Sri Lanka Travel Forum

Hi!

We are a group of friends that will be visiting India, Sri Lanka and Maldives between the 30th of December 2008 and the 18th of January 2009. Based on what I have read on the Sri Lanka Forum and the time that we have to spend in Sri Lanka (we are thinking on staying for about 4 days) we want to visit:

The Elephant Sanctuary
Sigiriya Rock
Dambulla Cave Temple
Mihintale, Anuradhapura or Pollonaruwa

However we have the following questions:

Is it "humanly" possible to visit these sights on our 4 day trip?
Where would be the most central place to stay in Sri Lanka for this trip (We would prefer to stay at a Beach Resort, but it isn't required)?
Between Mihintale, Anuradhapura or Pollonaruwa what do you recommend?

Thanks a Million!

Michael

Hiya Michael,

Yes it’s perfectly possible, the optimum way to get around is to hire a car and driver, any hotel can arrange this in no time. You tell the driver where you want to go and what you want to see and he will get you there, he will also arrange accommodation as part of a pre-arranged package but you may know exactly where you want to stay by then.

The places you want to see are not ‘handy’ for a beach resort but you could go from the airport to a hotel in Negombo, which is 20 minutes away and arrange a 3-day (2-night) round trip, which is the is the usual way to see the ‘cultural triangle’.

Alternatively you could think using somewhere around Dambulla (maybe Kandalama)as a central base and travelling to and from these places on day trips but this would involve a lot of unnecessary travelling and the round trip idea is probbaly more practical.

Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple are in the same area (do Sigiriya as early as possible in the morning) Mihintale and Anuradhapura (which are fairly close to each other) are to the northwest whereas Pollonaruwa is in the opposite direction so you’re right to choose or the other.

I prefer Pollonaruwa because I like to stay over at Kalkudah Bay but I will let the local experts advise you on the relative merits of the ancient cities. I'm not a fan of Pinnawela Zoo.


You have lots of time until you travel and I’m sure you’ll get lot’s more advice before then, either way have a great trip.

Regards

Mark

Hi,

I've been to those places already several times and agree completely to Maxus' advice.
If you arrive in the morning, you could easily drive up to Anurhadapura (if necessary, passing Pinawela, although I also don't consider it as worthwile, unless you aren't an elephant-addict) and stay in a beautiful hotel for overnight (for instance at the "Palm Garden Village", see my tip at http://tinyurl.com/4vrg4e )
Next morning drive via Mihintale to Dhambulla (Culture Club)and see Polonaruwa and Sigirya Rock. Last day drive back to a beach resort, like Negombo.
Good Luck !

hi dear......

if you need a person to organize your holiday in sri lanka please contact karnal de silva fro sr lanka.

email- karnal3@hotmail.com
web-www.karnaldesilva.com

thanks you,

henri................

HI - I have spent much time in SL in my 11 trips there, over the past 38 yrs., and agree with the others about being able to do these places within the time frame; but ONLY via a hire car with driver. I hae used Walkers Tours several times and they are one of the best companies and have a good website. (There ARE many old reliable tour companies.) Prices have gone up lately with price of fuel and inflation, but are still fairly reasonable compared with most other places. As mentioned, staying at KANDALAMA would be outstanding!!! it is higher priced than anywhere else in the region, but is built into the area and most beautifully done, ecologically and architecturally. Definitely worth the extra rupees if not on a tight budget. www.walkerstours.com

We hired a car and driver and saw all the sights, stopping over in the Kandalama hotel which was a total experience in itself.

We used Aitken-Spence for the car, check out my page for address etc and also have a look at the Kandalama. Im sure there are many beautiful hotels in Sri Lanka but none as wonderful as the Kandalama.

Have fun wherever you go.