Amazing pictures. This TR really inspires me to go back to CMB and not just for the cheap fare.

As with others, Sri Lanka just moved up a few ranks on my list. Amazing photos, thanks for sharing!

I know every time I make the same comment, and they are becoming superfluous but your photos are inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for the report. I have a 3 day stay coming up in May so i have some ideas on things to do but i think my time will be too short.

Great report and lovely photos - thanks for posting it.

You'll no doubt have a great time, susiesan:). The cultural triangle is on my list for next time. My friend is just in Unawatuna at the moment and looks like a cool place to visit too.

Thanks, 5DMarkIIguy:). Yes, so much to see outside of Colombo.

Thank you, dctravels74:). Sri Lanka would be a cool place to take your Sony A7RII, a very beautiful country:).

Many thanks for the great compliments, Madone59:).

Cheers, CDKing:). hauteboy did a 48 hour trip to Sri Lanka earlier this year and got to see a lot, so you should be able to see quite abit in 3 days too.

Thank you, mlpinto:).

OP, did you use a suitcase or a backpack for this trip?

Just my carry-on backpack. I wore shorts and t-shirts the entire time, so didn't need to pack much.

You feel Sri Lanka is less formal than India? It seems that wearing shorts and t-shirts in India is a no-no...

No issues with t-shirts and shorts, you can see locals wearing them in a few of my pics. I wore trousers at the Temple of the Tooth though, as they are compulsory. Its been a few years since I last visited India, but Sri Lanka is definitely a more relaxed and easy-going place.

http://www.dsw-photo.com/Other/6DSL/...4h/0/O/196.jpg

That maybe so in temples...
I am an expat in India 2 or 3 times a year. Wear shorts during the day, t shirts most of the times....now if you are guest at someone's home or a three to five star hotel restaurant, do wear pants !
Short shorts on women are frowned upon.

OP debating if we want to spend a few days in Columbo and environs at the end of this Feb. Don't need the cultural angles as most of it came from India.

One way from BOM ORD in EY J needs 67500 miles one way. at 2 cents that is
$ 1350 PP. EY cash in J to JFK is $ 950.

this was an amazing trip report and gets me pumped for our upcoming trip in feb.

the only thing I wonder is what hotels you would have chosen in the higher end category if the budget wasn't a concern?

Hi DanielW,

Great report with lovely pictures. I travel to India often but have never been to Sri Lanka, I notice some similarities but many differences as well. Looks like a nice place to visit.

Thanks for sharing!
ba274

Awesome trip! I heard so many good things about the place from another friend of mine, ironically a Kiwi as well. :p One of his buddies got married there a few years ago.

Was definitely on my list, but your trip really just makes me want to go even more. Fantastic photos! ^

If the Sri Lankan Tourism Board is listening, they should really get you on their pay roll...:D

Thanks, Siriuscom:). The travel agency I booked my driver/hotels with asked if I wanted budget or luxury accomodation. I opted for budget but was very pleased with what I got. I guess the luxury option would include the Aman in Galle too though:)?

Thank you, ba274:). I have visited India twice before, and was expecting something similar in Sri Lanka but was pleasantly surprised. Almost like alot of the good stuff of India (culutre & food) but less of the bad stuff (pollution, poverty etc.).

Many thanks, umichguy:). Sri Lanka must have been a great place for a wedding, and maybe even the honeymoon too:).