
:-)
Hoodlum,
This just keeps getting worse, First Choice have told me 3 times the holiday is ok, but have told the agent we have booked with that it may not be going.
Hi Cinderella... hopefully you will be going to the ball. I would send a complaint email to FC. Although I say that, I sent them an email 2 days ago and have chased a response and have heard nothing. I forgot when are you supposed to be flying out again? :-)
Ignore me Cinderella I just noticed you are supposed to be flying same day as us. Are you supposed to be flying from Gatwick or Manchester? We are supposed to be flying around 7pm from Gatwick on the 8th.
You are obviously going with FC but who did you book your holiday through?
Hi Hoodlum,
We are going from Gatwick. We have booked with Thomas Cook.
Hiya
Righteo my better half has contacted First Choice and spoke to the wedding department. We have been assured that the flight going out on 8th April is definately going ahead and is not cancelled. They have said that as we are a wedding party they take this very seriously and absolutely confirm that this date is ok and the wedding is going ahead as booked. They also told us that the only flight out that has been cancelled is the one on 22nd April and they are trying to move these people onto the flight going out on the 8th!!
Hi Hoodlum
its wrong that when you should be looking forward to getting married (which is stressful enough lol) you and your party are having all this extra stress. just be wary , i dont mean to put a dampener on things but they told you only the flight on the 22nd April was cancelled, but we were going on the 5th may????
Good Luck and you WILL have a lovely wedding im sure
Lois (and Mick)
Hi all,
I am going back to Sri Lanka at end of March, visiting Colombo, Hambantota, Pinnewalla or Pinnawalla (sp?)
Anyway, on the past 4 trips I have been religiously taking the dreaded Malaria tabs, I was there working following the Tsunami - so perhaps higher risk of bugs, bites and stuff!
But should I take them this trip? I am aware you will be unable togive out medical advice ! but just a general opinion would be helpful
Oh and btw .. the Mozzies adore and love me to bits!
x
Hi,
The places your are visiting are low to no risk areas. So really not need to take tabs.
Check with your GP and/or:
fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/srilanka.htm
Hans
Thanks again Hans
I think I will give it a miss this time.. and cover up as usual.
Hi Tazness
The mozzies love me too ... I end up bitten and swollen up all over. Coastal areas in Sri Lanka seem to be the worst for insect bits, but thankfully these are not areas where there is a malaria risk. (Bear in mind that there are other mosquito borne diseases like dengue fever though ... no tablets can prevent that.)
On my last trip to Sri Lanka, I relied on the Autan spray with Deet and was bitten badly. On previous visits, I used the Boots lotion with Deet, which is very sticky. It is less pleasant to have on you because of this, but is far more effective against biting insects. If one dares to land on you, they meet a sticky death.
Unpleasant or not, it is back to the lotion for me next time. If you are in hotels with air-conditioning, it is less likely that you will have a problem with mosquitoes. The rooms are also sealed. If you are in small guesthouses (as we were) it is more of a problem. The mozzies fly in easily (there are often ventilation holes in the walls) and a fan is no deterrent to them, compared to the icy blast of airconditioning. Mosquito nets often have small holes in them too.
Even if you cover up well with lotion and do everything in your power to avoid being bitten, the chances are you will still get the odd bite. One night, I even had 5 bites on my face ... the one place where I had no repellent on. From my last bitter experience, I would now advise anyone visiting AT-RISK areas like the cultural triangle to play safe and take tablets and not rely solely on sprays or lotions.
Sue
Thanks Sue,
Those flippin little beasties are a night mare. They jump over people to get to me !
I use one of the boots roll on repelants last time, although they stank they did seem to work, but htey sting a bit on the face.
Then there is the decison... do you put sun tan lotion on first or the repellant ?
Perhaps since I have decided not to do the tablets and we are staying in a few hotels that are more on the basic side, I should take a net ...
Thanks .. now pondering more stuff
Can anyone suggest details of hiring a good experienced driver,
We arrive In SL on April 25th we need to be picked up from the airport and taken to our hotel (tbc) we would like to use the driver for the remaining two days for visiting sites and then dropped off back to the airport.
Should we book this service from London in advance or book a driver from SL once we arrive ?
What will they charge?
Would appreciate any information, advice or guidance
Nudz
Reccomendation for an experienced driver in SLHi Nudz,
An AC car/van should cost you around LKR 6000-6500/day based on a daily average of maximum 150-160 km.
You can book from London via e.g. Red Dot Tours, Jetwing or Aitken Spence or you can book from the taxi counter at the airport (not all airport taxis have AC).
Or you can book a ';free-lancer'; via email. You will probably get some offers in the forum, but you PM Dave, Erik or me to get contact of our trusted guides/drivers.
Hans
Reccomendation for an experienced driver in SLhi , if you book from london it will be very expensive , better organising 1 from here , you will get a lot of drivers offers , best look for one that has been tried and tested , pm me for more details.the company drivers are expensive too better a registered taxi with a good record.
get in contact with Travellerguy on here, Dave told us to use a guy called Jally and he was fantastic!! We%26#39;re still in Sri Lanka and I can%26#39;t recommend him highly enough.
I%26#39;ll post a full review on the hotels we stayed in when I get back.
We love it!!!
Hi Jon
Good to know that Jally looked after you and Nikki,i knew he would do just that, and great that you are still both enjoying things out there too.
Good job you left when you did, the day after the snows came and closed down Heathrow !, and the Kingfisher flight i thought you were on was delayed by 15 hours !
Have fun, and look forward to hearing all about your trip when you get home.
Can%26#39;t wait for my turn !!
Regards
Dave
I was looking for the same informaton ! Thanks for the tips. I am coming on 28th March for 5 night and 4 days, (7am flight)
We are going to hambantota and Red dot quoted me around $422 for the 4 days which I think is around 48.114 Rupees !
I will Pm a couple of you for some advice.
I really looking for the same info%26#39; and sorry to jump on the bandwagon on this thread.
From Pinnawalla Elephant Sanctuary on the 25 December for 4 days along the south coast, then up to Columbo on the 29 December to fly out again. A driver/guide would be great.
Blue
Most of us use the same divers/guides each time we go out. If you want a recommendation, send me a message.
that should read drivers/guides !
Can any one be so kind to give me information on any low cost Hotels in Kandy, we are not looking for anything too expensive and nothng too cheap, just right,Require the rooms to be clean, have en suite bathroom, not looking for a swimming pool merely for having a good nights sleep as it is only a 2 night stay, can you reccomend any hotels and what may they charge?
Hi,
Are you hiring a car/van?
You driver should be able to get a double room with half board at Serene Garden Hotel for about LKR 6500/night.
http://serenegardenhotel.com/kandy.htm
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g304138-d113220鈥?/a>
Hans
Yes planning to hire a driver with a car of course for our whole visit there, can you reccomend any good drivers?
Hi
Kandy holiday home guest house over looking mahaweli river will be ideal fro your requirement .that will be cost 3500 RS half board double room.. having clean attached bath with hot water facilities also providing appetizing meals.
Thanks,
ind
I stayed in I think it was the Devon, it was clean and well priced. I could not face another colonial musty hotel !
Hi,
We are going next week.Will be back towards end of march. Will let you know about ours if it is not too late.
Chris
We had a couple of nights at Kandy View Hotel on Ampitiya Road. Less than 3000 rupees for an ensuite double room with breakfast. Free internet use if you want it and a small splash pool to cool off in. You are very elavated and the rooftop restaurant affords great views over the tree tops ... nice place to watch the birds and monkeys.
But if you are prepared to sacrifice a bit of comfort in the name of atmosphere, my choice would have to be the Olde Empire Hotel right in the centre of Kandy where we also stayed ... if you can get one of the two en-suite rooms that is. The other rooms are even cheaper .. just 650 rupees but you share a bathroom and it isn%26#39;t very nice! A double ensuite room (without breakfast and bear in mind it is cold water only) costs 1310 rupees. It is fairly basic, but has all you need and has the best position in Kandy without a doubt. Residents can sit on the lovely colonial balcony and soak up the atmosphere of Kandy. You are right next to the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake, and all the shops and restaurants are within a couple of minutes%26#39; walk. This is the place I will be returning to again and again.
Sue
Thank you so much for the informative responses, I shall look into the all the mentioned hotels and guest houses.
One more question relating to this topic, Should we book in advance from UK or can we get a a room at a guest house/hotel on our arrival to Kandy for 2 nights? Would this be wise?
Hi Nudz,
End of April no need to make reservations. So don%26#39;t commit yourselves to anything. Go and look and if you don%26#39;t like, go on to the next.
I know a group that made reservations for Kandy View (even in perahera season) that didn%26#39;t like the room (dirty, AC not working, mattress of the beds were seriously sagging), but had a big fuzz getting out of the reservation.
Hans
Any recommendations from pinniewalla to travel and stay along the south coast for 3 days then onto Columbo
Blue
Hi Blue
Sure, mail me at davidjstockwell@btinternet.com and i will be happy to let you have contact details of a trusted driver/guide.
Regards
Dave
Hi,
PM me and I will send you details of my trusted driver.
Hans
you can also pm me if you want a driver, they will be suggested by the dozen, your choice and cheapest isnt always the best .
Can any one tell me what is the bet way to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy.
Thanks
James
Hi James,
Taxi for sure. About 2.5-3 hours drive and around Rs 7,000-8,000 cost.
Train is quite a detour (through Colombo town, with transfer) and would require a small taxi ride to the station first. And bus goes direct but is a lot slower, also due to wait times at Katunayaka bus station and first at the free shuttle bus to the bus station.
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Thanks for the reply.
Can you do at the pre paid taxi counter at the airport?
Thanks
Hi James,
Yes for sure. Note that it%26#39;s not prepaid anymore but still fixed-price. They write down the price and car number and then a runner from the desk comes with you to the roadside and indicates the assigned car. You pay to the driver, at the end of course (unless he wants a halfway advance in order to purchase fuel which can be reasonable).
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hello,
My husband to be and myself have just booked our honeymoon and we booked the Taj Exotica in October for 10 nights before going onto the Maldives. I am a little concerned as reading over posts on her it sounds as though it is not a very nice hotel to stay at.
If anyone has been there recently can they please let me know what we are likely to expect.
Also can you please recommend any trips that are worth going on, and or sights to see.
We are staying on a full board basis, are the drinks very expensive? Is the food any good? Is there much variation?
Is the weather good or bad in October?
Many thanks,
Karen x
Hi Karen,
Recent reviews are good, but the hotel is in need of refurbishment.
tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g297895-d3…
Short trips from Bentota
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).
Brief-Gardens (about 7 kms from Bentota)
- 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';.
Day trips 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.
2-5 day trips could include:
Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawela
Kandy. Tooth Temple, Kandy Dance
Dambulla. Rock Caves Temple
Sigiriya
Hill Country (N%26#39;Eliya, Haputale, Ella).
October is in the 2nd inter monsoon season so some hefty showers can be expected in afternoons and evenings. Mornings are usually bright and sunny.
Hans
Hi Karen
Yep would agree with Hans that the Taj Exotica is now well past it%26#39;s best, and in need of refurbishment, no need to doubt thier service in any way, but really not the class of the Taj family in India for instance.
Same goes for other 2 Taj hotels in Sri Lanka too, although Taj Airport Garden is in process of refurbishment and extension.
Drinks are quite expensive for Lankan hotels generally, but no more than you would pay in UK, except for wine which is more expensive in any hotel there.
Regards
Dave
Hi
Just interested that the Taj at the Airport is having extension/upgrading work. We are due to stay there on our last night of our holiday in Aug. Just wondered if we are likely to get any disruption. Anyone know?
Many thanks
Thank you so much for your advice and the list of trips that you recommend.
Karen x
Want to go for a nice relaxing trip to sri lanka but need to find hotel with decent disco on the basis that if my 17 yr old daughter is happy we will have a peaceful time!!
Any suggestions of all inclusives that have a disco would be appreciated.
Cheers
Ian
teenagers and disco'sHi Ian
Not that many hotels in Sri Lanka that would fit your bill, if any to be honest, discos in Sri Lankan hotels tend to be a very low key affair, it is really up in Colombo itself that you would find what your daughter would be really happy with, and alas no All Inclusive hotels there.
Regards
Dave
teenagers and disco'sWe have booked for the club hotel dolphin. It is all inclusive and there is disco only problem is the drinks in disco are not part of the all inclusive or so we have been told
Hi Ian,
We went with some locals to a hotel called RIVERINA this had a disco for young people like your daughter. We had a good time there but Im not sure if it is all-inc. I remember drinks were not too expencive. This hotel is in Bentota or on the outskirts, right on the beach, nice hotel.
Steve $ Sue
Almost right! Riverina is in Beruwala, 5 km north of Bentota.
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hello Experts
One phone away call from booking Kuoni Sri Lanka Panorama Tour for Feb 2010.
Want to stay on for R%26amp;R for a few days. Have been reading all the posts/reviews on hotels on the coast at Bentota.
Do you think it best to do the ';all inc'; option,really for the drinks,as you all seem to be saying it is expensive.Is there a good hotel that does this option ? Don%26#39;t want to pay arm AND leg for my G%26amp;T !! Eden Spa and Bentota Beach seem to have good write ups.Your views please.
Also I have read that the sea is rough and can be a problem for swimming.Husband will only go into the water waist high if it is really calm.It would spoil his holiday if this is the case.I know there are pools...but the chlorine/cleaner makes his eyes red and sore,so can%26#39;t use them.
I know I will get help, so thanks in advance
Suntan47
Hi Suntan,
For the beach I prefer Bentota Beach over Eden Spa. Bentota River is going into the Indian Ocean just outside Eden Spa. The sea is usually not rough from December to April. There is a slight surf, but currents can sometimes be strong. Going in waist high (what I do) is no problem.
Hans
Hi,
Till mid of April sea bath is safe in this area. I don%26#39;t think its going to be an issue.
All inclusive is not a good option because Bentota has lots of options for dining etc. Lots of restaurants around so you can have a try.
Nishantha
Hi,
Till mid of April sea bath is safe in this area. I don%26#39;t think its going to be an issue.
All inclusive is not a good option because Bentota has lots of options for dining etc. Lots of restaurants around so you can have a try.
Nishantha
Hi Suntan,
We have been several times and do go all-inc as the price has always been OK. We still go out though for dinner and drinks. At the moment the exchange is not so good either so I would go all-inc as there is very little difrence in price. Bentota beach is nice and not too rough when you go but you might get the odd day.
Steve %26amp; Sue
Sorry, I forgot the AI part.
Whether AI or not depends on your daily intake of G%26amp;Ts.
I know that in Eden Spa a Lion Lager (630 ml) is LKR 500 (GBP 3). I assume a G%26amp;T (50 ml local Gin) is about the same. Prices at Bentota Beach are slightly less.
Meals at outside restaurants will cost you LKR 700-900 for lunch and LKR 1000-1500 for dinner. Both per person including local drinks.
Hans
Thanks Everyone
Knew I could rely on you all !!
So,Bentota Beach Hotel looks like the one and Husband is happy that he will be able to go into the sea.
The Maldives looks nice too.Aghhhhhhhh.Too many to select from!!!
Thanks again.
Suntan
Hello
Went to the Neptune Hotel 18 months ago Mercury direct(Mail on Sunday offer) in July for £599 each for two weeks all inclusive. To book the same holiday now for the same time with Mercury direct they want £1176.00 each. Does anyone know if the prices come down with Mercury nearer the time of departure or should I book it now. Just seems a steep pice increase.
Many thanks
Joanne
Hi Joanne
I don%26#39;t know where you are getting that price from for July this year, i saw an advert in last weekends papers for Neptune with Mercry Direct, and yes it was ';BOGOF'; (buy one get one free), the price quoted for July was £965 pp., June is £599.00 pp, and August is £989 pp.
Actually, i scanned the advert and sent it via e-mail to the hotel%26#39;s Regional Area Manager, along with ads for Ramada Resort ans Brown%26#39;s Beach too, so still have them on PC.
I am not sure what will happen in next few months, but what i do know is that bookings are well down on this time last year, i guess the ecconomic situation at present will not help anyone at this time, least of all holiday companies.
Incidentally, the booking ref for that advert was: GDNP7M9 , so may be call them rather then visit thier website, which does seem a lttle out of date right now.
Regards
Dave
Hi Dave
I saw that advert too and phoned them up and quoted that reference number but low and behold the dates I wanted in July( I gave 8 dates that i could fly) were not available, flights were fully booked but I could fly with Emirates and that was the quote I got £1176.00 per person.
Thanks
Joanne
Hi Joanne
Mercury Direct have also very recently added Kingfisher Airlines to their flight schedules with a reduction in price of around £150 pp, maybe try them again and mention that ?
The hotel itself at this time is no where near full for July, or indeed May,June or August either, just the opposite now that First Choice have pulled out.
Hmmm, just noticed that you are from Liverpool, so Kingfisher is out for you, they only fly from Heathrow.
Regards
Dave
Hi Joanne we booked with Mecury direct about 9 months ago , we got three weeks at the Neptune flying with Emirates for just over £1000 each i did barter the price down which i think was £1249 each but they were advertising £999 for two weeks with the third free for February but they said that was flying from London only but when i said that will be ok we will fly from London (for 500 quid difference)they still couldnt do it for the quoted £999 after much negotating we agreed on £1079 each flying from Manchester going on tuesday so not long to go now!!!!!
hello, I saw what Dave wrote about Kingfisher. I went to Sri Lanka with cosmos last year and stayed at the Club Palm (just up from the neptune). It cos £1250 each and the hotel was nothing special. This year we have booked a private bungalow on the beach which is just next to the Riverina and are using Kingfisher. I had a look at the best ways to travel down to heathrow (as I am also from Liverpool) and it works out at just under £70 return for a flight to heathrow from manchester. So thats not bad, I see what Dave says, but if your holiday is cheap enough thats a bargain!
enjoy!
Mina
Thank you all for your quick response. I think I will wait a few more weeks and then book.
Regards
Joanne
Hi Quirky
After all the trouble we had with first Choice, we booked with mercury direct for May (same dates and hotel that we wanted). For 2 weeks All inclusive in sri lanka (Dolphin Hotel) with 2 night stop over in Dubai on return journey, it has cost us £1717.00 for 2. With FC it cost £1658 with no stopover. With FC we had to travel to gatwick.Now we fly from Manchester. We have saved on parking the car and the fuel to get to Gatwick and also the drive down and back.
So for us it is cheap we just went on the website and then rang.
Lois
have been reading with great interest all recent posts regarding saga with first choice,we holidayed last november and became very friendly with a local family,one canversion kept coming back ';why where first choice stopping there holidays here';? we thought they where getting confused with the merger of tompsons and f c,on reflection now prehaps it was already known back then.sorry if this causes distress to anyone iam only repeating what i was told.suffice to say we are returning in april with mercury direct have used this company before and been well impressed with them, i would say to anybody struggling to find alternate tour operators give these a lookjude60
Hi All
We have just checked our account and all the money we paid to First Choice has been returned. Strangely though it has been paid on 4 separate transactions . 2 First Choice and 2 Thomson. Why not all through 1 account makes me wonder!!!!!!!
Anyway that fiasco is over and we can look forward to going to Sri lanka in May.
Thanks for all advice over the last few days if it hadnt been for the people on TA we would be non the wiser about our cancelled flights with First Choice.
Lois and Mick
I%26#39;m being dropped off in Galle from a yacht delivery crew in the middle of May and need to make my way to the Airport. What are the suggestions from Galle and approximate cost and times? Thanks
Galle to Airport
Hi,
The easiest way to get to the airport is to hire a car/van with driver. Distance is about 150 km, so it should cost you about LKR 9000 (USD 85). This will take about 4 hours. Maybe 1 hour extra if you pass Colombo during rush hours and 1 hour less if you go evening or night.
You can also go by intercity bus or train to Colombo, and then take the airport bus (route 187) from Colombo to the airport. This will cost you about LKR 300 (USD 3). This will take about 5-5陆 hours + connection in Colombo.
Hans
Galle to AirportWe did a trip by bus once from Galle to Colombo, had some luggage, just paid for an extra seat and had a seat just for the luggage. Worked out just fine. Lot cheaper than taking a car or van. The bus is air conditioned, clean and no standing pasengers (this was about 3-years ago - so not sure what has changed).
Hi Staying at Hotel Goldi,anyone know much about this hotel.Positive or negative comments welcomed,Thanks.
Hi Taffy,
Maybe a quite useful first round of info is in
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297897-d316666鈥?/a>
but feel free to come back with more detailed questions after reading this!
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Cheers Erikdr,Read the piece on Goldi dated the 8th Feb,found it very informative.But have a question for you erik if you dont mind.We would like to visit Kandy for a couple of nights,but would like to travel on the Inter City Express in the Panoramic coach.I realise from what we have read that you have to reserve your seats some time in advance.We arrive in Sri Lanka on the 22nd Feb and would like to go the following weekend.Any ideas on how we could book from this end?If at all possible.Thanks in anticipation,Taffy.
Hi Taffy,
You%26#39;ll either need a local or visit Colombo yourself at least 5-6 days before the travel date. (Sale starts at 10 days before it.) So maybe your travel agent can arrange pre-purchase and delivery to the hotel?
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; {Sandya]
Thanks once again Erik.We are in Negombo for 2 weeks so might have time to reserve a couple of seats.You dont have to answer this do you live in Sri Lanka? you seem to know a lot more than your average tourist.Thaks TaffyWigan
Hi again,
Was answered before here. We have a 2nd house there with also our foster-kids living, so me I visit 2 x per year and for Sandya it varies...
Regards,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Ok Erik, didnt mean to be so nosey,just knew your knowledge was more than an average tourist.Thanks very much anyway.Taff
hi there i live near the goldi sands and know it well and the surrounding area , if you have any quetions pm me
Hi JulieF,My Wife and i,where hoping to get a train up to Kandy (1st Class observation carriage)and staying for 2 nights in a medium type hotel,approx 3500 S/ruppees per night.I gather you have to book in advance for the train,can you enlighten us a little.Thanks.
It will be as easy to take a bus one day and go to the Fort station and get the tickets (to Kandy).
As far as Goldi Sands - it was about 3 years ago that we stayed a night (first day). All I can say is it was okay - glad we did not stay for several days.
I was reading the thread posted above - and found Steves post (review) to be so true.
I forgot how long you plan to stay etc. - but one thing I have found that works (when I stay more than a day or two) - give out good tips right off the bat. Even when you tip well to the doorman / bellhop - it gets around and you get good service.
Just to add...
I do not agree with the ';tip first, service later'; statement, in my book tips have to be earned and NOT expected, if this were the case at this particular hotel, then i certainly would not stay there.
Regards
Dave
To Jo and whoever else might be i intrested,on our visit in Sri lanka,Dambulla.we stayed at the guest house called SADARAS INN .
its not actually in the lonely planet book.but the place is awesome.
we got to dambulla the next day we arrived in sri lanka.
we found this guest house when we walking pass the DAMBULLA TEMPLE.
We met the owner Damien,who used to live in Australia and his girl friend Maria from Sweden.there awesome guys ,we had few drinks with them as well,
Rooms are pretty big,two double beds,luckly normal toilets :)plus get to feed the monkeys in the evening!!!
theres 6 rooms at this place,couple of rooms A/C. place is prety booked up all the times. best to give him a call before u arrive.
(+94771293003).
He helped us lots..as we visited SIGIRIA,ANURADAPURA,POLONNARUWA,and KANDY.
the best part i liked was the Eliphant safari, we hardly pay any money as we pretty much got the local price...
He showed us how to bargain and get the local price.
We had breakfast and Dinner from there.
His Mum is the best cooked and cooked us all the Sri lanka food.
Normal rooms are from Rs800 - Rs 1000.
Directions
you can walk from dambulla temple or you can take a tuk tuk from dambulla junction.
you gotta be carefull with tuk tuks as they always try to rip u off.
only pay RS150 from dambulla junction. make sure you ask them to take u to SADARAS INN on MATALE ROAD. its near the %26#39;SAMAN Restaurant%26#39;.
(+94771293003)
Opps i forgot to tell the best part of this place..
YOU GET FREE HIGHSPEED INTERNET!!! they let u use thei nternet for free.loved it!
My friend and I are flying out at the end of March to The Neptune for 2 weeks of bliss hopefully.
My question is could someone tell me how much things cost such as a bottle of water, a glass of wine, a meal for two. I know what the exchange rate is but not what things cost so at moment makes no sense. Thanks for your time on answering this query...
Hi there,
Can%26#39;t comment on the Neptune specificly but can give the general price level in tourist restaurants. Hotels tend to go a bit above this but not factors..
* Bottle of water: in supermarket Rs 100 for a large one, restaurants maybe Rs 150
* Wine: bad example as this is imported and hence UK price. So count for maybe Rs 300-400. Beer (local) is much better, Rs 100 for a glass/bottle.
* Meal with local drinks: lunch Rs 700-900 per person, dinner Rs 1200-1500 per person.
Hope this helps a bit,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Thanks for the advice, it makes it clearer now.
Are there any scams we should watch out for when visiting Sri Lanka?
One more..... anything we just should not miss?
Thanks Chrissy
Hi again Chrissy,
Scams .. hmmm... just stay clear of any jewelry/gem shop unless you know what you%26#39;re looking for, have the chance to compare prices in different outlets and finally (for purchases above 100 quid) would be willing, and allowed, to go with the shop assistant to the Colombo Gem board to check the authenticity of the purchase. And generally never go to an unwanted place, like spice garden or art shop, that some local recommends you as he might be out more for his commission than for your your pleasure.
On the other hand, some Beach Boys offer the same quality-approved driver/vehicle that the hotel offers but without their 100% surcharge - so here the %26#39;scam%26#39; is more the official and not the unofficial channel. But probably same in most other 3rd world countries, not much unique Srilankan in this.
For things to do, search the forum with keyword %26#39;excursions%26#39;. There are quite some possibilities from all Southwest coast places, including Neptune.
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hi All
We have just checked our account and all the money we paid to First Choice has been returned. Strangely though it has been paid on 4 separate transactions . 2 First Choice and 2 Thomson. Why not all through 1 account makes me wonder!!!!!!!
Anyway that fiasco is over and we can look forward to going to Sri lanka in May.
Thanks for all advice over the last few days if it hadnt been for the people on TA we would be non the wiser about our cancelled flights with First Choice.
Lois and Mick
HI ya
Fantastic news that all is sorted and you can now enjoy your holiday. Have a wonderful anniversary.
Helen
;-)
Thanks helen , Hope you have a wonderful wedding , what a beautiful pleace to get married.
Good Luck for the future
lois and Mick
when are you going? we have booked through them too and still being told that they have not cancelled our holiday for 21st July??!! We are worried by all the info on here that they will not tell us until 56days before departure? any advice?
Hi duzzy
We are going on the 5th May. we have booked with Mercury Direct now. the pre departure number is 08716649207, this is the number given us when we originally phoned to enquire. perhaps you will be ok but I would keep checking with them on a regular basis.
lois
They haven%26#39;t cancelled the holiday, the holiday is still there , its the flight that have been cancelled. they asked us if we wished to cancel, they wont offer an alternative of refund until 56 days before. But we didnt want to wait and see. They told Mick on the phone the other day that he had been hasty and that they were still looking at alternative carriers. But they have told the Dolphin Hotel(where we are going) that they have secured the flights with Sri Lankan airways. So I just dont know what to believe. Im just glad we have booked with another operator.
Lois
Sorry, have just seen that my previous posting has the topic title as Blue Wate hotel !! Obviously, this should read Blue Water hotel ! Sorry !!
I have spoken to the management at Club Hotel Dolphin and they assure me that you will receive a warm welcome from them through all other travel agents , Mercury Cosmos etc . After numerous Phone calls to First Choice not one of which contained an apology for the way I have been treated I contacted Mercury Travel who gave me an even better deal and stopover in Dubai on the way back in a 4 *** hotel for less than £900 each inc transfers in Dubai and Sri Lanka .Please dont let the decision of First Choice , or Thomson , or TUI travel as they are now known spoil your chance of the holiday of a lifetime , I for one wont be and look forward with my wife to enjoying the delights of Sri Lanka , and now also a visit to Dubai . Thankyou Club Hotel Dolphin and Mercury Travel .
regards Mick and Lois
Just to add.....
I can also recommend Mercury Direct for holidays in Sri Lanka, having used them several times myself, also i have used them for Malta, Cyprus too, and as far as i am concerned, only one word sums them up ! EXCELLENT !!
At least they won%26#39;t leave people stranded without holidays only days from departures, like some other company we can mention !!!
Regards
Dave
we are flying with thomas cook signature.cheaper than fchoice and the holiday is tailor made with a stopover in dubai----no cancelations---- as yet.flights are with emirates.
is anyone going to club hotel dolphin on or around the 21st July that has been before and can advise on what to tip, where to visit, what to eat, good jewellers etc. etc. We are a family of 5, two adults, 18, 15 and 13 year old teens!. We have not been %26#39;abroad%26#39; for five years and have never visited sri lanka.... we are excited but a bit nervous and don%26#39;t want to feel %26#39;out of our depth%26#39;.
hi dizzi we are returning in april we loved this hotel ,we ate and tried most things on offer loved the sri lankan corner,[hot stuff] there are numerous excursions open to you from elephantsorphanage,[pinnawela] kandy, sigiriya rock,markets in Negombo,excellant if you like to mix with locals and try your bartering skills.try out a tuk tuk.i think everyone will have there own fav jeweller we used the guy in asda [just outside grounds near quiet pool] we brought 2 rings %26amp; had one made we where very pleased with them on our return to uk had all three checked out for genuine stones,all worth more than we paid. the hotel has plenty to offer the young in your party,disco bar and karioke, lively pool with the animation teamduring the day. we tipped at end of holiday left room boys 1000 each they did a good job kept us supplied with shampoo etc,difficult in the resturant as you are served by many we gave the four who loked after us the most 500 each gave all toiletries away to joseph on beach for his family,and other odd bits to ken and rida again on the beach its worth trying out locals for trips as they can be flexiable regarding where you go hope this wets your appetite cant wait till we go back taking xtra bits this time for the local populus regards jude
Hi have not been befor and we are really looking forward to it we are going for 2 weeks on the 9 june so will still be there when you arrive and prob sad as will be about to go home
hi dizzydancer
we are also going to b first timers in sept we have booed with first choice and they ave at the moment cancelled the flights for the summer could you let us no who you are going with incase we need to chage travel agents thanks
hi meady
we booked through Cosmos last year and again this year going in June have used first choice but I understand they have stopped Sri Lanka and also Margarita island this year check out their web site
good luck
Richard
Hi there...
Just to add a little about First Choice !, theey are still selling holidays to Sri Lanka, BUT, the flights are now handled by thier partners Thompson Airways !
Regards
Dave
We go in Aug this year and I spoke to First Choice and they confirmed tha Thomson have taken over the holidays(they merged with them last year).
Re the trips can you give us an idea of cost as I wan to budget before we go.
We are looking at seeing the elephants and riding on them also Kandy and sigiyra.
Also looking at the white water rafting as we have 2 15 year old boys with us
Any info will be gladly recieved
Very excited only 193 sleeps to go!!!
Hi,
The things you want to do/see require minimum 3 days/2 nights. An itinerary could be like this:
Day 1: Waikkal - Pinnawala - Dambulla - Habarana - Sigiriya
- visit Elephant Orphanage or Millennium Foundation or both. Entrance EO LKR 1250 MF about LKR 300. You can have an elephant ride at MF - about LKR 1500/15 min.
- visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Entrance LKR 1100 (USD 10)
- elephant safari near Habarana. Cost LKR 4000-5000
- overnight near Sigiriya
Day2: Sigiriya - Kandy
- climb Sigiriya Rock in the morning. Entrance LKR 2700 (USD 25)
- elephant rides are also possible close to Sigiriya
- visit Cultural show in Kandy. Entrance LKR 500
- visit Tooth Temple in Kandy. Entrance LKR 500
- overnight in Kandy
Day 3: Kandy - Kitulgala - Waikkal
- white water rafting at Kitulgala. Cost LKR 2500-3000
All entrance fees etc. are per person.
A double room with half board in a mid range hotel will cost LKR 6000-7500/night.
Hiring an AC van with driver/guide will cost LKR 6000-6500/day.
GBP 1 = approx. LKR 160
Hans
Hans
Thank you so much for such a detailed reply.
We are staying at Dolphin hotel with first choice.
Do you know if they do these trips or are we better off booking locally?
We have never been to Sri Lanka and so feel slightly nervous about not travelling with the travel company as we also have 2 children(15 year olds) with us. One of them not being ours just a travel companion for our son.
Hi again,
I guess FC will do Elephant Orphanage, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy like most other tour operators.
I don%26#39;t think they do elephant safari near Habarana and white water rafting, but you will get the correct answers by inquiring direct from FC or maybe Thompson Holidays (they merged recently).
Hans
I forgot to add. I you arrange locally it will most likely be cheaper.
