| D Walsh |
22 February 2005 |
Stayed at Galle Face Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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From Colombo I took a tour of the highlands of Sri Lanka, before attempting the potentially difficult and emotional visit to the coastline devastated by the tsunami. Despite the obvious devastation, I found a warm welcome everywhere I went and a keen interest in wanting to invite tourists to the whole country. Sri Lanka is open for business, and wants to return to normality, and that means a return to the tourism industry. Travellers, please do not disappoint them.
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| P Hoddinott |
20 February 2005 |
Stayed at Suisse, Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) is the highlight, with great atmosphere created by the presence and murmur of many pilgrims praying. The Botanical Gardens are outstanding in a quite different way, allow two hours minimum, a day could easily be filled. We had a car with English speaking driver for six days of seeing the main sights of Sri Lanka at 30Rps per Km plus 300Rps for the driver's per diem. We covered about 1200Kms.
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| P Hoddinott |
19 February 2005 |
Stayed at Deer Park Hotel - Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
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Sigiriya was the highlight for us, and a jeep safari which enabled us to view many elephants and buffalo in the wild. We hired a car with English-speaking driver from Colombo for 30Rps per Km plus 300Rps per day per diem for the driver. A six day tour of the main sights was about 1200Kms.
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| K Hornbach |
16 February 2005 |
Stayed at Havelock Place Bungalow - Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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House of Fashions is a couple blocks away from Havelock Place. It's an outlet store for some of the garment manufacturers in Sri Lanka. We got brand-name items (Tommy Hilfigir, Nike, etc) for $2-$3 each.
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| M Gelvezon |
13 February 2005 |
Stayed at Galle Face Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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I highly recommend JNW Lanka Tours, run by Mr. Wazeer. They are very reliable, very flexible, and have a good fleet of vans and excellent chauffers. Their package tour rates are competitive and I would choose them over any other tour company in Colombo because of their professionalism. One can also design one's own itinerary and Mr. Wazeer will fine-tune it for you. Visit their website www.jnwtours.com
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| A Gill devereux |
08 February 2005 |
Stayed at Deer Park Hotel - Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
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The 1000 year old remains of the old capital city in Polonnaruwa are certainly worth a visit. It is worth hiring a guide.
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| L Collins |
13 January 2005 |
Stayed at Queens Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Kandy is a delightful town nestled in the rolling hills and with its serene lake. Heavy traffic in the center of town during week days is a bit unpleasant, but a stroll to the British cemetery or a visit to the Temple of the Tooth are most enjoyablee and rewarding.
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| M Kim-bee |
31 December 2004 |
Stayed at Ceylon Continental Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Galerie Cafe and Paradise Road definitely impressed me. The former is probably one of the best and certainly the chic-est restaurants in Colombo. The latter is an excellent shop full of stylish Sri Lankan made items and a great place to buy gifts as well as housewares. A good cafe too. Odel's is a great place to pick up some clothes especially if you've just all of yours in a tsunami. There are some western priced items but loads of attractive but very inexpensive buys to supplement your travelling wardrobe. Arena is also worth checking out for some smart well made fakes but also good original pieces too.
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| R Shah |
31 December 2004 |
Stayed at Suisse, Hotel - Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Kandy we were told needed only a few hours to tour, not the case. It's a small town but a lot to do and see. The "Tooth temple" is great, make sure that you are there for the 'puja' it's a wonderful experience, happens twice a day the evening puja is at 7pm. Great walks in the area as well.
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| P Sinnetamby |
21 December 2004 |
Stayed at Riverina Resort - Beruwela, Sri Lanka.
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Beruwela was great for relaxing. A beautiful beach area with plenty of opportunity for those who are into water sports. Some local handicrafts available around the area. We were fortunate to be there during a "perahara" (a parade with dancers and elephants). Supposedly the second largest to the famous Kandy perahara. This was spetacular.
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Sri Lanka travel tales 
