sights to see

We are staying at the Mermaid next March for 2 weeks, have asked about rail touring by this seems not to be the best way to see the sights. Would like some suggestions on how best to see the sights. Is it best to do it in one go, say a 4 day 3 night trip or 2 trips of shorter duration, also which are the must see sights and any suggestions on who to book the tours with.

Many thanks Walt.

sights to see

Hi Walt,

Depends on what you want. Nature, culture, architecture? From K%26#39;tara better in one go with at least 4 days, but even then you only see half of the major sights/areas. Sigiriya, Pollonawuwa, Dambulla, Pinawela, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella/Haputale, Galle and at least one safari (South or near Sigiriya) we%26#39;d consider a mininum sample of Lanka. Only Galle can be done as day trip from Kalutara, all others are this multi-day. With car and driver. Hotel can arrange for you but so can the beach boys or many freelance drivers, we also have one to recommend.

All the best,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]

sights to see

Hi Walt

In addition to what Eric suggested, you will certainly enjoy a rail trip from Colombo to up country. This train is great for sight seeing with stunning views.

Following is suggested.

Make a reservation for Observation coach ticket from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, a few days in advamce at least. The fare is relatively cheap. The train %26#39;Udarata Menike%26#39; meaning up country queen leaves Colombo Fort station about 0600 hrs, will take you to Nanu Oya bu about 1330 hrs. Make reservation for a hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Grand Hotel?) for the day of arrival Nanu Oya and book a pick up with the hotel from Nanu Oya railway station.

Spend the next day around Nuwara Eliya, probably you may travel to Horton Plains and world%26#39;s End next day by a hire car You will enjoy this.

Make travel arrangements again by train back to Colombo (booked in advance again- observation coach). I guess the train arrives Nanu Oya about mid morning.

Colombo Fort railway station is about 40 Km from Mermaid.

I used to take this train for a long time from my childhood days once in a way and I still enjoy the ride. I used to travel all the way to Badulla.

Trust this helps!

CG

Many thanks Erik %26amp;CG,

We were hopeing to see Sigiriya and Dambulla, Kandy, Pinnewala also Horton Plains and Worlds End and one of the National Parks to see the animals in the wild. We don,t want to rush around so could we do Kandy and the hill country by rail, then do Sigiriya area on another trip by car.

Could you suggest an itinerary if we did it this way and any other thing to see and which National Park to visit also can we do a tour/ride on an elephant.

Erik you say you have a recomendation for the car tour,could you let me have it please.

Many thanks for your time. Walt

Hi Walt,

Okay the Kandy-Eliya schedule which Rod gave is fine. Express trains from Kalutara South to Colombo Fort take around 75 mins.

For the other trip a sample schedule could be:

* Day 1 travel from K%26#39;tara to Sigiriya, in afternoon visit Dambulla cave temple

* Day 2 morning climb of Sigiriya Rock. After that to Habarana for elephant-back ride. Finally at 3:30 PM start of jeep safari in nearby Minneriya park.

* Day 3 back to K%26#39;tara, possibly including 2 hours in either Pollonnaruwa or A%26#39;Pura sacred city.

Will send you PM with driver details.

All the best,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]

Hi Watt,

I hope that you had enjoyed yourself in Sri Lanka!! I%26#39;m leaving for SL this Sat, 10 Jan, and was doing my last minute research when I chanced upon this forum.

My friends and I will be doing a backpacking trip there - prefer to plan our own itinery, choose our own accom and stuff like that. However, for safety sake, we are considering hire a drive + vehicle to chauffer us around.

Did you enguage the freelance driver Erik recommanded? Is he good and may I know how much he charges? And of course, would you think he%26#39;ll fit into our trip plan?

Hope to hear you soon Watt!!!

Denise

Singapore

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