Bentota Travel Forum

me & my partner are planning our wedding at the taj exotica, in august, all this is quite daunting so a few words of advice won't go a miss. Most of the views about the hotel are excellent, just a few questions will put my mind to rest ( well this is a few questions to me):what is the weather like in August, don't want it raining on my wedding day?/ is there a few bars or some nice restuarants just a short walk from the hotel?/is it worth going full board or is it best that u have the flexability to go to other restuarants, hotel's, bar's etc?, also last but not least, what's the average price for a meal or a pint of larger (classy lady i am!)or by the way is it a good choice to get married here? thanx again my new found friends avril&darren x

As far as the weather goes, I was a little further up the Bentota River during August last year and the weather was great with sunshine everyday. August is not supposed to be the best time to visit the west coast (that’s about now) but the weather in Sri Lanka has been unpredictable for a year or two. You may get the odd tropical shower but you will get the sun too. The only problem with August is that the sea at Bentota can be unsafe for swimming so take local advice.

There are a few bars with-in walking distance (out of the hotel easy gate and across the railway track) however the best managed and most entertaining is Wunderbar which is a short walk south from your hotel (or pick up a three wheeler either outside the hotel gate or at the railway crossing). There is also a bar called Wunderschunn and the staff in one will tell you that the other is either closed or full of Cholera, just ignore them, it’s all part of the fun. Whatever you do don’t stay in your hotel, it’s a beautiful hotel but it’s not real and unless you are all inclusive you will pay through the nose for your drinks.

Most of these bars will serve you food (the seafood is excellent and comparatively cheap), there are also more up-market restaurants in Bentota, see the tips section. The Taj is a good hotel (although I believe it is not Sri Lankan owned) the food is as good as any and it can be less hassle to go full board, it all depends on what you’ll save by going room only.

Things, including eating out, are cheap in Sri Lanka but not as cheap as some people imagine (not like India for example) and there are often extras added to your bill. Incidentally, I really don’t mind paying tax here because the population get free schools and hospitals (which is better than seeing children with a disability begging on the streets) it’s much cheaper than the UK, outside of your hotel you’ll get two lagers for around a pound, so I wouldn’t worry.

Yes! you have indeed made a good choice in getting married in Sri Lanka.

Hi

I think you got lots info from Maxus

If you need something else or further info

contact me and be in touch until June

Best Regards

Oscar

maxus,
thankyou so much for the info, it's given me the the answer's that I needed, it's interesting to know a little about what is outside the hotel, as i'm not really a one to stay in the one place. As i have never vistited the country there is alway's a few more questions that the travel agent can't help you with, which makes it a should I or shouldn't I type of holiday also with it being my wedding I wanted to get it right first time, thanx for everything, take care x avril & darren.

hi maxus,
it's avril i spoke to you back in january, i am getting married in the taj exotica in july, well it's not that far away now & i'm in the process of getting last minute arrangements sorted. I would just like to ask a few more questions, we need a good jewellers in the area! the thing is we really need some wedding rings, white gold preferably! also if you have the email address for the taj, this is to sort out a good room! I have read some of your replies to other questions & you have some very good contacts just for getting about etc, this will be much appriciated, thanks very much for your last reply & i look forward to any help you can give me thanx again avril & darren x

Hiya You Two,

According to the Taj Website (http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Exotica,BENTOTA/default.htm ) their email address is: exotica.bentota@tajhotels.com

I really do not know anything about buying Jewellery in Sri Lanka, maybe one of the other regulars can advise you? All I know is that you need to be careful buying anything expensive and two Brits looking for White Gold wedding rings is going to create something of a stir, do be careful about this, I would not want anything to spoil your big day.

I usually find my own way around on public transport but in Bentota I use the same three wheeler driver by the name of Rattu (Red) he has never tried to over charge me and seems genuinely concerned that tourists have a good time when they are on his patch.

Everyone is linked to one bar or other and Rattu is linked to Wunderbar, not Wunderschunn. Wunderschunn is nearer to the Taj (just across the tracks from the main gate) very easy staggering distance, I just prefer Wunderbar but I have heard no complaints about either.

I know the Manager at Wunderschunn he is a good guy and will give you advice on anything (which you can take or leave) people who stay at his place give him glowing references and I like the bloke.

You will want to get out of the hotel now and again so try the bars. If you really want to try a little independent travel, start with a trip down to Galle on the train for a walk around the Fort, its an easy trip.

You are going to have a fantastic time, things may not always go exactly as you expect but this is the way here and getting annoyed is pointless. Chill out, take life as it comes and have a Wonderful holiday.

Most of us who get into the forum have home pages with advice on getting around and stuff, if you have half an hour to spare have a look at the tips connected to our Sri Lanka travel pages.

If there is anything else just ask.

Regards

Mark

mark,
thankyou so much for your advice, it's give us some idea what to expect, the contacts you have given me will be our first contact's, some of the feed back you hear seem quite concerning but like you say as long as your on your guard things should be fine, i hope that everything goes well on the day, don't need any hiccups! thanx again for everything you take care avril & darren x