CraigieBrown Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Anyone spent some time in Sri Lanka??? Looks like I might be going out there for work for a few weeks. Would expect to be visiting some remote mountain locations so not just cities / beach locations on this trip (apart from start and end). Would appreciate any tips on dos and dont's, Affordable and good places to stay in Columbo (e.g. apartments best??)? Things to watch out for (e..g. muggings, the dengue fever, food, etc, etc). Any pre-trip advice? Any suggestions on what things could be brought home that are much better value there than here? Some things to see / do if I had a little down time to kill while I was out there. Is car hire suicide or feasible? Are taxis cheap and likely safer? All suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance. Craigie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FraserM Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Was in Sri Lanka on holiday last year, it's a fantastic country. We toured for the first week with a car and driver, staying in hotels, so I couldn't comment on the likes of apartments etc in Colombo, but what I would say is that you should rely on a local to drive you rather than taking on the challenge yourself. Let's just say that the driving style is somewhat different to what we're used to! Public transport is very cheap, we went on the train from our beach resort in Bentota to Galle on the south coast for about a pound each. We never felt particularly unsafe anywhere, you just have to be a aware that when you're out and about everyone will want to take you to their uncle's shop or something for a few rupees. As far as things to see, the ancient cities in the cultural triangle are fascinating, along with the many sacred Buddhist sites. The scenery is also fairly spectacular in the tea growing hill country, but remember to take a jacket or jumper, as it is significantly cooler up there. Let me know if I can help any further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyHead Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 WONDERFUL place!! Don't even think about driving yourself. Easy and cheap to hire a driver, any hotel or guesthouse will sort you out. Safe everywhere, far safer than the UK. Amazingly friendly people. Food .... o wow. Food. Colombo's an acquired taste - very busy, hard to get a grip on what's what, and where things are. Galle is good, Kandy lovely. And just enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waz Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Stayed I'm Bentota in the south two years back and toured from there. Yala national park for a safari is stunning, Temple of the tooth in Kandy is worth a visit. The people unbelievably friendly and the food is stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigieBrown Posted January 26, 2015 Author Share Posted January 26, 2015 Great replies, thanks. Hoping to have some time on this trip for some fun! Will adopt the stinky cheap long distance taxi approach if going to visit places then - although I have driven in some seriously nutty places including India and various locations in the Middle East. I read that the dengue fever issue is particularly bad recently in Sri Lanka so will take some quite serious precautions for that. Cheers Craigie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibelieve!!! Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 When are you going? I work offshore and Sri Lankan colleague will be here in a week. PM me any questions you have and I'll get a local to answer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigieBrown Posted February 1, 2015 Author Share Posted February 1, 2015 When are you going? I work offshore and Sri Lankan colleague will be here in a week. PM me any questions you have and I'll get a local to answer!! Was due to be flying out 08/02 (arriving 09/02) but that might slip by a week given recent discussions. Been trying to find out about football fixtures on in Sri Lanka in that period. Not having much luck on that one. Cheers Craigie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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