Sri Lanka drivers and cars
May 3rd, 2014, 05:41 AM
#1
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Sri Lanka drivers and cars
We are planning a 2 week trip in Sri Lanka and are searching for reliable english speaking drivers . Has anyone having a suggestion? We are a family with 2 sons of 21 and 23
May 3rd, 2014, 08:05 AM
#3
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I always recommend that people book though an agency. That way if there are problems with either a driver or a vehicle, the agency will take care of it. We used Boutique Sri Lanka with good results.
May 4th, 2014, 10:19 PM
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I was just going to comment on our family trip to Srilanka with a small tour operator; running by two brothers but thought saying something here too. I'm agree with Kathie and Thursdays; once we book with a agent/operator - we always can expect a back-up plan.
May 4th, 2014, 10:35 PM
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Thank you for all your comments and advice .
We already booked the following:
8-9 juli : Ging Oya Lodge – Negombo
10 juli : Montana rest apartments – Anuradhapura
11 -12 juli : The other Corner – Habarana
13-14-15 juli : Jungle Beach resort – Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee
16-17 juli : Villa 49 – Kandy
18 juli : Unique Cottages - Nuwara Eliya
19 juli : Ella’s Edge Resort – Ella
20 juli : Nugasewana Eden– Tangalle
21 – 22 juli : Rockside Cabanas – Thalpe - Unuwatuna
We wonder if we need different drivers as we stay for example 3 days in trincomalee, and some distances ( cfr Tangale - Unawatuna ) are rather short ? And how do we have to discuss this with a tour operator, are they not more interested in selling packages ?
We already booked the following:
8-9 juli : Ging Oya Lodge – Negombo
10 juli : Montana rest apartments – Anuradhapura
11 -12 juli : The other Corner – Habarana
13-14-15 juli : Jungle Beach resort – Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee
16-17 juli : Villa 49 – Kandy
18 juli : Unique Cottages - Nuwara Eliya
19 juli : Ella’s Edge Resort – Ella
20 juli : Nugasewana Eden– Tangalle
21 – 22 juli : Rockside Cabanas – Thalpe - Unuwatuna
We wonder if we need different drivers as we stay for example 3 days in trincomalee, and some distances ( cfr Tangale - Unawatuna ) are rather short ? And how do we have to discuss this with a tour operator, are they not more interested in selling packages ?
May 5th, 2014, 05:27 AM
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A good agent is most interested in you getting exactly what you want. We kept our car and driver for our whole trip, even though there were a couple of days when we didn't use him. You will likely find it makes sense to keep your driver as well. As long as you have a driver, he is at your service to drive to to a restaurant for dinner or to explore the local area.
May 5th, 2014, 06:28 AM
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Hi John
Do you really want 2 nights in Negombo - seems a waste to me. Nothing special here.
Certainly suggest you keep the car in trincomalee as there is sightseeing in the area if you wish to do so. JB is a newer fancier hotel however as for the beach imho Nilaveli Beach is far nicer than Jungle Beach in Kuchaveli. Nilaveli beach is a fantastic broad beach with pristine golden sand and brilliant blue water and it is right opposite the Pigeon Island where you can visit for excellent snorkelling. JB Kuchaveli is much narrower and the water is rougher no patch.
One night each in Nuwaraeliya, Ella and Tangalle is too much moving, suggest you stay two nights in one place at least and combine Unnawatuna and Tangalle into one location too.
What month of the year are you visiting? Trinco and the east coast is good from April - August and Unnawatuna, Tangalle and South West coat is good from Dec - March. You don't want to waste time at an off season beach!
Do you really want 2 nights in Negombo - seems a waste to me. Nothing special here.
Certainly suggest you keep the car in trincomalee as there is sightseeing in the area if you wish to do so. JB is a newer fancier hotel however as for the beach imho Nilaveli Beach is far nicer than Jungle Beach in Kuchaveli. Nilaveli beach is a fantastic broad beach with pristine golden sand and brilliant blue water and it is right opposite the Pigeon Island where you can visit for excellent snorkelling. JB Kuchaveli is much narrower and the water is rougher no patch.
One night each in Nuwaraeliya, Ella and Tangalle is too much moving, suggest you stay two nights in one place at least and combine Unnawatuna and Tangalle into one location too.
What month of the year are you visiting? Trinco and the east coast is good from April - August and Unnawatuna, Tangalle and South West coat is good from Dec - March. You don't want to waste time at an off season beach!
May 5th, 2014, 07:06 PM
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Hi I just saw your thread that you are visiting in July. Tangalle and Unawatuna (entire South West Coast) is completely off season so suggest not waste much time here. Trincomalee, especially Nilaveli Beach will be divine at this time.
May 5th, 2014, 08:13 PM
#10
We'd had a situation where the agency supplied a personable and knowledgeable driver (thankfully, as that was the primary reason we'd went with an agency). But otherwise had screwed up most of our hotel and train reservations. An itinerary that clearly said accommodations for 2 adults and a child (not baby), but neither the driver or any hotel had been notified. Missing train segments, etc despite being on the itinerary. A real mess that got messier and more defensive with each call for help. Fairly largish agency in Sri Lanka (Jetwing).
So if you go with an agency, I strongly suggest using one the people above have good experience with.
Loved a little beach we chose called Talalla on the south coast (almost the tip). Really peaceful, beach pretty much backed by palms and not much else. Suspect it's perpetually off season tho.
So if you go with an agency, I strongly suggest using one the people above have good experience with.
Loved a little beach we chose called Talalla on the south coast (almost the tip). Really peaceful, beach pretty much backed by palms and not much else. Suspect it's perpetually off season tho.
