We spent 2 weeks in Sri Lanka in 2000 and greatly enjoyed it, despite the civil unrest. Now we're dithering over whether to go back...

In 2000, we stayed with a Canadian friend in Colombo and borrowed her car and driver for two trips (Cultural triangle; Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and beaches). It was all SOOO easy, for a pair of S Asia neophytes.

If we were to go back:

1. What should we expect to pay for a car and driver?

2. Are there places we have not seen that we should see?

3. Where to stay in Colombo -- and out of town?

4. I've checked out (mostly for fun)some of the high-end hotels, especially in the SW, and am staggered at the rise in prices in 7 years. Yet I also read that tourism is way down and many hotels are empty. Can we expect discounts from the Internet/ rack rates?

5. How intrusive are the security measures? We saw guns and were VERY briefly stopped at roadblocks -- and passed 5 or 7 separate security checks in the airport. But some threads suggest it's worse now...

Re. the discounted lux hotel rates:
the 2 Amans in Sri Lanka just cut their rates in half (still quite pricey, though) and the new Fortress Hotel hotel on the beach near Galle is offering "buy 2 nights get 2 nights free"...I think the price works out to about $130 or so per night (quite a deal considering the rates were >$500 when they opened recently)
www.thefortress.lk

We have an entire staffed luxury villa on the beach near Tangalle (southeast) for $350/night with full board through boutiquesrilanka.com.

Car and driver really depends on distance and timing - we were quoted $50 per day.

Have you stayed at Kandalama at Dambulla in the cultural triangle?

As far as activities are concerned, it seems you've hit the major sites. Have you done a safari at Yala or one of the other major parks?

Dambulla, Pollonaruwa.

You don't need a car and driver - buses and trains are fine.

Thanks for the advice. I was aware of Kandalama from earlier threads and may pursue that. It has ben quite thoroughly discussed on this board.

(I'm a newbie to this forum but did research earlier threads.)

The Fortress also looks quite enticing.

RE Yala: Wasn't there an attack there in the last couple of weeks?

Regarding the "attack" near Yala, there have been isolated incidents on Sri Lanka over the years including bombings at the airport. If this makes you feel uncomfortable don't go. I personally wouldn't let the situation there influence my plans.

From what I just read on the Foreign Office website, it looks like Yala might be closed? http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?...=1013618386451

If true, I hope that isn't the case during your upcoming trip!

Yala was only supposed to be closed for a couple of weeks so it should be opening again shortly.