Asia - What to do in Sri Lanka and can you travel in the North and go over to India?

Hello,

I will have from Jan 16 to 23 in SIN and I am thinking about going to Sri Lanka for 6 days.

I wouldn't want to spend 6 days on the beach so I am looking for suggestions on where to go and what to do.

I have seen that there is a partial land bridge to India and I am wondering if this is do able and if it's safe.

Is there a way to fly SNG airways (Mileage points)to Columbo get off for a few days go onto Male or India and then back to SIN or do you (if its possible and allowable) have to open jaw from Columbo to your next destination and then back to SIN?

Thanks a million for your help.

Robert

First, be aware that many flights to and from CMB are late night/early morning, which can throw a travel schedule off.

That said, I found it easy in November to get a last minute Y award ticket for the dates I wanted SIN-CMB-SIN. Don't know about open jaw.

As far as what to do, it depends somewhat on what sort of travel you like. I used public (air con) bus, 2nd class train, and a driver with car. I have to find my notes for daily cost of the car, which I paid in US $. Not terrible.

Went by bus to Kandy, stayed a couple of days visiting sites in the area. On to Ella by car using the more scenic route, then on to Galle, also by car. Back to Columbo by train. No beach time on this trip, though I scouted a nice site in Mirissa.

I ate at local places where possible (and avoided Western food where possible). So this was a mix of mid range and backpacker type travel, which is typically not the norm for this group. (I did bookend the SL travel with award stays at the Colombo Hilton, just to calibrate.)


Don't expect speedy travel in SL, whether on road or car. 30 miles/hour is about top speed for many roads/rail lines, which really takes a bite out of available travel time.

Food is great. People are friendly. It's safe, regardless of recent political spasms.

Sri Lanka is the kind of place where your driver stops the car at a bridge over a slough and says, "Hey, let's see if there are any crocodiles under the bridge."
Rich


[This message has been edited by rjh (edited Jan 04, 2004).]

I'm taking my wife (from California) to Sri Lanka for her first trip in 10 days time.

We're doing the following, over 14 days -

Picked up by private car. (We arrive at 11.45pm and I didn't want to mess with taxi's. )

Staying two nights at the Tamarind Tree, near Katunayake. Close to the airport, good for acclimatisation. We're coming from London where it's currently -1c!

Heading up to Habarana. Staying at the Lodge. My grandpa designed the Lodge and the Village, so we had to go there. From here, we're visiting the ancient cities of Anurhadapura and Pollonaruwa. You could also go and visit the rock fortress of Sigirya.

Then we head to Kandy for a night at the Citadel, and visit the Dalada Maligawa Temple. (Temple of the Tooth). We'll also take in a cultural show, as it's basically good fun.

After that, it's off up into the higher hills, to head to the old British colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. It's a lovely old town and just really nice to wander around. We're staying at the Grand Hotel. We'll also visit some waterfalls and a tea factory, as well as a spice garden.

After this, we're heading down to Hikkaduwa and the Coral Gardens Hotel for a few nights sun and sand. Then finally, it's back to Colombo for 2 nights, to do some shopping, possibly visit some family and just hang-out for a bit. We're staying at the Ceylon Continental.

I used Gabo Travels to arrange everything, except the flights which are using AAdvantage miles.

You can find Gabo at www.gabos.com (http://www.gabos.com)

Good luck!