Repeat Trips to SRI LANKA..?
 

Anyone here traveled a few times to Sri Lanka and like it? I myself have been going to Sri Lanka since 1976 when I was a young American Marine attached to the American Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I have just fallen in love with this gorgeous island and this year makes 40 years of travel to Sunny Sri Lanka. For the last 7 years we been staying just about 88 days every year in Mt Lavinia {GALKISSA) . Bicycling is my love and its just a wonderful time..I was 22 years old when i landed on the island via Air Ceylon out of Karachi and its been love every since..

Yes,I go every couple of years when the England cricket team tour the country.
It is indeed a beautiful place with wonderful people.
Shame about the politicians though.

Well you must have noticed room rates have massively shot up post the war.. Big changes am sure between your first trip 40 years back and now.

My first trip was 1980...
Yes hotel prices have increased dramatically, however, there are now a lot of two and three star hotels that are almost brand new. Construction results are sometimes "strange" as the building trades catch up with the modern technologies. As well in one case, a modern (likely) one/two star near the CMB airport had walk in prices well less than half the online prices. It seemed clean and had air conditioning and the restaurant served acceptable (if local) food.

One of these days I will try the updated rail services that are being added to the traditional trains... And the expressway to Kandy can't be completed fast enough.

Happy wandering

Fred

Your right, quite a few new places, especially on the marine drive stretch just off Galle road. Interestingly even though this is a low month there, prices are still pretty high ..!!

I moved to Sri Lanka in 2003 to marry a Sri Lankan. Since then, we've lived in Sri Lanka for about nine of those thirteen years. Beautiful country, beautiful people. And the food is fantastic. Happily, my mother in law taught me her recipes, so the husband is kept quite happy. :)

I also married a Singalese Buddist in 1977 and back in those days, it was pretty much unheard of for any locals to be marrying a "SUDAH". This coming may will be 40 years of marriage and a incredible life together. Love the spicy food and tons of fresh fruit and awesome jumbo tiger prawns from kalkudah bay..

I have 2 trips, both pre-tsunami. Was able to stay at the Galle Face Hotel for $25 once. The north and some of the east of the country was a no-go at the time, though.

My first and probably last trip was February this year. It was an okay vacation but I don't need to go back. Saw the highlights. Prices are very very high for admissions to temples, monuments, and national parks. The blatant difference between the prices for "foreigners" and locals is insulting. Hotel value for the cost is not there, and I didn't care for the food. But the local people are lovely and friendly.

Glad I went when I did and ticked Sri Lanka off my list but won't be returning.

First Trip - 4 days to see Sri Lanka
 

Can I try leverage on the experience of visitors to Sri Lanka and ask what is the best thing to do with 3 nights / 4 days?

I'm not too adventurous, just looking to get a nice overview of either Galle or Kandy. What would u recommend?

Thanks.

Do you want beaches or hill country? Both your suggestions will require some time for transfers.

Happy wandering

Fred

only have 3 nights. Live in the Philippines, so have seen many nice beaches and hills before:-)

Is there any 'must do' that an experienced Sri Lanka visitor would recommend in that duration? Thanks.

Since it is unlikely that the Philippines will have elephants in any quantity you might consider the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is nearish Kandy. Also Sigiriya is about a three hour drive from Kandy. There is a Botanical Garden near Kandy

I haven't looked at the international cricket schedule but both Kandy and Galle have been known to host matches. The fort in Galle is worth an afternoon's walk (but it was 1979 when I was last there)

Happy wandering

Fred

Would you believe i just googled the Cricket in SL and there is test match against Australia starting in Kandy on 26th July (the day I arrive)

Your a superstar Fred!!!