Hi, wanting to go to Sri Lanka for Chinese New Year 2005 - for a week. Not interested in beaches. Have sent out emails to travel agents few days back but no response as yet - they're probably all too busy arranging Christmas holidays!
Can anyone suggest an itinerary, we have had Kandalama Hotel and Nuwara Elya Tea Factory mentioned.
We are happy with 4 star hotels, so suggestions there would also be appreciated.
Thanks

colombo - Kandy (take the train) - Nuwara Elia (take the train) - Pollonarawua (spelling!!) - Galle.

There is an amazing place called Dambulla but you'll have to look it up for yourself as I know I got there on a bus and was going from a to b and think a was Nuwara Elia and b was the coast but can't remember for sure. Don't have travel notes to hand and it was a while ago. Sigyria (spelling) is a place I didn't visit but is included on many package tours and sounds pretty special.

Your insisting upon 4 star hotels may limit your options!!

I posted earlier on this subject in detail including hotel names for someone else recently, do a search...in Colombo the Havelock Place Bungalow is charming tho facilities are limited - www.bungalow.lk.com. If you are willing to splurge www.elephantcorridoor.com tho do not know if you will get a room. www.ecoclub.com has some interesting looking options as does www.ecotoursinsrilanka.com - not tried them myself. The Angsana Deer Park at Giritale looks good. The Colombo-Kandy train can be seen at www.jftours.com. Also look at www.aitkenspencetravels.com for ideas tho they are expensive to book thru. Finally 2 other hotel options - www.bouldergarden.com and www.galapita.com.

Thanks for the advice Alice and Hobbes. Much appreciated.

My very favorite places in Sri Lanka were: Havelock Bungalow, Stonehouse Lodge, and Galapita. These are all excellent and unique places. I recommend checking out this great website: i-escape.com. You can read more about these places and also see photos and customer reviews.

If however, you are looking for big resorts and 4 star luxury, then these very small boutique-type places will probably not be for you.