Jan/ feb holiday

[bigfatdoormat]

Am trying to decide between Sri Lanka or Brazil. Getting on a bit so aware long haul holidays are going to end soon.

Or any other suggestions very gratefully appreciated
We like culture food wine scenery not really bothered about beaches although I love being near the sea.

I have been to both. Not really impressed with Brazil. I am a bit biased as I have returned to Sri Lanka 3 times as the people are friendly, the scenery is amazing, there is a lot of culture and the food is amazing. There is a variety things to do and the landscape is varied for a small Island. The capital city is very cosmopolitan and the variety of food is so good. The trains and transport is good and it is safe for a single female traveller. I did not feel safe in Brazil or for that matter India, the closest neighbour to Sri Lanka.

in Sri Lanka ( as a middle aged woman) I was walking back to my hotel from a beachside bar late at night and a young guy stopped and insisted that I get a lift. He was a gentleman and dropped me off at my hotel and insisted I come to ear with his family the next day. True to his word he picked me up and took me to have lunch with his extended family and we ended up at the beach with drinks and a picnic. The hospitality of the people was boundless. I have a soft spot for the country.

That sounds amazing !
I loved India but was on an organised trip that Was great but I like the freedom of arranging stuff for myself
Definitely leaning towards Sri Lanka
Any other tips gratefully received

My father visited Sri Lanka several times in his 60s and 70s and raved about it. I’d love to go. I don’t know much about Brazil.

Any Sri la la tips or must sees very gratefully received

@bigfatdoormat Both my DDs have been to Sri Lanka and absolutely loved it. It’s a holiday where you get a private driver and sort out your own itinerary. DD1 went to a wedding there in Galle and tagged on a holiday. They did world heritage sites and wildlife areas. DD1 did similar areas with temples, beaches and wildlife. The best places to stay are not cheap but DD1 said they were exceptional. DD2 paid less but really enjoyed where she stayed too. Hers was a small group singles holiday. Both said everyone was friendly and helpful.

Brazil - I’ve been there. It’s not an easy country to get into in terms of being a traveller. We went to Rio, Iguazu falls, Salvador, Praia do Forte, and Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto etc). We didn’t go to the Amazon area, Trancoso, the Pantanal or Paraty. We have been to the Amazon basin on other holidays.

Im not sure what you went to do in Brazil because it’s huge. Choices are usually necessary as are internal flights. In Minas Gerais (old Chuches and towns) we did self drive. Rio is hot and busy. It’s not particularly friendly but our friendly hotel reception warned us about dangerous areas and where not to go. Beach life in Rio is something else. The beach life in Praia do Forte is laid back! What do you want to do in Brazil? Feb is carnival I think. You would need to plan carefully if DIY.

Yes in fact we've booked Brazil twice in the past but then cancelled because of various reasons but it did look very overwhelming. And as we can only go for a maximum of two weeks seems rushed
I suppose Rio is one of those places you feel you should see but I'm really thinking more about Sri Lanka now .

I would spend a few days in Colombo, travel to Kandy, Sigyria and definitely do the train to Ella. Book in advance. There is also Yala a nature reserve. The North and East which were devastated by the war are also unspoilt but developing now. I would read up for a bit. The first time I went was with a tour group as I was by myself. I went back and spent time in the places I wanted to revisit and spend more time on.