35 independent reviews for Sri Lanka vacations, tailor made
Reviews for Sri Lanka vacations, tailor made
Jo Rodgers review 16 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day bought new & exciting experiences but consistent throughout the vacation was the warm welcome we received from the beautiful people of Sri Lanka. From those we saw most, such as our amazing guide,driver and now friend Nihal, to naturalists on safari and waiters at hotels, even children and shop keepers everyone smiled and seemed genuinely pleased we were there. Our 2 week tour was planned with John (who was very helpful, easy responsive communication) with a wildlife focus (+ a couple of days beach time) and, if pushed, I would say the time at Gal Oya Lodge was the most memorable - accommodation, food and service were amazing ; special thanks to our naturalist guide there, Anrada, whose warmth and knowledge ensured we learnt the most from our stay.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask lots of questions - everyone is keen to share their knowledge and you can learn so much about the culture, lifestyle etc by being interested.Become comfortable with tipping and find out how it works at your hotel etc (some places have a'communal' tip box for staff), it's a way to benefit local people directly and means so much.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Overall yes, all the guides, naturalists and hotel staff we dealt with were local and proud to share their country (although not all accommodation was locally owned). We chose accommodation based on eco policies and these were generally evident (eg using glass refillable bottles, solar power etc) but as always more could be done (for example, packed breakfasts sometimes used a lot of plastic - the exception to this would be Gal Oya Lodge where the breakfast on our boat safari was amazing and sustainable)4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! I run out of superlatives when describing our experience to family & friends!! My best advice is, if you have the opportunity, just go!!!Kate Walton review 22 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every single part of this vacation was absolutely amazing. John kindly arranged everything for us, and created the most incredible itinerary with awesome accommodation. I was originally a little hesitant about visiting Sri Lanka given their really unfortunate economic crisis in 2022 and potential safety aspects, but as soon as we left the airport I realised that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. Sri Lankans are the most friendly, welcoming and kind people that my husband and I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and we in the West could learn so much about kindness from them and their culture. We could not have felt safer and more at home the entire trip. Our guide and driver, Nihal, was absolutely incredible and we have come away with a wonderful friendship which we will cherish. Our favourite parts were the safari, staying & hiking in the stunning Knuckles mountain range, cycling through rice paddys, walking up beautiful Sigiriya rock to watch sunrise, snorkelling with reef sharks near Pigeon Island, visiting the various tea plantations, learning to cook with a local family and taking the stunning train journey to Ella via the mountain passes. Every single day was varied and amazing to be honest!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Visit Sri Lanka immediately! It's just such a wonderful place and you will have the most amazing time. We've travelled all over the world and nothing beats Sri Lanka for us. The food is also absolutely delicious (we loved eating Sri Lankan curries 3 times a day, but there are also typically Western food options available if that's your preference. The local communities really need tourists back after the Covid pandemic and 2022 economic issues (not that Sri Lankans would complain because they are so humble and lovely) and the best thing you can do is visit and contribute. You will not regret it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Everything John arranged for us was locally-run (accommodation, excursions, Nihal our wonderful driver & guide) and everyone was so grateful to receive the tourism input. What feels like a small amount to us in the West goes such a long way to the Sri Lankans we met, so we wanted to tip and buy as much as we could to do our bit to help.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10. If I could rate it higher I would. If you are on the fence, hop off it and just book - I guarantee it will be the best decision you made! Thank you John, Nihal and all the other guides and staff who made our trip sensational.Michael Jacoby review 2 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting the secluded waterfall in Hatton arranged by Camelia Hills was magical. But every place we stayed was great, and the staff couldn't do enough for us.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
See how things are made eg Batik hand loomed fabric, wood carving will give a much better appreciation for the beautiful things.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefitted local people, if you support what they make. The turtle sanctuary Mahamodara in Galle was amazing and we supported. On the other hand we also had a private driver / guide and that could have been done more sustainably.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved it, but there was a big difference between how seriously place took being sustainable. Eg some had refill not landfill bottles, lots of nudges recycling etc, some had little.Read the operator's response here:
We are really pleased that you enjoyed your vacation with us and many thanks for your very positive feedback overall.
Regarding the accommodation's commitment to sustainability, as you experienced, there is still plenty of work to be done to encourage hotels and guesthouses to prioritise reuse and recycling at their premises. Plastic waste is a serious issue on the island, particularly single-use water bottles, and we are encouraging the installation of water purifiers as well as the provision of sustainable, multi-use water bottles and non-plastic, reusable or degradable drinking straws at all of our accommodation.
Recycling is another serious issue, particularly when other countries, including the UK, export recycling to Sri Lanka for processing. The country does not have enough capacity for its own recycling let alone other nation's waste products. Until there is a global moratorium on waste
management and recycling, countries like Sri Lanka will be left to manage an excessive amount of recycling and waste, much of it generated elsewhere.
Heather Bunce review 20 Feb 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Close up views of a leopard with no other vehicles around2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Give the operator an idea of what you would like and trust them to arrange the trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Given that we had to fly here, once here we felt as much as could be done was done.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We felt our aims for the trip were achieved and we were very well looked after throughout.Jo Bennett review 13 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the leopards in Yala national park and the elephants in Udawalawa NP.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do you need to go to both Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, there is quite an overlap. When going into either you cannot come out and go back in so if you want to enjoy the day there take a packed lunch. Pick up local currency and a local sim for your phone at the airport, very convenient.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. It was good to see how well managed the national parks were, funded by tourist dollars.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentCecilie Gianneri review 29 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
If I were to ask our children, it would either be the train journey from Kandy to Ella - with their feet dangling out of the open doors all the way - screaming and laughing as the train bumbled on or it would be our stay at Amba Estate. The latter, with its generous and kind host Simon, and his cousin who was lovely, as well as all the staff who were brilliant. Daily hikes to rock pools for swimming, early morning hikes to watch the sun rise, fantastic food and breathtaking scenery. Simply gorgeous. We also arranged our own impromptu tuk-tuk and boat safari close to Sigiriya which we all absolutely loved. Experiencing local food and culture. Daily yoga with Lakml at Coco Bay was also amazing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Embed yourselves into the culture. Venture out of your hotels/guesthouses and eat in local restaurants. Really experience Sri Lanka and the kindness of its people. Ensure you get a seat in the door on the train - it's brilliant fun. Learn to drive a tuk-tuk. :-)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really unfortunately. The one trip we arranged ourselves did as we tipped the local lady generously. We also ate locally as much as possible in order to bring funds to locals. I think more public transport would be good - as well as interesting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved Sri Lanka and felt very well looked after. It was the first exposure to a more adventurous vacation for our three children ages 13,11 and 9 and they really enjoyed the whole experience. There are a few items we would not do again. We stayed in a local house outside Kandy where we did a cookery class. The house was in the middle of nowhere, with no real walks or activities and no swimming pool for the children. We felt quite isolated and it felt like two days were a little wasted. The cookery class was interesting however not very inclusive in that we all watched while the lady cooked. Again, with three children there who would have loved to chop and take part in it all, it seemed such a shame. They did get to chop one vegetable however that was it. The family were lovely and I know that he is a Manager of the tour operator - however I would not recommend this as an overnight part of the itinerary. It would have been fun to stay closer to Kandy and the vibrancy there. On several occasions our driver also decided to drive home (3 or 4 times during the 16 day trip) as it was New Year as well as his sons birthday. We completely understood his desire to be home and the days he was not with us we took tuk-tuk's or walked which was also OK. It just seemed strange that a driver take on a job to then drive home at every opportunity. He was a lovely man though and very good to us. It would also have been amazing to be offered whale watching by private boat or sea-plane. We didn't realise this was an option until we turned up at the boat yard -and it would have made the trip that much more exciting for the children. Please take all these comments are constructive. We really loved the trip and would recommend this tour operator to our friends without hesitation.Read the operator's response here:
We are really pleased that you enjoyed your vacation to Sri Lanka with us and thank you very much for your valuable comments.
You will be pleased to know that your vacation did benefit local people and supported local conservation projects, in fact. Your chauffeur and safari guides
are all Sri Lankan, and all of your accommodation is Sri Lankan owned and/or run, which means your vacation contributed directly to the local economy.
You also visited the Elephant Transit Home at Uda Walawe, which looks after orphaned or injured elephants before returning them to the wild, and took a
boat safari whale watching with Mirissa Water Sports, a pioneer of whale watching in Sri Lanka and a responsible operator championing the welfare of
whales.
I note that you thoroughly enjoyed the train ride through the spectacular Hill Country as a family. This particular route is a favourite of ours and customers
alike. We offer train journeys though the Hill Country from Colombo to Badulla via Kandy, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, Colombo to Galle and Colombo
to Jaffna via Anuradhapura. Other train routes have poor schedules or are prone to delays. Using the local bus is not something we offer as we have our own
team of valued and quality Sri Lankan Tourist Board-licensed chauffeur guides to take you around, which gets you under the skin of the country and offers
you a different and extra dimension to your travels. Buses are also very packed - where would you put your luggage? - uncomfortable, hot, dusty, poorly
maintained and certainly not for the faint-hearted due to the aggressive driving style of the bus drivers in Sri Lanka.
Hanthana House is located in the attractive Hanthana Hills just outside of Kandy, which is a bonus for most guests as it is away from the hustle and bustle
of the city, and the guesthouse doesn't have a swimming pool. Both of these items were discussed when planning your itinerary,
It is not the habit of our chauffeur guides to disappear during vacations, although you were traveling during Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, as you say, when
everyone tends to be at home with the family. We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but I am pleased that your chauffeur guide looked after you well.
Caroline Tower review 19 Feb 2019
We all really enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and I would love to return to see more. The places you chose for us to stay were really great. They were well spaced and considered our request for some down time as well as culture. The first stop near Colombo set the scene and got rid of the tiredness, they cooked a great supper on a terrace and we felt very relaxed. Lucca's place next was lovely and suited our 2 day stop in Kandy perfectly. Plantation House was a highlight and the location was sublime. I think the service definitely needed a little refining, and the food was awful until they agreed to make a curry which was gorgeous. I got the feeling the owner had left the staff to their own devices and a little training would have gone a long way. Claughton House went to the opposite extreme, they looked after us beautifully, the rooms were all beautifully equipped and the in house chef was wonderfully knowledgeable. In my mind the highlight of the trip and it was hard to move on. Galle was SO hot it was hard to enjoy for 3 nights but that was no ones fault but our own and the hotel was very accommodating as I had to move rooms due to no air whatsoever in the first one!! Could you possibly give me a run down of the relative costs per night for the hotels and accommodation, it would be very useful as I'd love to recommend to others. The most important piece of feedback is that our driver Maura was outstanding. His knowledge of the locality was huge and he looked after us extremely efficiently and kindly. Without him our trip would have not been nearly as interesting and fun. He went out of his way to source train tickets for us and succeeded where Pathi had been defeated. (The 6 hour train was a highlight). He made sure we were comfortable with all our decisions and was more knowledgeable about the bird life than the guide in the sanctuary!! We even had a rendition of local singing! Whilst we 3 girls enjoyed our cookery lesson we didn't find Pathi very easy to talk to, he was dismissive and we didn't get answers to any queries until one of the men phoned him later on. I was disappointed to be given no information at all on the possibility of visiting a project. Bearing in mind this was one of the things I had brought up right from the beginning and encouraged me to pick your company for responsible reasons I am sad that this was ignored. I really hope you find this feedback helpful and rest assured we will be recommending you to our friends.Lynn Ridgers review 27 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The national park and the sightings of leopards and sun bears.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy seeing the real Sri Lanka and talk to the locals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism benefits the local people. However there is some way to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. One thing is the sale of water in plastic bottles in the hotels. Why not refill bottles?4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent trip - completely happy.Sarah Ludlam review 4 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visit to the sigirya palace The warm smiles and hospitality we received at all hotels The amazing, ever changing scenery2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel off peak if possible. We encountered very long queues at all tourist sights.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited a shop called ‘Embark’ in Galle. All their sales revenues are donated to helping the many stray dogs in Sri Lanka.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely wonderful! Sri Lanka is a magical and diverse country well worth exploring. Top marks too our travel organizers and to Ravi our superb driver and guide.Read the operator's response here:
Absolutely wonderful! Sri Lanka is a magical and diverse country well worth exploring.
Paul Malyon review 11 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Probably the variety of environments, locations, hotels that exist in Sri Lanka - there is something for every 'taste'... in addition seeing the elephants and a leopard in Yala National Park plus the variety of birds were very memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not try to do every site or location or activity... many agencies try to get you to visit or engage in too many activities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed at small 'boutique' hotels... not sure if these did much for the local community, but they were Sri Lankan hotels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The hotel experience was great, the variety of things done and visits made was not too overwhelming and we had a relaxed time.Steven Morgan review 13 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing wild elephants in a family group. The scenery and people. Visiting a hand weaving cooperative outside Galle- which took a little finding!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Give youselves some time at each place as travel is slow by road.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes we went on several locally run trips dealing directly with the providers- weaving, turtles, boat trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Lived upto and exceeded our expectations. A good company to deal with, easy to tailor vacation as we wanted it. Kapila our driver was excellent throughout.Clare Lucas review 2 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We stayed at a wonderful place called 'Banyan Lodge' in Sri Lanka. It was a eco-lodge and a very unique experience in a peaceful environment with nature all around. The hosts organised dinner differently every evening and one night we went out on the lake on a pontoon and ate by candlelight. After we had finished dinner, the oarsman asked us to blow out the candles and we gently glided back to shore by the light of the moon - very memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We thoroughly enjoyed the mix of culture, nature, scenery and relaxing beach vacation - Sri Lanka has so much to offer but we didn't try to do too much in this one trip, so we spent at least three nights at each stop to enjoy it fully.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt that we stayed in places where local people were employed and well looked after, and that we were encouraged to go and see things like a turtle hatchery/conservation trust which educated and benefitted the local environment. The eco-lodge where we stayed near Udawalawe was a beautiful example of how tourism and the local environment can work together.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic - we will definitely go back to Sri Lanka!Sally Roth review 28 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sigiriya in was visually stunning, and it was fabulous to stay at a hotel with a great view of the rock in at the end of our vacation; the elephant safari in Uda Walawe was for the most part a peaceful and enjoyable afternoon; the Barefoot cafe in Colombo was a lovely place to look around and have lunch.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
May be consider not going to Mirissa for whale watching, as there were too many boats chasing too close to the occasional whale.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Amba tea estate was a good example of helping to support the local community4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentChrissie Verduyn review 18 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lots of new experiences. Not possible to single one out.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We are not beach vacation people. If you aren't either avoid the south coast beaches.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Sue Clayless review 28 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the diversity of wildlife and meeting the lovely people of Sri Lanka.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask the agent to confirm that the room you're getting is the actual one you think you're booking and that is near to where you want to visit.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally, yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyableOlivia Oberle Ruiz review 11 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My husband and I loved visiting the ancient cities and temples, and learning so much about Sri Lankan culture and heritage! The tours were well-organized, informative, and truly enriching.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely bring bug spray! And if you're coming from Europe, be ready to tip much more than you would usually. Also prepare yourself for a certain level of "organized chaos" when it comes to driving, for example.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of the hotels we stayed at made a point of using recyclable materials for the shampoo and amenities but others simply used plastic. I would have liked to see more signs reminding you not to put the towels to wash if not needed, to spare water when possible, etc. But our stay was definitely comfortable and it seemed like the staff was happy and pleased with their job.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved it! Of course, there are always things that don't go to plan, but overall we had an unforgettable honeymoon!Sarah Colclough review 26 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking Ella Rock & Sigiriya Rock were both pretty amazing. Seeing the tons & tons of elephants! The other corner accommodation was pretty great too. Also loved the massage we got in Habarana and the 'village tour' we did there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We spent the last few days on the east coast in a beach resort style hotel. Although we couldn't fault the hotel this was the highlight of our trip at all. The east coast beach has v. little sealife & most coral is dead and can be seen all over the shore (think as a result of the '04 tsunami). Makes the beach not actually that pleasant to be on & there's not too much else to do in the area. Had we known we would probably have organised to spend this time seeing more of Sri Lanka.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of the tours or activities we took part in were organised locally so we would agree that locals benefitted from this. Not sure regarding environmental impacts-we didn't take part in any activities that we felt were adverse to this (riding elephants for example) so we certainly didn't negatively effect these areas but whether we 'reduced' environmental impacts its hard to say. We did get to visit animal sanctuaries (sea turtles) etc... so would agree that local conservation was supported.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time; such a hospitable & welcoming country. Getting around was so easy. Sri Lanka has such a variety of options & wildlife it's impossible to get bored.Anamaria Tudoran review 20 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Blue Whales live, they are so big! Learning about the Tea industry and how best Tea is made at Amba Estate. Beautiful private waterfalls in the Hillside Country. Sigiriya Fortress / Rock and Dambulla Cave Temples. Beautiful beaches in Tangalle and Bentota. Too many!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Avoid Kandy.... it has a historical significance and there is a famous temple there (Tooth of the Buddha) and that easily lures you in, but there isn't much to do there... very few facilities that tailor to foreign tourists, you cannot walk on the streets without inhaling exhaust from trucks and cars left to right, too many people everywhere you go. Major highlights are only Botanical Gardens, a 60min Cultural Dance Show (they try...) and the Temple (maybe the only one worth stopping quickly to see but a lot less impressive than Dambulla Cave Temples). The city with the mountains around it is picturesque, but recommend stopping for no more than 1 night and half day.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed at local venues all the time and dealt with hard working local people, so in that sense, yes. The venues generally speaking had "local sustainability" as a theme also which was nice.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, recommend it!!Jens Brümmer review 24 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Combination of nature and culture. Having a competent guide with us for all our activities as a family.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The main attractions in Sri Lanka can get very crowded with tourists - be sure to include some not so well known activities3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentBob Treitman review 7 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The variety of eco-systems, climates, views and experiences. And the Rice & Curry! Yum!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Unless you're really into Sri Lanka history, visiting Polonnaruwa or Anurhadapura (not both) will give you a feel for the ancient cultures.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people by providing jobs. Would've liked to see more of the hotels/guest houses filtering water rather than providing it in single-use plastic bottles.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We thoroughly enjoyed our two weeks in Sri Lanka.Jenny Fewtrell review 7 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The visit to Sigirya. The climb up the rock is exhilarating and the views from the top are amazing!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's a really varied vacation which is great. Do some reading before you go so that you can make the most of your time there. If it's a sunny day take a pair of socks with you when you visit the temples because the sand and the stones are very hot.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefitted local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a really excellent vacation. John is very helpful and flexible when making the arrangements for your schedule. We stayed in varied and interesting hotels and guesthouse. Our driver/guide Chathura was always very professional; he was punctual, reliable, knowledgable (about Sri Lanka and specifically about the birds as we had requested) and proactive. I would definitely recommend this vacation.Madeleine Richardson review 21 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was a great vacation, a fascinating and varied journey with many experiences. We saw some amazing sights, starting with ancient Buddhist temples, then climbing up Sigiriya, walking in lovely countryside, tasting tea in the plantations at 2000m high, seeing lots of animals and then relaxing for a few days by an exquisite tropical beach. In Europe beaches with no one on them do not exist! Galle too had a lot of charm.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask if you can have Nihal, the excellent guide. We would not recommend Yala as it is too crowded with vehicles. Better to change to a quieter reserve.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We feel that we contributed to the local economy by visiting and buying some of the goods produced there. We hope that we supported conservation by visiting the national Parks, but could have possibly visited more..4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
WonderfulElaine Brown review 17 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wilpattu Safari, Pigeon Island snorkelling, pre breakfast swims on deserted Nilaveli beach, train to Nuwara Eliya, climbing Sigirya, Dambulla caves, tuk tuk riding around Colombo, chilling at Havelock Place Bungalow.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leave time to relax between excursions when planning your itinerary and take the advice of the vacation provider as they are the experts!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - Sri Lanka has a tipping culture and we tried to tip generously particularly to our driver. The tour operater gave us a guide for fair tipping. I didn't feel there was much consideration of environment in Sri Lanka - particularly concerning is the high amount of water bottles it's impossible to avoid using. Despite staying for a couple of nights in an 'Eco Resort' - I'm not sure what was meant by that.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a fantastic time. We organised our own flights and had a short time doing our own thing at the beach and then Colombo. The parts organised for us (the tour/ excursions/ driver/ hotels etc) went really smoothly and was very good value. The system for planning the itinerary at pre booking stage is very satisfactory and you are provided with a lot of information by very knowledgeable people who clearly love the country.Stan Deboehmler review 25 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The kindness of the people in a stunning country. So well looked after by Oscar our driver and all the staff at the bungalows where we stayed. Took me back to my childhood.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stick to the small bejou hotels/ bungalows away from the crowds whenever possible. Having your own driver and car makes for comfortable travel . Another time I would probably not move every two days waits quite exhausting.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we would like to think so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I'd go back tomorrow ! Loved it.Bill Dinner review 11 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
By far the best part of the trip was having our whole family together for a week in Sri Lanka. My wife, my sons - one with his fiancé, and our close friends will make this a trip to remember forever.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Since the Sri Lanka portion of the trip was only 8 days we wanted to focus on the Buddhist sites and on wildlife. The vacation provider put together a wonderful itinerary that fufilled these aims. The guide was very knowledgeable on Buddhist areas and did a great job of helping and guiding us through out the week.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly supported local folks though I doubt we helped reduce impacts - the only real way to do that is not to go.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great trip, great guide and solid tour company - the vacation provider was top notch and I would not hesitate to use them again.Emma Collver review 28 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the huge variety of wildlife was a real highlight for us. We saw lizards, elephants, leopards, Eagles, owls, deer, a jackal, crocodiles, monkeys, a wide array of birds, flying foxes, a giant squirrel...and much more! We also loved staying at the Madulkelle Eco Resort overlooking the Knuckles mountain range. It was a fantastic place to stay and do some hiking in the local area.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Seeing all the historic sits and Buddhist temples with a guide is interesting, but can be very lengthy and extremely hot! If walking, there are leeches but no where near as scary as advised on other sites...just wear long thick socks sprayed in deet and leather walking boots...they got other people in trainers, but not us in walking boots. We went in August and mosquitos were few and far between. Tip everyone...guides, chauffeurs, waiters...even if it says include in bill..., bag carriers, hotel staff etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all the guides were local and very knowledgable. We found that some of the safaris have hundreds of jeeps..however the company that the vacation provider booked for us seemed to be a bit more respectful of the animals...not getting so close, but still great safaris.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! Really great country with hospitable people who are excited to show you around. The places we went to were really varied...Sri Lanka has everything...coasts, wildlife, mountains, culture, food....and so much more. The vacation provider were extremely organised and helped us tailor our vacation to exactly what we wanted. The accommodation they recommended were all excellent..really varied, clean, great food, considered environmental impacts.Janet Halliday review 9 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Unexpectedly coming across a leopard on Horton Plains. Even the jeep driver and our guide were surprised! Aside from the wonderful wildlife that we saw with the help of our driver/guide, we'll have good memories of the friendliness and warmth of the Sri Lankans we met. We were impressed by their quiet devotion at the temples, and touched that we were welcomed there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Give yourselves time. Have at least two, and preferably three, nights in each place. Stay in small guesthouses or small hotels. There's a better chance the owner/staff will be local and have time to chat with you, and a better chance your money will go straight into the local economy. Sit down, look, and wait for life to happen around you. We should have done more of that.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We're pretty sure it benefited local people. We hope, but have no way of knowing, that our entry fees to the national parks helped local conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good, a happy and memorable experience. We'd recommend our tour company and Responsible Travel! to others.Peter Carter review 29 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Probably seeing the Turtles late on a hot humid evening digging their holes laying eggs then shuffling back to the sea.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trying to pace yourself to include everything you can because there is so much to see in this fabulous place .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes,by staying in small guest houses where the local people were employed.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Brilliant driver, friendly and knowledgeable. We would happily recommend this vacation with this operator as one of the best vacations we have ever had.Pat Callear review 12 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The marvelous countryside of hills, beaches and vibrant cities. The opportunity to see so much wild-life in their natural habitat. This includes loads of wild elephants, wild buffalo, peacocks, so many monkeys, a leopard and blue whales. For those interested in bird watching, Sri Lanka could not be surpassed. The diversity of religious temples and artifacts. Incredible food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We stayed in a wide variety of accommodation avoiding large hotels. we found the smaller places offered better and more tailor made services, and gave us the opportunity to experience local cuisine.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As far as the accommodation etc was concerned, this did seem to benefit local people. However, on one of the safaris (Minnerya) we felt rather concerned about the amount of jeeps involved and the general pursuance of the elephants. This safari compared unfavourably to the one in Yala, which was much better organised.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very highly. The organisation was first rate, and the guide and chauffeur were excellent. The accommodation chosen were for the most part superlative and the train trips were really the high-lights of the tripChris Fry review 26 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything was memorable! Sri Lanka is truly amazing and we're so glad we went. We did such a wide variety of things - trips to temples and historical sites, jeep safari (seeing the wild elephants was definitely memorable!), visiting the mountains and tea plantations, beaches and whale watching, our list goes on and on. Our guide was excellent and really gave added value to the trip. Everything was well organised and went without a hitch, from take-off to landing back in the UK.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Tell your guide what you want and they will shape your trip around that. Sri Lanka has so much to offer so incorporate a variety of activities - definitely some culture, definitely some wildlife and definitely some beach and sea element - the south coast is just glorious. Be prepared to learn how to tip!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We interacted with local people in most of the places we went. Many Sri Lankan people are employed in the tourist industry so obviously they benefit but we also tried as often as we could to buy things in local shops and use local traders when we were out and about. Our guide helped us with this, for example we expressed an interest in buying some batik products as gifts, he took us to a batik factory which he knew offered good quality products and we were happy to pay a fair price for the products we bought. They were not cheap but they were beautiful hand-made products and we came away knowing that what we spent would benefit that local village and the ladies and young girls who produced them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb. We are happy to recommend our guides for offering great service. We had never visited Asia before but we were well looked after.Jeffrey Carlin review 2 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most unexpected event was stumbling upon the full moon ceremony at the Temple of the tooth in Kandy. At least 6 temple elephants dressed in all their finery with dozens of dancers and drummers. We loved the Safari's but in fact the diversity of things to do in Sri Lanka was amazing. Cultural sites, hiking, safari's and beaches.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try and spend some time at guest houses to get to meet the locals. Also recognize that the tourist infrastructure is good, but not as robust as in other developing countries. There is lots of driving around from site to site on windy, 2 lane roads. Although distances may look short as the crow flies, the travel times can be very long.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We took cooking lessons from locals and tried to eat in small, out of the way restaurants that were not run by the hotels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We very much enjoyed the trip. The hotels and sites/activities we experienced were memorable. Our travel company did an excellent job and was flexible when we decided to make last minute changes in our itinerary. Our children, who had never traveled in the developing world felt safe and found the entire experience invigorating.Derek Putnam review 5 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole tour was superb. From meeting our guide at the airport to our day of departure we enjoyed every new experience. Wildlife was wonderful, Upul our guide had a good knowledge of the Birds of Sri Lanka, our chief interest, every hotel was unique and special, the country is lush, vibrant, beautiful and the Sri Lanken people were just wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Research everything before you go. Hotels, culture, history and wildlife. Travel as light as you can and leave everything else to your guide. Unless you have a real love of hot spicy food, be prepared to have to settle for what you can get by way of food in hotels. We never went hungry, but main courses especially were difficult due to their love of Chilie.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. All three in the main. We really got to see the local view of life traveling in our own, very modern, vehicle and used local cafes services and attractions when possible. Safaris fund conservation. Some concerns over number of trucks converging on main wildlife attractions, but as birders we took less travelled tracks most of the time and got far more out of the experience.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Hard work at times. Wish we could afford to go back business class as the flight for us was pretty horrific due to limited space and length of flight 12 hrs 40 on return. But overall the best and most exciting vacation we could have wished for. Great wildlife experiences. Superb and or different hotel experiences and we were helped every step of the way by Upul, our excellent Guide.Lori Keating review 16 Feb 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The original driver had to be changed because the driver we were first booked with was ill, (recovering from the Dengue Fever we were told.) Anira was the brother of our scheduled driver. He was friendly and knowledgeable, and a safe driver. (or as safe as any driver can be on the seamlessly lawless and ruleless roads) We gave him the fun name Big Daddy as he was forever pulling out his wallet to give us smaller change for tips and washroom money. We liked him very much and had some good laughs with him. He must of thought these two girls were crazy as most of our luggage consisted of 8 bottles of wine dragged along from the Duty Free;-) He did a very nice job of managing our needs and the time we needed to be alone to explore.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Yala Park Safari: We were booked for an early morning safari at 6am ( finishing at 10) and also for an evening safari that started at approximately 4pm till sunset. I thought we would have been shown two separate areas of the park but this wasn't the case. We ended up returning to the same location in the evening. The plus side of having a morning and an evening safari is there is a better chance to see those elusive animals such as the leopard and the bear. The down side is that it wasn't as exciting to see the same place twice. With that being said, we were fortunate to see the leopard on both safaris. The morning view of the leopard was spectacular! The evening one was much farther away and at an angle that you could only see his head.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I had a visit to the local school and village and was impressed with what this place is trying to accomplish.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
First and foremost, it has to be said that Sri Lanka did not disappoint us in any way! We were always greeted with warmth waves and smiles! It has to be one of the friendliest countries I've visited and it was for the most part very clean.Jude Lambert review 23 Feb 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The vacation overall was amazing, there were so many memorable experiences it is difficult to name only one thing. If we had to choose it would have to be turtle watching on Rekawa beach.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow plenty of time to fully appreciate all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Check the sea conditions before going on a whale watching trip, unless you are unaffected by rough seas.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We chose a tour through Responsible Travel because of their ethical approach to tourism. All the hotels, guest houses and restaurants where we stayed or eat were owned or run by local people. All the services we used were the same, and our chauffeur/guide was senegalese.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, a very memorable and enjoyable vacation, very well organised and executed by the operator. I would recommend them to anyone, and have already done so!Heli Aru review 29 Jan 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sri Lankean nature and food were just amazing. The chefs are real professionals!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you have any problems during the stay, i.e. health wise, report those to the hotel you are staying. Don't try to manage on your own.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, there was direct exposure to the local enterpreueners.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great!Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
