Hi evr1
My wife and I have recently returned from our honeymoon in Sri Lanka. We
decided to stay at the Eden Resort but in the end we wanted to tour around for 5
days. We got put in touch with a driver and guide called Ranjan from Colombo.
This was the best move we made as he made our honeymoon much more special by
taking us to some really brilliant locations and his knowledge and helpfulness
was second to none. We travelled from the Eden resort on the West coast along
the South road to Galle, where we witnessed some of the terrible damage caused
by the Tsunami. Then onto Galle where Ranjan took us to the fort with its great
views, though watch out for the touts selling things. People are so poor here
and tourism is still quiet. We then went onto Yala National Park and had a
fantastic time seeing Elephants, Crocs, Birds and Reptiles. We stayed in a nice
but cheap hotel again sorted out by Ranjan. He got us special rates because he
works for a Sri Lankan travel firm in his spare time. This saved us loads and
got us some really nice rooms. We then went onto Ella which was absolutely
beautiful and on through to N.Ella to see the Tea plantations. We had a tour
around the Glen tea company factory which was really interesting then had the
chance to buy some BOFP tea. The best grade tea you can buy. Then it was onto
Kandy for 2 nights. First night we stayed in Mahwali Reach hotel. Supposedly
one of the better places to stay but we found it average at times. 2nd night we
spent in Thilanka Hotel. Really good place with an excellent view of Kandy and
less than half the price. Visited the temple of the tooth which was good for
culture vultures amongst you. This place was really old and claims to house one
of Budda's own teeth! We then did a short walk through a rainforest which was
interesting watching my wife getting eaten by a miniture leech. You had to be
there. Then we travelled up to the Sigiria Rock Fortress, stoping at Dambulla
on the way. The rock fortress was really impressive and is a must see. The
views are some of the best i've ever seen. Finally we travelled back west
stoping off at the Pinawala Elephant orphanage, which was worth a look. We
spent a night and day back at the starting point (Eden Resort hotel) relaxing
before our flight to Maldives. All in all as far as hotels go, the Eden Resort
and Thilanka stand out by far as having the most luxurious service. This is not
reflected from some of the reviews which you can read on trip advisor but
believe me that if you book into the Eden resort you will not be dissapointed.
Its beautiful and so is Thilanka. Finally a word about our driver Ranjan! This
guy is 1 in a million. He knows everything about Sri Lanka and speaks good
English. He could even understand us 2 from N.Ireland. He was a really safe
driver and is very polite and can never do enough for you. Basically a family
man who wants to earn some honest money for his kids schooling. He always knew
when to let us wander off for a walk and never imposed when visiting cultural
places but at the same time very good company for the journey. I cannot
recommend this man enough as a guide and driver. SRI LANKA NEEDS OUR HELP WITH
MORE TOURISM. Its a beautiful country and you will not be dissapointed if you
holiday there. The people are so friendly and it really is humbling. If you
are thinking of going, then please contact Ranjan by email on
ranthusa@yahoo.com He also has a website at WWW.TRAVEL-SRI-LANKA.NET. This
will show you pictures and some of his travel itenaries. All the best
Al & Alison
