I am hoping to visit Sri Lanka this year but due to work commitments could not travel until late April. I notice that this is in the middle of the rainy season. Can anyone tell me what the rain patterns will be like, I don't mind if it rains for a couple of hours and then becomes sunny but I would prefer to visit a different country if there is a chance that whole days will be overcast and rainy. Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance if you can.

Peak monsoon is bit later than April unless u are very unlucky. So, u shd be ok. Monsoon in india and Sri Lanka is normally heavy showers intermittently for 75% of the season and nonstop rain for 25%. Re hotels u have not mentioned budget. A great boutique property i stayed at havelock Place in Colombo has a website www.bungalow.lk. Hope u plan to venture out of colombo. tell me whether you want mountains, beaches or wildlife and budget and will suggest acc. Sure u will enjoy - is a gorgeous country.

Sameera, I may have to go to Colombo in March, about 2 days business, but I would like to then stay over for the weekend and head to a beach area close to Colombo, you are the expert, I don't want 4/5 star in CMB but a decent ok hotel for business that won't make us look 'poor' , i.e, a good value tip, and then similar just for a lazy weekend for myself before flying out early hours Tues am back to BKK.

Sameera, Thanks for the advice it looks like April will still be possible. As for the itinerary I thought 3 nights at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, 2 nights Kandy, 6 nights at a Southern Beach Hotel, and 4 nights Negombo. We can take day trips from these places to see anything else we want. It is the Southern Beach hotel I am confused about. I want a decent class hotel with a pool but do not require extensive hotel facilities. I prefer to spend a lot of time outside the hotel but want a comfortable base to return to without lots of package holiday tourists on all inclusive deals, I would like to be in walking distance (or at least easy access) to local bars and restaurants where we can eat out. I have looked at Eden, Taj Exotica, Club Villas and also Golden Sun near Kalutara but everywhere seems to concentrate only on the hotel, rather than the vicinity. Your advice would be appreciated.

James A, take a look at havelock Place. www.bungalow.lk. About US$90 per night I think. Colombo is like india and unlike Thailand i.e. mid range properties are tough to get. While I stayed at Havelock there were business travelers there. However, I should forewarn u no business center or gym. Is a 6 room only hotel, immaculate, like a club actually. Re the beach hotels my earlier comments re pricing are unfortunately true even here. We stayed at a very average beach property whose name is eluding me for US$150 a night. You could look at Blue Water at Wadduwa which is near enough Colombo and the airport. Anna, are you going to the tea plantation country? Is gorgeous. I think you should add some outdoorsy stuff i.e. wildlife or a nature resort ot tea country to your trip.

Thanks, will take a look, sounds perfect, I will let you know how it goes. What's the best transport downtown, like a 2345 hrs arrival, just taxi or any other suggestion? Thanks Sameera

Glad u asked JamesA. When we stayed at Havelock we got a co car in the middle of the night (prob same flt) and driver went round in circles. For your arrival best to tell hotel to organize car (they are not too exp) as at least guy will easily find place. Is a bit non mainstream in terms of location. Tell me if u want restaurant ideas or anything else. Colombo is a fairly small city so u can pretty much go anywhere. DEF go to beach Wadia (book in advance) for amazing seafood at great prices, very basic, right on the sand, near a railway crossing.

Sounds perfect, I'll get them to organise a car for me, I don't want to arrive that time of night without some arrangement.