Sue & Mark
England, September 2026
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Food, friendliness of people. Nature and culture.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Rubbish on the side of roads, particularly in the east.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
We were very pleased with our accommodation and appreciated the contrast between boutique hotels and the large Heritance Kandalama.
We had wi fi issues at the first hotel (Maho Boutique Hotel [Anuradhapura]) which we never got to the bottom of but this was offset by the charm of the hotel, the cleanliness, the gardens and the quality of food and friendliness of staff.
The Heritance Kandalama [Dambulla] had architectural interest but its greatest asset was the proximity to nature, particularly monkeys which I loved seeing on the balcony and swifts flying around the basement area in the morning. I disliked the massive dining room and although the choice was massive the food was often only luke warm but the cost of choosing a la carte was prohibitive, we were quoted $600!
The Kalkudah Beach Hotel [House, Kalkudah] was beautiful and the location idyllic. Service could not be faulted. Food was also very good.
Our final hotel, Waterland [Negombo], had some lovely touches. The bedroom was very well designed (especially the bathroom) with a lovely little pool looking out onto a small terrace with the river beyond which was particularly appreciated. It is starting to look a bit tired in places and the dining room is basic but the staff were friendly and well meaning and it was clean and well looked after. It would make a good romantic short break destination in particular.
We appreciated the environmental and ethical emphasis at each of the hotels (not sure about the fish in the bathroom at Waterland?).
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
He [Buddika] was excellent. Very friendly, patient and knowledgeable about many aspects of Sri Lanka, the Buddhist religion in particular, culture, nature etc. He was an excellent driver. He certainly enhanced our holiday experience as we would have missed so much without his information. His English was also extremely good.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
We had no problems with Etihad, check in was pretty painless. [Arranged their own flights]
Any other comments?
Our entire experience with Tikalanka was very positive and I would not hesitate to recommend (I already have). We had a lovely time in Sri Lanka. All went well. Thank you for all your efforts for me.
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