1 independent reviews for Sri Lanka and the maldives small group tour
Reviews for Sri Lanka and the maldives small group tour
Natalie Bell review 18 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable and exciting part of our holiday in Sri Lanka was undoubtedly the sunrise ascent of Sigiriya Rock. Climbing the ancient rock fortress under the early morning sky was an experience that transcended the ordinary and left an indelible mark on our hearts. As we ascended the steep staircase, surrounded by the remnants of a once-majestic kingdom, the anticipation grew with each step. The breathtaking panoramic views unfolding as we reached the summit were nothing short of awe-inspiring. The golden hues of the rising sun cast a magical glow over the lush landscape, revealing the intricate network of gardens, moats, and ancient structures below. Standing atop Sigiriya, we felt a profound connection to the rich history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Our guide, with a deep understanding of the site, shared captivating stories about the kings who once ruled from this elevated fortress and the architectural marvels that surrounded us. The combination of the challenging ascent, the serenity of the early morning, and the historical significance of Sigiriya created a perfect harmony of adventure and cultural immersion. It was a moment of sheer beauty and wonder, and the memory of that sunrise at Sigiriya will forever remain etched in our minds as the pinnacle of our Sri Lankan holiday.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You do not need to take thermals or any towels (beach or otherwise) I definitely overpacked when booking this holiday as these points were not covered in the trip notes. Also, there was a failure to mention that you needed to complete the online arrival/departure form for the Maldives 96 hours in advance of your arrival, it was only because I heard this being explained to a couple at Heathrow that I realised I needed to do this. Also you can complete the arrival form for Sri Lanka online so do that in advance too, saves time when you land. Ensure you already have US Dollars for the Maldives, as you don't really have time to sort this out once you land from Sri Lanka. I would say you only need to budget for your soft drink/alcohol consumption on the boat, there are limited opportunities to bur souvenirs so you do not need to take a lot. Also, if you get seasick ensure you take tablets with you as the boat cannot provide these and it is difficult to carve out time to visit a pharmacy in Male. In Sri Lanka do not feel pressured/compelled to buy things at all the sites you are taken to as a lot of things are cheaper in markets and supermarkets that you will visit in cities when you have some free time. They take you to places that are approved by the Sri Lankan Tourist Board but they are about 5 to 10 times more expensive than the locally bought items. However, this means that you may get dust if you are buying from unregulated places instead of those legitimate exotic spices you wanted. Branded items in supermarkets are safer bets than hand written labelled items in markets, especially for food products. Also don;t forget to barter, barter, barter. Go lower than the price you would like to pay first then go up to the price you actually would be happy paying as then they feel like you have made a concession. There is no WIFI available on the boat in the Maldives, which was not an issue for me and I enjoyed the conversation and games I had with my fellow travellers in the evenings. Something that would not have happened had we all been glued to our phones. If you are desperate for WIFI during this week you can get a sim for a week at the airport but it will cost you around USD$503. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our holiday in Sri Lanka was designed with a focus on benefiting local communities and minimizing environmental impact: Local Engagement: We hired local guides, used locally-owned services, and supported family-run businesses to ensure that our spending directly benefited the communities we visited. Cultural Preservation: We engaged in cultural activities, visited traditional markets, and prioritised local experiences, contributing to the preservation of local traditions and crafts. Responsible Tourism: We practiced responsible wildlife tourism, choosing eco-friendly options that prioritize animal welfare, and adhered to guidelines for minimising environmental impact during hikes and treks. Conservation Support: Actively seeking opportunities to support local conservation initiatives, we visited national parks with conservation programmes and contributed to community-based conservation project, like the turtle hatching sanctuary Environmental Consciousness: Mindful of our environmental impact, we minimised single-use plastics, chose accommodations with eco-friendly practices, and opted for public transportation when possible. However, for the Maldives portion on the trip I think it would be good for Explore to recommend/insist that travellers take/use reef/ocean safe sunscreen (with links to safe products) to try to minimise the adverse effects on its fragile reef ecosystems. Not everyone is aware about this so education is key. In summary, the trip was not only a memorable experience for us but also aimed at positively contributing to local communities, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I cannot emphasize enough how pivotal our guide in Sri Lanka was in making this trip truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed to our final farewell, our guide's exceptional qualities shone through, turning our expedition into a seamless and enriching experience. Our guide Pmal Nalaka Nanayakkara (aka Nala), whose knowledge seemed boundless, was a walking encyclopedia of Sri Lankan history, culture, and geography. Every historical site, every bustling market, and every scenic landscape came alive with stories and insights that added immeasurable depth to our journey. Their passion for their homeland was evident in the way they shared anecdotes and details, making the entire trip an educational and immersive experience. What truly set our guide apart was their friendly and approachable demeanor. From day one, they made us feel like more than just tourists; rather, we were welcomed as friends eager to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka together. Their genuine interest in our preferences and interests ensured that each day was tailored to suit our desires, transforming the trip into a personalized and intimate adventure. Patience was another virtue that our guide possessed in abundance. As we navigated through bustling markets, ancient ruins, and lush landscapes, our guide patiently answered every question, clarified every curiosity, and allowed us the time and space to absorb the beauty and history surrounding us. Their unwavering patience created an atmosphere of tranquility, allowing us to savor every moment without feeling rushed. Flexibility and accommodation were hallmarks of our guide's service. They adeptly adjusted our itinerary to accommodate our spontaneous desires, ensuring that no opportunity for discovery was missed. Whether it was an impromptu detour to a local festival or a last-minute adjustment to avoid crowds, our guide seamlessly adapted to our needs, making the journey not just organized but also incredibly enjoyable. In conclusion, our trip to Sri Lanka was elevated to extraordinary heights by the presence of our guide. Their knowledge, friendliness, patience, flexibility, and accommodation turned what could have been a standard vacation into a deeply enriching and personalized experience. If you are seeking a guide who goes above and beyond to make your journey memorable, I wholeheartedly recommend [Guide's Name] for your Sri Lankan adventure. Their passion for their country and commitment to ensuring an unparalleled experience make them an invaluable asset to any traveler fortunate enough to have them as a guide. My birthday fell in the Maldive section of the holiday and the crew could not have made more of an effort to make it special if they tried. Dinner on a deserted island, surprise bunk decoration and a homemade cake to top it off. It was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend this trip, the two weeks in Sri Lanka seeing all the sites and tasting all the food moving from place to place is magnificently balanced followed by a weeks' more relaxed pace of snorkelling in the Maldives, where no unpacking and repacking is necessary. Although there are a lot of early starts on both trips.Holiday Reviews
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