15

Great Paul, thanks very much. I really appreciate it.

But, elephants behind a temple? Paul, do yourself a favour: find a nice lady (a human one) !!!!!!!!

16

I feel like such a muppet, but i'm in the middle of applying for the online visa thingy and it's asking me for the address of where i'm staying. Unfortunately, as per my usual travelling style, I won't decide where i'm going til i get off the plane.
Can I just put any hotel name down or do i actually have to book something??

17

Put down anywhere you like, they never look at it.

If you want a genuine address,

The Silver Sands Guest House,
229 Lewis Place,
Negombo.

It's a regular, popular first and last stop in Lanka.Only 20 minutes from the airport. On the beach and cheapish..

Rod.

18

Thanks Rod. Actually, it's starting to look appealing. When you say cheapish, what's your idea of cheap? I've got a very tight budget and am hoping to find places mostly in the £10 a night region. Have got a budget of about £35 a day, which looking at Lonely Planet Sri lanka, would seem to be on the low side?
I arrive at the airport at about 3 in the morning and, not knowing the country at all, am unsure of how easy it is to get about at that time of the morning. Being a solo traveller i don't really want to be getting expensive taxi journeys right at the start of the trip.
Am still torn between whether to start up at Kandy and work my way down to the beaches or vice versa.

3 possible itineries at the mo:

1)
Galle
Mirissa
An as yet undecided national park
Ella
nuwara eliya
Kandy
Negombo

2)
Head to the east coast and wander aimlessly from beach to beach for 2 weeks

3)
The same as 1 but in reverse

19

Hi,
It's about 8 months since I last stayed in the Silver Sands and that was a double room.
Prices then for doubles were, Double fan room, en-suite, at the end away from the beach, 1540rupees.
Price for the same at the beach end, 1760.
Price upstairs, sea views and air-con 2200.

But, I have no, idea of a single price.

Perhaps if " Colomboeighter " sees this he can give you a better idea as he was there more recently.

Rod.

20

sus station near airport is a 15 minute walk. Bus to Negombo Town. Lewis place is 30 minute walk from Negombo Bus station. Eating in Negombo town should save you heaps.... :)

Happy travelling..