We flew from Heathrow with Sri Lankan airlines and although the flight was long and tiring, you could not fault the service and comfort of the plane and its staff. Each seat had its own television with movies, radio and computer games free of charge, the food was beautiful, not your typical aeroplane rubbish and the staff are so friendly and willing to help!
Beruwela was 3 hours from Columbo in the south of the island on stunning goldensands. Its is one of the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka.
when we first arrived in Sri lanka the heat was astoundingly hot and it took us a long time to get used to it (16 people died because of the heat we heard on the radio).
The roads were a huge culture shock, our rep later told us there are 3 things you need when driving in Sri Lanka "a good horn, a good brake and good luck" and he was not exagerating!
One of the first things to hit you is the poverty, even in the major cities there is nothing commercial, shops are small shacks wth no windows or doors, there are many beggars and the presence of police and soldiers is at first quite daunting but there is no need to worry they are really a very friendly nation. The local people have nothing but dont seem to mind and they will do anything for you for as little as 100 rupees (60p).
We stayed in the Confifi Beach hotel in Beruwela, and although only a 3 class hotel i can honestly say i have never stayed anywhere with such unbelievable friendly helpfull staff, we have come away with many friends. Your room is air conditioned, and anything personal such as glasses and fresh water is sealed and sanitised for you protection. There was a small but adequate pool which was cleaned every 30 mins and the hotel was on the beach itself. The all inclusive facilities were very good and the meals were buffet style with something to suit every taste. I would certainly reccomend this hotel to anyone. We went on various excursions to Kandy, Pinewella Elephant orphanage, Turtle Hatchery and Galle etc etc. One piece of advice i will give you is dont be afraid to book tours with a local guide instead of your tour operator and they can be up to 50% cheaper for exactly the same quality if not better.
All in all i would say Sri lanka is a huge culture shock to anyone, but extremely worth a visit and i'm sure you will enjoy yourselves whatever type of holiday you are looking for.
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Advantages: Cheaper than some of the other Indian Ocean destinations and most hotels are all inclusive, sunny, friendly people, cheap gold and saphires Disadvantages: Poverty, mosquitos, the driving oh and the civil war...
Advantages: Possible base for seeing other, much more interesting parts of a fascinating island Disadvantages: Overrated long haul beach holiday destination. Go to Shi Lanka but don't stay here.
Advantages: Cheaper than some of the other Indian Ocean destinations and most hotels are all inclusive, sunny, friendly people, cheap gold and saphires Disadvantages: Poverty, mosquitos, the driving oh and the civil war...
Advantages: Possible base for seeing other, much more interesting parts of a fascinating island Disadvantages: Overrated long haul beach holiday destination. Go to Shi Lanka but don't stay here.
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