Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Galle

Advantages: Beautiful scenery, varied itineraries, cheap, friendly people
Disadvantages: takes a long time to get anywhere (Colombo- Kandy 3hours)

...Sri Lanka has been seen as a jewel in the Indian Ocean by the many people who have passed through it in history. Today this still remains the case. However, its society has been permanently scarred by the uprising by the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) which has been going on for 17 years and has claimed 65,000 lives. Sri Lanka is lush and junglelike on the initial approach by air. Yet this is not the case everywhere. The hill country has tea plantations, moorland and temperate type forest, while the dry zone in the south east and the north is almost savannah like. Whether you are going on an organised tour or independently, the essential sights are Adams Peak, Kandy, Sigirya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnuruwa, Galle and at least one of the big nature reserves. In terms of beach resorts, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalle... Read review

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Advantages: Views, wildlife, tradition
Disadvantages: None

...Region is a spectacular region with unspoiled virgin land and forest reserves where a variety of wild life is found in its natural surroundings. The region is especially rich in both timber and gold, where the Obuasi Gold Mine is one of hte major gold mines in Ghana and the gold fever rush of the last century is still in the air. Places to visit: -Manhyla Palace Museum -Center for National Culture -Lake Bosomtwe -Bobri Forest Reserve -Owabi Bird Sanctuary -Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Golf, staff, facilities, food
Disadvantages: Location

...The Forest of Arden Hotel is owned by Marriott and is perfect if you are going to the NEC. It is also my hotel of choice for Birmingham, and Coventry even though I face a half hour drive to get into either town. The Forest of Arden is best known for its’ golf course on which the English Open is played. Hotel guests gain temporary membership of the club and have reserved tee off times. The sports section of the hotel also has a pool, gym, dance studio and squash courts. Not enough luxury for you? There is also a health spa with sauna, jacuzzi, etc along with therapists offering massage, aromatherapy and all manner of wonderful sounding stuff that I don’t have time to try. There is a fairly formal restaurant, along with a poolside bar that offers healthy and not so healthy meals. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with plenty... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful