Sri Lanka Holiday Review
Submitted by: Lindsay - Leeds
Date: August 2002
January 2001, I travelled to Sri Lanka with my friends with monarch airlines from London Gatwick Airport. We arrived into Colombo airport and the sun was gleaming, it was red hot. We got our luggage and made our way to the arrivals hall to see our rep to find out which hotel we where staying in, she told us our coach number and the hotel name which was the Royal Oceanic Beach in Negambo. So we got on the coach and off we went.
We arrived at the hotel doors and walked into reception we all went 'wow' all you could see was the fantastic golden beach and swimming pool. We checked in and made our way to our rooms, which was magnificent, we had a sea view with a massive King Size bed and large bathroom with air conditioning point, I felt like a Queen.
I just knew this holiday was going to be perfect one and in the week we did so many things but here are some of my star moments.
We all decided to hire a taxi driver for the day. It was just £40 for the day ( £10 per person bargain!) We got picked up at 9 o'clock one morning and travelled to the other side of the island and went to the Elephant Orphanage where you can go and watch elephants been washed and join in. Then after they've been washed you can go for a ride on one, which is a fantastic experience not to be missed.
After leaving the Orphanage we made our way to the tea plantation where you see how they make tea in the machine and how they grow it. Then you get the chance to taste real Sri Lankan tea which was delicious.
One of the other days I was laid on the beach soaking up the rays and I heard something at the side of me touching the palm tree it was a elephant stood right at the side of me . It was a nice feeling but a bit scarey at the same time, but then I noticed his master was keeping an eye on him. Then I had another surprise, I heard drums and people shouting and singing it was a Sri Lankan Wedding, what a site it was magnficent it was right on the beach and you could watch and join in the dancing and singing.
Shopping
Well what can I say, its is a shoppers paradise with a wide range of handicrafts and leather and gems at very reasonable prices and even sarongs from 50P (absolute bargains).
Food and drink
Curry galore - this is the place to be. It is fantastic they are very spicy, but they will also do you mild ones if you prefer. There are plenty of restaurants to have all different cuisine but on an evening it is only hotel based for meals etc.
Tea is the most popular drink around the clock. Arrack which is distinctive Sri Lankan alcoholic beverage is distilled from coconut toddy - it's lethal but worth a try.
Getting around Sri Lanka
The best way is by a Tuc tuc (Motorbike with carriage on back) which are so much fun and they are really cheap. I wouldn't go a long way in a tuc tuc I'd hire a taxi for the day.
You can also travel by Bus or Rail around the Island.
Summary of Sri Lanka
This was a holiday of a lifetime and very memorable. I spent £80 in a week on drinks and trips etc. which was brilliant. You could easily be and live as a king or queen the whole time you are there the people are so friendly will do anything for you and money goes so far it is absolutly the best place in the world.
After a week of complete bliss we made our way back to rainy england, saying goodbye to this fantastic island of SRI LANKA which i will one day see again.
Note from Global Holidays:
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