Excellent tour although schedule for cultural triangle element is very demanding

TRACY ROWLAND, Nandana-guide, and Tracy's husband

TRACY ROWLAND

07 04 2012

Accommodation:

Hotel Name:     

Comments (rooms/food/facilities/service/etc.)

HORATHAPOLA COCONUT ESTATE

A great place to stay at start of end of a tour. Room & food excellent. Good bird spotting in grounds/estate

Palm Gardens Anuradhapura

Very good in all respects. Good birding in grounds & around ace Would Recommend

Heritance Kandalama

A fantastic setting but let down a bit by tired equipment in rooms (fridge). Probably not recommended as a touring stop as little time to enjoy the facilities (pool / surrounds etc) Food excellent.

Topaz Kandy

Rooms tired + basic, food & bar good. OK for a 1 night stop, probably not for longer

Plantation Hotel Kitulgala

Lovely location + room. Excellent staff + food good. Would recommend.

Bineta Residency N/Eliya

This is an odd place that people will love or loathe! Fortunately we loved but many will not. Food – interesting (great soups). Room adequate.

Hibiscus Tissa

Great location, grounds + room. Food very poor (cold & dry). Would recommend only if this is improved.

Buckingham Place Rekawa

A beautiful setting with excellent food as you would expect for the price! Probably recommended for honeymoon couples as little birding (turtles a big plus). Guide’s exclusion a bit harsh

Spice House Mirissa

Very relaxing stay at a small family guesthouse. Bit inflexible hours for meals means probably not good for birders but convenient for whale watching.

Sovereign Colombo

A dry hotel – No bar or fridge!! Meal service / Sittings chaotic but OK for its purpose – A bed at the end of the day after cricket (15 min walk to ground)

Ranweli Holiday Village Negambo Road

A typical holiday/package resort which does this very well. Food & service excellent & would recommend as a start finish location. Would probably be bored after more than a couple of nights.

Other notes: Excellent tour although schedule for cultural triangle element is very demanding & does not allow for much R & R time.

Nanda has been excellent & very patient with guests who are far less experienced/ knowledgeable than your usual ‘birders’! He has been great company for the last three weeks & most accommodations re “Shade Breaks” for a cigarette!! He & car have always been immaculate