What an amazing 2 weeks! A holiday we will remember for all the right reasons. We travelled over 1,200 km during the first week, which meant a lot of time in the minibus, but it was air conditioned and comfortable.
We took our luggage with us throught the week and after an overnight stay at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo we visited the elephant orphanage (of course) and we found this to be the most commercialised part of our fortnight. If you wanted to get anywhere near an elephant tips were required. (In fact take plenty of small change with you from the minute you arrive at the airport as it%26#39;s part of their culture that tips are always expected - 100 rupees is about right).
Then we had an evening jeep safari, and even the guides were surprised to see as many elephants at this time of the year as the water levels were high so the elephants were keeping in the forest. It%26#39;s amazing that they are able to %26#39;hide%26#39; behind trees and can be so close yet unseen.
We had a trek through a village (take some waterproof shoes or be prepared to cross a small stream in bare feet -it%26#39;s a bit slimy). Then we took a catamaran across a lake and had an oxen ride through the paddy fields.
White water rafting the following day is best done in swimwear as the water is so warm and it%26#39;s almost a pleasure to fall in. It%26#39;s a grade 3 river for rafting
The next day was the trek to Horton Plains which is quite high in altitude and took a bit of getting used to. But to arrive at Worlds End was worth it. You%26#39;ll need comfy trainers or even walking boots for this trek and the one the following day, which was longer and all downhill for about 2,000 feet,through tea plantations and scrub. There are no roads here, just dirt tracks and rocks. Take plenty of loo roll!!!! water, fruit, energy biscuits and wet wipes. Don%26#39;t be fooled by downhill - it%26#39;s hard on your knees and thighs and we were really tired after these 3 hard days. But to walk through the villages and be surrounded by beautiful happy children who love to walk along with you just holding your hand is a lovely experience.
The final stop at Udawalawe National Park was the direct opposite to our first day in Colombo%26#39;s Cinnamon Grand. We spent the night in a tent surrounded by elephants, leopards (didn%26#39;t see or hear any) and water buffalo, and woke to the sounds of the animals when we went on our early morning safari. Were chased by bull elephants, but the guides knew just how far to let them approach the Landrover before scaring them off. The food was excellent in camp, and the showers were basic but worked. Be prepared to be really dirty and tired.
The next week was at the Ranweli Holiday Village, which was set in beautiful surroundings, with all bungalows on the beach. It was very quiet with only 20% occupation due to the tsunami, the war and now our credit crunch. Take a travel kettle with you as they only provide water in the bungalows.
But PLEASE visit the island, it is so diverse and interesting and if you go in January you%26#39;ll see lots of weddings which are so colourful as it%26#39;s considered a lucky month to marry in. Not February as it%26#39;s a short month and so is thought to be unlucky
The most enduring memory is of the people who are always smiling and eager to talk to you as all the children learn English as their 2nd language. Many of those outside of Colombo have so little but we found they%26#39;ll give you food from their garden and a cup of tea and not expect anything in return.
An amazing holiday
Sri Lankan Adventure, Virgin Holidays. January 2009
What an enjoyable read ... thanks Grahame. It took me back to our first trip to Sri Lanka .. also a Virgin one which was, like yours, a week on tour and then some days at the beach to relax afterwards.
Like you, we chose Ranweli and came away so thrilled with it all that we have been back to Sri Lanka, again and again. Each time we return, we become more and more independent and now like to travel on public transport, stay in little guesthouses and spend more time away from the main touristy attractions. Each holiday is better than the last, although at the time, you feel it can not be improved. Sri Lanka is a country which has lots of surprises just waiting to be discovered, often in the most unlikely places.
You make some very good points and I agree with all of them. I was not impressed with the elephant orphanage either and I too carry toilet roll with me ... you learn from bitter experience, haha!
Oh well, roll on August when we will be back for our 5th trip in less than 3 years ..
Sue
Sri Lankan Adventure, Virgin Holidays. January 2009
plse can you tell me who you took your tour with and what sort of costs plese kind regards andy
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