Most Inspirational Moment
I particularly enjoyed the pleasant walk around Horton Plains, followed by one of the best meals of the holiday - beautiful freshly prepared curries and side dishes served in a "local" style roadside hut, way different from the typical tourist restaurants and hotels we'd been eating in up until then. Made a nice change from the endless buffets!I was among 4 more serious photographers who also managed to organise a second game drive around Yala National Park, which despite the 4am alarm call was well worth it. Although no leopard were sighted, we did spot the shy and rarely seen sloth bear digging up ants in some bushes. Despite some frantic jockeying for position between the 3 or so jeeps that were in the vacinity we all managed to get a worthwhile shot or two before the bear shuffled off out of view. Back to the hotel in time for breakfast!I also enjoyed the free time we had in Galle Fort, just wandering around the narrow streets taking in the views. There was a very relaxed, slightly hippy feel to this place with less hassle than some of the towns we'd visited, or perhaps it was just that there were fewer people around being the Sri Lankan New Year. Either way its a lovely place to visit, and a shame we couldn't have stayed longer.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sujee is a very accomplished and competent group leader. He managed to pull strings and do a lot of organising behind the scenes in order to make sure that most of the groups' expectations were fully met, while keeping in line one particular member of the group who seemed to want the entire itinerary to be tailored to their particular requirements!Sujee clearly loves his home country and wants everyone to feel the same way, whilst his strong Buddhist beliefs keep him calm and assured.Well done and many thanks to Sujee, and his back-up team of Chmi who always made sure the coach was clean and tidy with plenty of cool drinking water always available, and Lasa for driving such long distances safely and comfortably.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The formal evening meal at The Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya was all a bit of a joke really, and not worth the effort. After dressing up in shirt, tie and trousers and borrowing a jacket (which I was told to put back on having found it too warm and uncomfortable to wear), the food and service were just not very good. Never mind, the surroundings and quirky hotel made up for it.April in Sri Lanka was hotter than I expected it to be, but plenty of water was at hand and all but 1 of the hotels were A/C and most had swimming pools. Plenty of sun screen and insect repellent required!The tip kitty organised by Sujee worked really well for us and took the pressure off individuals having to tip guides, restaurant and hotel staff, porters etc. A full account of expenditure was presented to the group for audit on the last day of the trip! Well worth paying into if you get the option.Meals are relatively cheap and sometimes the buffets are good value, especially if you are short of time and feeling hungry. If not then go a la carte but expect a long wait! Even when ordering meals 2 hours in advance there can be a bit of a wait, but that's why beer was invented! Beers are around £2 a bottle, Three Coins being my favourite. Change about £150 at the airport and you'll be OK for the first week or more. I took £500 spending money with me, did most of the optional activities, bought a few souvenirs, ate and drank well and came back with £150 unspent.