Highlands of Sri Lanka

8 Reviews

• 

  Anonymous
  Written on February 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Highly recommended. A beautiful country and a beautiful way to see it. The tour was well organised, the accommodation was as described, and the Sri Lankan people were friendly and welcoming. Try and see it now before the extra 50 000 new hotel  beds come online in the next year or so. The lack of a sophisticated tourist infrastructure is part of the charm of the country.Is there anything else you would like to add?The main disappointment on the trip was seeing so little of Kandy. One night is not enough for the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. We had only 90 minutes free time to explore the city.  The last walk to Wedihiti Kanda summit was hot, dirty and uninspiring - the trip might be better if this walk was omitted in favour of spending more time in Kandy.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were many inspirational moments -The cave paintings of Dambulla and the fortress of Lion Rock are world class attractions. The midnight walk to Adam's Peak was unforgettable - tough and maybe not entirely enjoyable but an experience. Also the sheer beauty of the highlands  was memorable. The Horton Plains national park and the following train trip dropping from the highlands to the coast in two hours was spectacular - surely a contender for the best short train trip in the world.What did you think of your group leader?Sujan was an excellent tour leader. He worked tirelessly to ensure that we had the best opportunities to experience Sri Lanka. When there were unforseen difficulties due to weather, road closures etc. he always had a backup plan. Plus he had great sense of humour. He deserves credit for making the trip so enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Due to unseasonal heavy rain the terrain was a lot rougher than described in the trip notes. Consequently proper hiking boots (and probably a walking pole) are necessary. This also meant that the trip grading was tougher than described at the time. 
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on February 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Highly recommended. A beautiful country and a beautiful way to see it. The tour was well organised, the accommodation was as described, and the Sri Lankan people were friendly and welcoming. Try and see it now before the extra 50 000 new hotel  beds come online in the next year or so. The lack of a sophisticated tourist infrastructure is part of the charm of the country.Is there anything else you would like to add?The main disappointment on the trip was seeing so little of Kandy. One night is not enough for the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. We had only 90 minutes free time to explore the city.  The last walk to Wedihiti Kanda summit was hot, dirty and uninspiring - the trip might be better if this walk was omitted in favour of spending more time in Kandy.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were many inspirational moments -The cave paintings of Dambulla and the fortress of Lion Rock are world class attractions. The midnight walk to Adam's Peak was unforgettable - tough and maybe not entirely enjoyable but an experience. Also the sheer beauty of the highlands  was memorable. The Horton Plains national park and the following train trip dropping from the highlands to the coast in two hours was spectacular - surely a contender for the best short train trip in the world.What did you think of your group leader?Sujan was an excellent tour leader. He worked tirelessly to ensure that we had the best opportunities to experience Sri Lanka. When there were unforseen difficulties due to weather, road closures etc. he always had a backup plan. Plus he had great sense of humour. He deserves credit for making the trip so enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Due to unseasonal heavy rain the terrain was a lot rougher than described in the trip notes. Consequently proper hiking boots (and probably a walking pole) are necessary. This also meant that the trip grading was tougher than described at the time. 
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on January 15, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  We thought that Sri Lanka is simply amazing. Our guide Sampath Kulatunge was the best we have ever had in any of our travels. All of the people of Sri Lanka seem to be open, friendly but shy. We climbed Adams peak on New Years Day and everbody was telling us "Good Morning & Happy New Year".What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Going to the Tooth Temple. It was the most peaceful religious site we have ever visited.What did you think of your group leader?Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! Always with a smile and a song.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There is little or no chance to do laundry. When we were there is rained 12 of 14 days so things got wet and stayed wet. Put newspaper in your shoes/boots to dry them.Is there anything else you would like to add?I'm from the USA so, I hope I say this right. Some of the hotels are a bit dodgie. Take a sleeping bag liner.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on January 15, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  We thought that Sri Lanka is simply amazing. Our guide Sampath Kulatunge was the best we have ever had in any of our travels. All of the people of Sri Lanka seem to be open, friendly but shy. We climbed Adams peak on New Years Day and everbody was telling us "Good Morning & Happy New Year".What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Going to the Tooth Temple. It was the most peaceful religious site we have ever visited.What did you think of your group leader?Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! Always with a smile and a song.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There is little or no chance to do laundry. When we were there is rained 12 of 14 days so things got wet and stayed wet. Put newspaper in your shoes/boots to dry them.Is there anything else you would like to add?I'm from the USA so, I hope I say this right. Some of the hotels are a bit dodgie. Take a sleeping bag liner.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on January 14, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Great place to go: cheap, warm, safe, wonderful scenery and interesting culture.  Brilliant challenging itinerary.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Equally, the ascent of Adams Peak and whale watching.  Eating in local houses.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent guide who made every effort to respond to the group's requests and interests and spent much time getting us to experience and understand local cultureOur drivers were excellent as well, friendly, helpful, patient and safeDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Finish with a few days' beach holiday at Mirissa - Hotel Paradise Beach, brilliant place.Don't rely on clothes drying quickly or it being dry - you need plenty of light clothes and a decent umbrellaIs there anything else you would like to add?Slight shame that the new itinerary omits Ambuwela walk but I can understand why.  Also using minibuses was good since it gave us more flexibility
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on January 14, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Great place to go: cheap, warm, safe, wonderful scenery and interesting culture.  Brilliant challenging itinerary.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Equally, the ascent of Adams Peak and whale watching.  Eating in local houses.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent guide who made every effort to respond to the group's requests and interests and spent much time getting us to experience and understand local cultureOur drivers were excellent as well, friendly, helpful, patient and safeDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Finish with a few days' beach holiday at Mirissa - Hotel Paradise Beach, brilliant place.Don't rely on clothes drying quickly or it being dry - you need plenty of light clothes and a decent umbrellaIs there anything else you would like to add?Slight shame that the new itinerary omits Ambuwela walk but I can understand why.  Also using minibuses was good since it gave us more flexibility
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on September 2, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  We saw and learnt a lot about the country and its peoples. The days were packed with exotic sights, tastes, sounds, smells ...... What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?One of the most inspirational moments for me was the Meemure trail walk. It was really jungly jungle, and resonant with the sounds of insects and birds. Another moment was walking through a village one afternoon, on the way to a river for a swim, to the very beautiful strains of a Buddhist sung sermon being broadcast across the village. What did you think of your group leader?He was great. Full of energy, very knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about his country and its peoples.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Expect to be hot and sweaty a lot of the time. Expect to eat curry and rice - its delicious in Sri Lanka. 
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on September 2, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  We saw and learnt a lot about the country and its peoples. The days were packed with exotic sights, tastes, sounds, smells ...... What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?One of the most inspirational moments for me was the Meemure trail walk. It was really jungly jungle, and resonant with the sounds of insects and birds. Another moment was walking through a village one afternoon, on the way to a river for a swim, to the very beautiful strains of a Buddhist sung sermon being broadcast across the village. What did you think of your group leader?He was great. Full of energy, very knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about his country and its peoples.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Expect to be hot and sweaty a lot of the time. Expect to eat curry and rice - its delicious in Sri Lanka.