nuwara eliya - worth a visit?

we are a family of four, mum dad and two girls 11 and 13 visiting Sri Lanka for 2 weeks at easter. We have booked 3 nights in Kandy (straight from the airport) and wonder where next. The reviews on Nuwara Eliya seem mixed. We are real wildlife buffs - should we head off to some of the national parks instead? If so which? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated for our very short holiday! Thanks

nuwara eliya - worth a visit?

Hi,

I would not visit Nuwara Eliya in the April season around Sinhala/Tamil New Year (13-14 April) as the place is crowded with Sri Lankans and prices for accommodation doubles, triples and even more. If you can get a room at all without booking far in advance.

There is really not much to see in Nuwara Eliya town and the weather is often cold, rainy and windy, but travelling up there has great vistas, i.e tea plantations and waterfalls.

I think you should head for a national park.

The closest to Kandy is Minneriya (close to Habarana). This also gives you the opportunity to visit a couple of historic sites, e.g. Rock Temple in Dambulla and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, if you have not already visited there from Kandy.

Another national park could be Uda Walawe in the far south.

Unfortunately Yala (by far the best national park) is still a no go area according to UK FCO. That means your insurance will not cover if you go there.

Hans

nuwara eliya - worth a visit?

thank you very much for the advice which we will take. Have just looked on the FCO web page and see Yala is off limits. rather wish I hadn%26#39;t looked at the page actually! we will stay on the tourist trail

Hi,

If you are having a deep interest in Wildlife, camping in a National park would be ideal to get the maximum experience in the jungle.

Nishantha

thanks niyhshanta - any suggestions?

Hi,

Have a look at these links:

www.srilankaecotourism.com/camping_home.htm

go-lanka.com/udawalawe/jungle-safari/eco-cam鈥?/a>

Hans

Hi,

Yes i have experience with Eco Team they are really good in Camping in Sri Lanka.

www.srilankaecotourism.com

Nishantha

Hi

Fredericia has given some good advise, Habanara is a good choice being right in the centre of the Cultural Triangle and very close to Minneryia National Park.

We always stay for a few days at Cinnamon (Habanara) Lodge; this is a great location with in fantastic grounds. Really excellent for wildlife. Whenever we stay we always get up very early on one of the days and go on one of the free Bird Watching Tours organised by the Hotel.

You can take a look at the options at

cinnamonhotels.com/Habarana/NatureTrails.htm

You need to make sure you book a couple of evening safaris into Minneryia National Park - really big herds of elephants feeding by the Water Tanks and the drivers take you very close indeed.

Regards

Ken