Hi
Im looking to go to the maldives for about 5 nights and then across to Sri Lanka.We would like to explore Sri lanka for 5 days and then relax at a nice hotel for 2 days.
I would like some advice on the main attractions and recommendation for Tours:
1) What destinations can we go and what can we do there? We would like to experience some culture, safari, waterfalls. Preferbly with nice hotels to stay over in.
2) After 5 days tour around Sri Lanka we would like to relax for a day or two at a nice 4/5* hotel before we come back to the UK. Any recommendation with hotels with excellent rooms/facilities and beaches?
3) Is there any place that we should avoid? i.e. not worth the trip??
Would really appreciate some help as the fiance has left me in charge with this and i really want her to enjoy it.
Thank You in advance
Jiggs
3)
Honeymoon Sri Lanka???Hi Jiggs,
5 days is insufficient to see all of the inland. So I recommend to focus on either the area north or south of Kandy. Let%26#39;s work out south, as this also gives most access to super luxury hotels:
* 2-3 nights Kandy. Visit all culture there.
* 2 nights Nuwara Eliya/Ella areas. Lovely waterfalls, vistas and tea plantations.
* On your way to south coast, do an afternoon safari at Udu Walawe park.
Good hotels (4-5 star): Kandy Mahaweli Reach and Earl%26#39;s Regency and Eliya The Tea Factory. If you stay 2 nights you can pick and buy your own Jiggs tea!
After that perfect beach hotels in the area are Fortress Koggala and Amanwella not far from Tangalle. Also an option is Adithiya Ragama (north of Galle) but that%26#39;s still 2.5 hours from the UW park as opposed to 1.5 hours for the other two, so a late arrival after the safari ends at 6:30 PM.
Avoid the tourist traps, like souvenir shops - though every tea plantation visit includes one...
All the best,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Honeymoon Sri Lanka???Hi Jiggs
I disagree with Erik about the availability of luxury hotels south versus north of Kandy.
In N%26#39;Eliya there is really only the Tea Factory.
Dambulla has Heritance Kandalama, and Sigiriya have Elephant Corridor and Jetwing Vil Uyana.
I agree the the beaches in the south are better than around Negombo.
So whether you prefer a southern or a northern ';loop'; depends on whether you prefer natural vistas like tea plantations and waterfalls (south), or ancient cities (ruins), temples and not to forget Sigiriya Rock Fortress (north).
Safaris can be done on both ';loops';. Uda Walawe (south) and Minneriya (north). Elephant rides (safaris) are available at Habarana (north).
Hans
Small correction, thanks to Hans:
I meant access to super luxury BEACH hotels. If you do northern loop all you have at the end is Jetwing Beach Negombo; nice 4-5 star but not more. If you do southern loop you have Amanwella, Fortress and Adithiya which are really 5+ star boutique class at the least...
For the rest agree, Northern loop also has nice things but no serious waterfalls or vistas.
All the best again,
%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]
Hi,
Whilst agreeing to some of the comments by the others I have another opinion.
As you are going to Maldives you have the access to the best beaches in the region. In Sri Lanka, in my opinion you need to be focusing on the things that are unique to Sri Lanka. Culture / Nature aspect. So I recommend a combination of the northern part [ cultural triangle ] / Mountains / and Wildlife but not the beaches.
As you have indicated your likeness towards nature and it鈥檚 going to be a honeymoon I would like to suggest the followings.
1- Since you are arriving from Maldives you can afford to drive to the cultural triangle same day. [ You will not very tired ] What others have recommended in this area are the best. How ever Heritance Hotel - Kandalama Cinnamon Lodge 鈥?Habarana are another two good value places. These places will not be expensive as Vil Uyana or Elephant Corridor.
2- After 2 nights in the Cultural Triangle I would recommend that U go to Kandy for one night. Mahaweli reach hotel / Amaya Hills are good hotels. Or check places like Kandy House for upper end of the boutique properties.
3- Then you need to hit the Nuwaraeliya area for sure. Water falls / Tea Plantations / Misty mountains ! Check Tea Trails Bungalows thought these bungalows are not in the 鈥渓ittle England 鈥?鈥?Nuwaraeliya itself. Tea Factory Hotel %26amp; Grand Hotel are good options too. But for a honeymoon couple I recommend Tea Trails strongly.
4- Then you have the option to try your luck with the wildlife. Best way of doing this is by booking a Movable Safari Camp. Mahoora Luxury Safari camp offers a honey moon package. They have luxury camps and standard camps. You could get them to fix this in Udawalwe National Park 鈥?which is best for Elephants or Bundala national Park. If you are in Bundala you can do Yala NP as well. But Udawalwe is the closest from the hills.
5- Finishing all this if you still have time you may check Sri Lankan beaches as well. I agree with what others have said on this aspect. But avoid crowded large beach hotels.
6- You could do the planning by your self of ask a honeymoon specialist like Eco Team to organize this tour for you.
Nishantha
Dear Jiggs
I agree entirely with Nishantha. The beaches in Sri Lanka are okay ... but inland, it is totally fantastic. For an authentic taste of Sri Lanka and with scenery to die for, wherever you go, inland is best.
And do not be afraid to try some of the 3 star hotels. Standards in Sri Lanka are high and you won%26#39;t be disappointed anywhere.
Sue
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