Since we are on the road in this island country this ia a good time to write a few comments. I’ve been to about 1/3 of all the countries in the world and this one by far has the largest gap between what tourists are charged and what the locals pay…for everything. We’ve personally experienced this and talked to other tourists who were completely ripped off in the cost of transportation, especially.
Buses are by far the cheepest way to get around the island. The roads are slow going almost everywhere – narrow and with lots of various types of traffic (tuk tuks, bicycles, buses, taxis etc). From Colombo for about a 2 hour trip to say Kandy expect to pay about 150 rupees per person on the bus. Locals are paying about 20 rupees per kilometer. AC Vans are slightly more. We heard of one couple who paid $160 US dollars for taxi to Kandy. Wow, what a rip – should cost about 8000 rupees for private car/taxi.
We explored the northern part of the island, only 7 months after the war ended. This area still is completely coming out of 31+ years of war. Military everywhere, military bunkers, terrible roads. The best season to explore the beaches here are April and May. There are some nice beaches north and south of Trincomalee and Pigeon Island is also good. Nivali Beach Hotel is the most expensive and best hotel at Nivali Beach but rooms are imited in numbers and if you plan a stay here either off or on season you should reserve WELL in advance.
The hill country is nice – def cooler than the lower more tropical regions. Kandy is a nice tourist town spread out among a number of hills with the primary focus being on the temple that contains the only physical relic of Buddha in existence – his sacred left tooth.
Great surf for surfers in parts of Sri Lanka, especially north and east coasts.
Cost of attractions and National Parks somewhat expensive – Sigiriya to see the rock fort only is $25 and $50 us dollars for entire area.
Great bread in the small bread shops – delicate, light and tasty.
Watch out for tuk tuk drivers hanging out next to hotels and guesthouses. They will make up whatever to get you in their vehicle and change the pricing on you.
Off to the really high country now to see the waterfalls and maybe do some short trekking.
Comments?
~ Dave