Advice on Sri Lanka itinery?

Question

I am going to visit Sri Lanka for 2 weeks in Nov. We want to spend time on the beach but also visit the cultural centre such as Kandy & the elephant orphanage. What would be the best order to visit them and whats the best way to get about.

Answer 1

Taxis are normally relatively cheap or depending where you go you can rent a car. I would recommend see the Elephant orphanage last because otherwise everything else will seem rubbish in comparison.

Answer 2

I went 3 years ago but was there for 4 weeks. I only stayed in Colombo for 1 night and took the train from Colombo to Kandy. Got a taxi to the elephant orphanage. Botanical gardens are nice too.

From Kandy you can hire a driver and see what Sri Lankans call the cultural triangle (Polonnuruwa and Anuradhapura, Mount Sigiriya, and the Dambulla rock temple). It really depends how much you're into temples and history etc.

Or you can take a train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and hire a driver to take you to Horton Plains (brilliant) and also to Adams Peak (you set off at 2am to get to the mountain summit to see the sun rise at 5am). Maybe do this if you're feeling energetic!

I took the bus from Nuwara Eliya to Matara (took ages) and then another bus to Unawatuna where I stayed near the beach for 4 days. It was really lovely there.I think before the tsunami it was rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

My last 2 days I took a tuk tuk to Galle (not far from Unawatuna) and took the train to Negombo and stayed at the beach there (it was an ok beach, not that nice) as it's near Colombo airport.

I think the beaches on the west coast near Colombo and the airport are more geared up for package tourists.

Sri Lanka is not geared up for back packers like other countries in Asia (Vietnam, Thailand etc) so you have to sort yourself out most of the time. If you hire a driver, negotiate a price or maybe the place you're staying at can recommend a reliable driver. It's easy to book train tickets (much easier than India) and there are plenty of buses although they are usually packed and uncomfortable.

Think the best thing you could do is get a rough guide or lonely planet and have a read. I found the hotels\guest houese I stayed at usually gave good advice where to go and how long you need etc,

Good luck what ever you decide to do and have a great time.

Answer 3

Base yourself in Negombo its only minutes from the airport and close to many beaches. From there you can travel to the cultural triangle quite easily including Kandy. Dont think of driving here! Its crazy on the roads. Hire a van and driver. If you need price guides contact me [e-mail] I live in Negombo and will make sure you are not ripped off. I also have two new furnished apartments for rent in Negombo consisting of a bedroom sleeping 2/3 people, lounge, bathroom and kitchenette just minutes from the beach. Tel/Fax. Internet. Sat TV. Maid Service. Just $20 per night. We can even meet you at the airport if required. We have had many guests from the EU US and Australia if you want references. I am Sri Lankan my husband is English. My name is Shamila. I can send you photo's of the apartment if you want.