Inspired by a thread earlier today ... help me sort a Sri Lanka holiday

[fanominon]

We are just about to start planning a Sri Lanka trip for next Easter - me and dh, and two early/mid teens: it'll be their first 'exotic'' long haul destination, and I want to make it count. Priorities are lots of wildlife (although I don't especially want to spend days hunting an elusive leopard - but I really, really want to go and see baby turtles hatching); some culture; some exploration/adventure for youngest dc, but with some sense of H&S controls for older dc ;-) ; a reasonable amount of chilling/seaside time (dh surfs, me and the dcs want to snorkel).

Probably 10 days - might swing two weeks. Budget tbd, but think sensible rather than way-hay!

Any suggestions for places to go/stay/don't miss moments? We'll book independently rather than go with a group./tour operator I think (but potentially open to persuasion there)

TIA!

Have a look on previous threads as a lot of what you're asking has been covered by people that lived in the country.

We would usually travel independently, but timing was an issue and we decided to go for Families Worldwide. We looked at various options, but also we are 3 generations it was easier to have it organised this time so I'm afraid I can't advise.

However, I think you'll need a driver at least. Have a look at Red Dot Tours.

Inspiration for itineraries can come from one of loads of places offering them.

Thanks - I'll do an advanced search for old threads :-)

You’ll need a driver and if you want to travel by train, that has to be booked through an agent. The train trip from Kandy to Ella is beautiful. I’d recommend Selective Asia. Certainly look at their suggested itineraries and weather maps. They are competitively priced and very helpful right from the planning stages. For elephants, there are huge herds in Minneriya/Kaudula and if you base yourself in the Habarana area, you can go to the game reserves, Sigiriya Rock and Polonaruwa. Don’t know about hatching turtles, but we saw one lay eggs then return to sea on the south coast at Rekawwa whilst staying at Buckingham Place, which is a wonderful hotel if you want huge empty beaches and beautiful gardens.

Thanks @AnneBronte - I'd looked at the train from Colombo to Kandy, but hadn't sussed out Kandy to Ella so will do that (I thought you could book direct online for tickets, but maybe I'm wrong!) SA tours look great - thanks for that tip!

Another train tip. SA advised us to travel 2nd class even though 1st is quite cheap. Reason is that the windows don’t open in 1st because of air con and are not always sparkling clean, so 2nd better for photography. The 2nd class carriages were very clean and comfortable and the views certainly stunning. I found the Tripadvisor Sri Lanka forum very helpful, especially a guy called Erik who answers lots of questions!

We had a driver when we went to Sri Lanka, it's well worth it. We saw a lot of wildlife. From chameleons to birds of prey just sitting by our pool. Lots of monitor lizards and a crocodile when we hired a boat and went upriver in the mangroves and a lot of cobras but they were generally in a basket with a snake charmer. We would love to go back and do the safari side of things. I also recommend a trip to climb Sigiriya

Thanks @AnneBronte - that's a great tip :-) I've got a spreadsheet started and am starting to get our itinerary organised ... I must say I'm very tempted to message SE and see what they suggest now I think I'm clearer myself.
Thanks @Fintresse - Sigiriya is definitely on the list! Let me know if you'd recommend your driver (pm if you prefer)

Sorry fanominon I have no clue about contact details, our hotel arranged the driver. I'll second perusing TripAdvisor it's a goldmine of information.

We saw absolutely loads of wild monkeys in Sri Lanka, more than we've seen anywhere else. We stayed in a hotel in Kandy overnight and there were signs warning you not to leave anything on your balcony. One lady had her bag nicked by one that rifled through it and did a runner with her purse. The amenity basket in the hotel had Polo mints in it, never come across that before!

We honey-mooned here and it was lovely but I got car sick so if your DC are good in the car they will enjoy it x

Head to sigiriya. There’s the lion rock to see, dambulla cave temples, and minneriya National Park.

We did it without a driver, but we did book internal flights with cinnamon air. Not a cheap way of doing things but amazing to see from the air, landing in a seaplane on the river in bentota was fab, as was circling the rock at sigiriya.

Thanks all. The kids aren't car sick - but i can be so planning to bagsie the front seat as much as possible!!

I hadn't thought about flying internally but I can imagine that's a glorious way to see the country. Might be out of our budget this time though :-)

We've booked to go in April - there's going to be 3 of us (DH & our 10 year old). We're flying out with Kuwaiti airlines which last month was the almost cheapest (didn't fancy Ukranian Airlines which was!). At the moment the itinerary is arriving in Colombo, private transfer to Kandy and then private transfer to Tangalle. We're going to do day trips out from both places (Sigiriya, national parks etc), probably through Viator. I've looked into private transfer companies using Tripadvisor recommendations and we're going to use Taxigo (www.taxigo.lk) who have good ratings - all in for 3 journeys the cost is around £155. Booked hotels through booking.com. Given the riots in Kandy in Spring, a bit nervous about going there but hopefully all history by next year!

Can I join in....? spread-sheet is what I need!

We are also flying Kuwait 13 Dec to 3 Jan. Have 4 kids but 2 will be over 18 by then so paying for 4 adults - 19 nights total so trying to manage costs......was wondering if we joining an organised tour would it be better value at least for some of the trip? We want to stay in homestay / off the beaten track type of accommodation though?

We have decided to focus on wildlife and nature so wanted to head up to see dolphins (?whales) on Kalpitiya peninsula for first few days.

Then Wilpattu national park area with cycling & kayaking in lakes.

Then base ourselves near Dambulla to do Sigria rock and Minneriya national park (elephants).

Then Hill Country - Kandy / tea plantations / Adams Peak / Horton Plain / Ella

Then find a quiet beach on south coast for final few days - will do some whale watching from Marissa at this point.

If anyone has already done an advanced search would they mind sharing links any good links here ?

I would love to stay at these 3 places - cant afford it - so if anyone has recommendations for budget versions - let me know....

www.themudhouse.lk/
www.dolphinbeach.lk/
www.ellertonsrilanka.com/