Andrew & Liz
Scotland, March 2026
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
The variety of different holiday experiences on offer – culture, wildlife, scenery, beach, tea estates, hiking combined with great food and hospitable people. Having a local chauffeur/guide made the whole experience very smooth and trouble-free.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
The overly busy wildlife activities. We avoided the mega busy sectors of Yala but any sightings were still multi-jeep. The Habarana Ecopark was a very poor experience with a constant convoy of jeeps. Whale-watching was a disappointing scramble as 14 boats chased after a whale whenever it surfaced. Even the turtle-nesting experience [Turtle Watch, Rekawa] had 50+ people. [With Sri Lanka becoming an increasingly popular destination, the challenge is how to manage a greater number of tourists who want to visit the same places on a relatively small island. This is why we are exploring new locations and finding alternative accommodation around the country for our travellers.]
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
All excellent – a good variety from old colonial style to simple tea estate rooms to beachside opulence.
[Villa Hundira, Negombo; The Other Corner, Habarana; Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge, Knuckles; Hanthana House, Kandy; Meena Amma's Tea Experience, Ambewela; The Planter's Bungalow, Ella; Mailagama Cinnamon Residence, Kataragama; Buckingham Place, Tangalle; Fort Bliss, Galle]
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Original guide (Wasantha) – his general driving and guiding were fine. However he interacted very little with us and we did not feel that we received much additional insight into life in Sri Lanka when we were with him. He had to retire in Kandy due to illness.
Replacement guide (Anura) – a completely different personality, much more communicative and interactive with us, providing lots of extra commentary and information (and unexpected snacks!) as we travelled around. After a couple of days we almost felt that we were part of his family. He was also a keen birdwatcher which suited us just fine!
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
After Emirates cancellation [due to Middle East conflict] we rebooked onto Turkish [Airlines] and were very impressed by them. [Arranged their own flights]
Any other comments?
We had a fabulous time once we got there! Thanks for putting together such an interesting and varied trip for us. [Great to hear that you enjoyed Sri Lanka so much, and it was a real pleasure creating a bespoke itinerary for interested and motivated travellers like yourselves.]
For the record: I experienced an attempted credit card fraud whilst in Sri Lanka. I have no idea as to responsibility but fortunately my bank blocked the transactions. I believe that the only time that my card was briefly out of my sight was when paying for tea at the Jetwing Warwick [Gardens] bungalow. The first fraudulent transaction was attempted the next day. [This news is very disturbing and we will contact Jetwing immediately to warn them of this extremely important matter. We are glad that your bank was vigilant and ensured your money was safe.]
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