Posts listed under the ‘Sri Lanka’ category
Wilpattu National Park to re-open this month
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010, by Tom Armstrong
Leopard in Wilapttu
The park had been closed for security reasons since 1988 although opened briefly during 2003 to give a fortunate few a glimpse of its natural treasures. With the end of the three decade civil war in Sri Lanka, the park has been cleared and deemed safe to re-open. (more…)
Kandy Perahera Dates Announced
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010, by Tom Armstrong
Kandy Perahera
Orchid Painting Workshop in Sri Lanka
Monday, February 8th, 2010, by Sam ClarkA reminder from our friends at Moonhill came in today about their paining workshop which seemss to be proving popular. I doubt there are more inspiring places anywhere!
For more details get in touch with us.
Andy from Moonhill writes:
Only a few places still available on Billy Showell’s ‘Orchids & Tropical Flowers’ painting
workshop in Sri Lanka. Course dates 4th-10th & 11th-17th April 2010.
Spend 6 nights in the tranquil setting of Moonhill, a luxurious beach villa on Sri Lanka’s
southern coast, drawing and painting orchids & tropical flowers Sri Lanka is orchid heaven!
More than 188 orchid species grow here, with a stunning 55 that are unique to the island and
provide the source of inspiration for this course.
Under Billy’s encouraging step-by-step guidance you will find yourself drawing and painting
these exquisite flowering plants with increasing confidence and skill. All-ability levels and
beginners are welcome on the 4-day painting course, with the small group size (maximum no. 
guaranteeing you individual tuition and guidance. Places are limited and will be based on
first come first serve.
Sri Lanka tops NY Times list as top travel destination for 2010
Friday, January 15th, 2010, by Tom ArmstrongSri Lanka has been rated number 1 in the New York Times’ top travel suggestions for 2010.
Of the 31 countries listed in the feature, the publication cited the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, the island’s glorious beaches and spectacular wildlife as some of the principal attractions.
The Nilaveli Beach Hotel and unexplored east coast, Thambapanni Retreat were singled out for particular praise, as were The Sun House and Galle Fort Hotel in Galle.
It’s great to see Sri Lanka finally getting some much deserved attention for the right reasons and we look forward to sharing in, and contributing to, the success and progress the country will make in 2010.
Sri Lanka’s east coast declared safe
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, by Tom ArmstrongThe British Foreign Office (FCO) has further relaxed it’s travel advice with regards to travel in Sri Lanka’s fascinating eastern provinces. This puts the fabulous beaches at Pasikudah and Kalkudah back on the travel map. Vibrant towns such as Amparai and Batticaloa are also officially considered safe again.
Sri Lanka updates
Thursday, December 24th, 2009, by Sam ClarkWe’ve had 2 directors and a staff member in Sri Lanka for the bulk of this month - looking at product, talking to suppliers and generally making a nuisence of themselves. The overwhelming impression that were left with is how Sri Lanka is starting to take off after the end of the war 6 months ago. It aint a bed of roses by any means - but there is hope for the future and that is something new in Sri Lanka in many ways.
One of our directors, Mick Lowe, below gives his personal reflections on the political scene in Sri Lanka, from a tourist point for view and watch out for some great product news and reviews over the coming weeks.
Happy Christmas One and All!
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Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka 26th Jan, 2010
Saturday, November 28th, 2009, by Sam ClarkIt’s just been confirmed that there will be a Presidential Election in Sri Lanka on 26th January. It’s basically a face off between the two great war heroes of popular Sri Lankan mythology - President Rajapakse and the fromer head of the Armed forces Sarath Fonseka, rivals as true heir to the Dutugemunu legacy, will slug it out for supremacy. The erstwhile partners in the successful push to finish the Sri Lankan civil war this year have fallen out with each other in spectacular fashion. Fonseka, hero to the masses and to the army rank and file, is certainly the only man around with the popularity credentials to get anywhere close to President Mahinda Rajapakse right now.
I can only assume it has been called so quickly to catch Fonseka and his unholy UNP/JVP alliance on the hop, whilst forcing the prospective candidates in the general election (which must be held before May 2010) to campaign ferociously on behalf of their President at risk of losing their own jobs/chance to contest a seat in the upcoming elections.
The inhabitants of Sri Lanka continue to live in interesting times…
Villas in Sri Lanka
Saturday, November 28th, 2009, by Sam ClarkThe villa concept in Sri Lanka is much misunderstood and so it’s a theme I come back to - in the (probably) vain hope that someone might read this blog and help get the following messages out.
1: Villas are a wonderful option for staying in Sri Lanka, both for couples looking for luxury and privacy at a reasonable cost and for families looking for comfort and value.
2: Villas in Sri Lanka are generally not cheap and they are not basic self catering units as you get in the west.
3: Villas in Sri Lanka are great value.
I’ll deal with point 2 first. We at Experience Sri Lanka spend much of our time explaining that villas in Sri Lanka are not like cheap European/Australian/US villas/self catering units, that you cannot get them without staff and that you will pay a fairly decent rate, even for the most basic.
There are several reasons why the villas are not cheap:
Thoughts on Ethical Conservation
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009, by Tom ArmstrongWe are delighted to welcome back Sidantha Kumara, one of our specialist nature & adventure guides, as our guest blogger. Here he shares his passionate views on the ethics of conservation. His views are directly influenced by his involvement in the Abode community tourism project in the knuckles mountains and from his general passion for social and environmental protection of Sri Lanka’s incredible natural and cultural wealth. 
His views are also influenced by his deep commitment to the human side of the conservation debate. Other similarly informed and opinionated people we work with have different views on this complex subject. Visiting Sri Lanka will likely raise many questions and debate about the conservation of such immense heritage and precious natural resources on all levels. For now though, over to Sid: (more…)
Sri Lanka Hill Country Bungalows
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009, by Sam ClarkSad news today that Netherbyres Bungalow, near Bandarawela, is no longer available for paying customers. It is a great place and all of our guests have had a wonderful time there - with its incredibly authentic atmosphere. Thanks so much to Ajita the owner and the family!
For those wanting the cool charms of an up-country retreat, there are still some great options. The Tea Trails bungalows are the original up-market tea country experience and the service is unrivalled. Bonnielands is not in the same luxury bracket but for fun and authenticity it cannot be beaten as Gemma Bowes from The UK Guardian found out!
The Dutch House in Bandarawela is equally as exclusive and luxurious as Tea Trails, but definitely a more personal experience. Kelbourne Bunaglows is not as cheap as it once was, but great fun and they have the best views in the country I think. Other options, in a slightly differenet area, would be Ellerton and Rangala House. Both of which mean slightly less travelling time to get there as they are close to Kandy, so really suit those looking to limit driving time.
These are all unique and special places which will suit different people. Talk to us to find out more - we’d be delighted to go through the options. What all the places have in common is that they are places to let the fresh hill air and the peace and tranquillity of the up country region - wash over and replenish!