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pataphysicus08:58 UTC03 Dec 2007

Hi there,

we're planning to escape the cold winter and go for two weeks to Sri Lanka in February. Most of the time we're thinking to relax on a beach, but then also, to travel around and see some inland Lanka. Therefore few questions...

What beach location would you suggest. We're thinking of the southern Lanka, like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Matara, Tangalle... some place where it's not overcrowded, the sea is not too rough for swimming, and hopefully where there is something to do apart from sunbathing, at least once in a while. Nice places to eat would be nice too.
Is there a sense to stay overnight inland, or most of the places are ok for daytrips? How is it best to organize a trip (we're probably be 4 plus one kid)
Some nice guesthouses you could suggest? We're not looking for luxurious resort, those are easy to find through the internet anyway. More like nice cabanas on the beachfront. Or maybe there's a point to rent a house?
Do we have to necessarily book our accomodation in advance? Is it necessary to get the visa at the airport? Since, February seems to be high season, can we end up in a situation that everything nice is already taken?
How is it best to get to the south from Colombo? Seems like we'll be arriving to Lanka in the middle of the night.

So much for the moment,

I'd really appreciate your help,
K.

idleflow23:08 UTC03 Dec 2007

Hi K,

I just returned from Sri Lanka, check out my post at:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?messageID=13480021&#13480021

it will answer most of your questions.. if you have any more feel free to PM me!

cheers
Rob.

ceylont04:00 UTC04 Dec 2007

If you are arriving at midnight, you are better off taking a 20min cab ride to Negombo and heading off south the next day. Search this branch or google - there are plenty of accomodations in Negombo.

pataphysicus08:48 UTC04 Dec 2007

We're arriving at 3:15, do you think there still is a need to stay overnight in Negombo? I was thinking more on using the night to travel south, so not to lose the next day.
What's the best way to travel towards Galle and the southern cost from the airport, btw?

SL in February. Some questions Country forums / Indian Subcontinent / Sri Lanka
pataphysicus08:58 UTC03 Dec 2007	Hi there, we're planning to escape the cold winter and go for two weeks to Sri Lanka in February. Most of the time we're thinking to relax on a beach, but then also, to travel around and see some inland Lanka. Therefore few questions... What beach location would you suggest. We're thinking of the southern Lanka, like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Matara, Tangalle... some place where it's not overcrowded, the sea is not too rough for swimming, and hopefully where there is something to do apart from sunbathing, at least once in a while. Nice places to eat would be nice too. Is there a sense to stay overnight inland, or most of the places are ok for daytrips? How is it best to organize a trip (we're probably be 4 plus one kid) Some nice guesthouses you could suggest? We're not looking for luxurious resort, those are easy to find through the internet anyway. More like nice cabanas on the beachfront. Or maybe there's a point to rent a house? Do we have to necessarily book our accomodation in advance? Is it necessary to get the visa at the airport? Since, February seems to be high season, can we end up in a situation that everything nice is already taken? How is it best to get to the south from Colombo? Seems like we'll be arriving to Lanka in the middle of the night. So much for the moment, I'd really appreciate your help, K.
idleflow23:08 UTC03 Dec 2007	Hi K, I just returned from Sri Lanka, check out my post at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?messageID=13480021&#13480021 it will answer most of your questions.. if you have any more feel free to PM me! cheers Rob.	1
ceylont04:00 UTC04 Dec 2007	If you are arriving at midnight, you are better off taking a 20min cab ride to Negombo and heading off south the next day. Search this branch or google - there are plenty of accomodations in Negombo.	2
pataphysicus08:48 UTC04 Dec 2007	We're arriving at 3:15, do you think there still is a need to stay overnight in Negombo? I was thinking more on using the night to travel south, so not to lose the next day. What's the best way to travel towards Galle and the southern cost from the airport, btw?	3

SL in February. Some questions