walking boots, trainers or sandles ?

We are going to Sri Lanka end of December for 16 days, and are planning on doing some walks around the hill country area and Ella maybe to Little Adams Peak and the falls (nothing to grueling !) and are not sure whether teva sandles, trainers or walking boots would be needed - We also want to visit Sinharaja Rain Forest - what do we wear on feet there ?!

Also how cold is it going to be in Nuwara Eliya iat that time of year ? Lots of layers needed or just a micro fleece ?

The other thing that I am trying to confirm is driving, for some of the time we are hoping to hire a motorbike (my husband is an experienced rider) or maybe a car - I know we have to get an International Driving Permit, but do we really have to go to the AA of Ceylon to get it recognised ?? Does everyone do this ? I presume there are companies to hire bikes and cars in Kandy and the hill country ?

We are also going south to spend some time on the beaches, and are after somewhere quiet, palm trees and calm sea - good snorkling would be a bonus too - any suggestions ? Also on places to stay down there, we are not into top end hotels, and would love something simple, clean and on the beach if possible - cabins ? what are they like ?

We are Buddhists so are looking forward to spending some quiet time around some temples, apart from the main stream are there any that shouldn't be missed ?

Has anyone travelled on the Kandy observation carriage train leaving around 3.30 from Fort ? I have heard that it gets very hot with all the glass and maybe abit isolated from "real life" - would you get good views on the "normal" trains travelling 2nd class ? Pros and cons ?

We are also hoping to see some wild elephants at Uda Walawe National Park, is this a good option ?

Many thanks
Sue

From my experience, light weight walking boots or shoes are best - it can be wet and there are plenty of spiky things about ( and stingy and biting things.) The locals climb Adams Peak in sandals - not me though For Sinharajah you really need something waterproof.

Nuwara Eliya in December- bloody cold at night. In bed you need everything you can find and it can still be too cold to sleep - odd because it can be colder in the UK and sleep is no problem, I think it is the contrast. Days are OK but may still be coolish, especially if the cloud is down. Microfleece OK then but at night blankets, gloves, socks, hat, scarf, another blanket, warm dog, various shirts - whatever is available. You may be offered a hot water bottle. Say yes.

Driving - does everyone do this? Not me for sure. I want to see my next birthday. Seriously,driving is a nightmare and you have to really,really want to do it. But try and find road casualty figures first and look at them carefully so you know what you are getting in to. Everyone has friends and relatives who have been killed on the roads. Driving is very dangerous and public transport is dirt cheap. Decision? What decision?

The big temples like Dambulla are easy to find, but get to Kandy and ask a guide to take you to visit the temples outside the town. There are a number of beautiful ones in small villages west of Kandy and most guides or 3 wheeler drivers know the route. Obviously too, there is the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) but it is very commercialised and you pay 500 rupees to go in and pray.

Re the observation car, I believe what you say is true. But I prefer to travel second class - more fun, more friendly and just as quick. Best views are by standing in the doorways which is a good way to travel as you keep cool. There are some amazing views if you take the train beyond Kandy towards Badulla - to Nuwara Eliya or Ella or maybe Haputale (my favourite spot in the hills.)

Efflumps - probably yes in Uda Welawa. One of the best places to see wild ones.

Hi,
I agree with just about everything the wadiwadiman has said.
However, I have been up Litle Adams Peak a couple of times , wearing sandals.. I didn't have a problem. My sandals are magic. Bought about 5 years ago in a shoe shop in Negombo for the princely sum of £3. Still got years in them yet.
For Sinharaja, good walking shoes, socks that you can tuck you're "Long " trousers into and spray it all up with repellant, or rub soap all over the material. Helps to keep the leeches out.

Newara Eliya,,, cold at night and often gets cold in the day time as well. If the clouds come in low and the wind gets up, it gets cold.
Like wadiwadiman, I spent a night wrapped up, on a bed, shivering and unable to sleep at all because I was so cold. I don't stay in Newara Eiya any more, I head for Haputale or Ella.
Steve mentioned a hot water bottle, ,,lots of the hotels there have fire places in the rooms. Get the crew to lay and light a fire for the evenng.
In the middle of the town there are two permanent markets. The fruit/veg/meat market and the " Jacket Market".
The jacket market sells what the name suggests,, jackets. Warm , thick, fleecy jackets. For peanuts. You can buy yourself a big snuggly jacket very cheaply, use it while in the Newara Eliya altitudes, then give it to one of the locals when you head for warmer climes.

Train,,, again, take the 2nd class. My only reservation in saying that is, sometimes 2nd class can get so crowded, that you could be standing in the middle of the compartment and not even be able to get to a doorway or see out of a window. So really depends on when you travel. Rush hours, weekends or Poya days, usually crowded. Other times, 2nd class.
The one time I used the observation car, just for the experience, me and my son left the car and went into the guards van for most of the journey. Sitting in the big sliding doorway, legs dangling in the breeze.

Driving licence,?.. I know for sure, that one of the motor bike hire shops in Hikkaduwa doesn't require an international license. Cars, I've driven a little over there but in a friends car, not a hire vehicle I just had my UK licence. As wadiwadiman has said, not worth hiring a car and self driving. The cost is almost the same as hiring a car and driver. Means someone else has all the hassle and all your party can enjoy the scenery.
Rod.

Many thanks for your replies they are a great help, I really appreciate it.

Boots or shoes it is then! and we will definately travel 2nd class up to Kandy - sounds much more fun - and public transport or car with driver everywhere else

Thanks again
sue

Cheers Sue - I am relieved you won't be driving. I keep thinking I will try one day but after 5 minutes out of the airport I decide not to. I have driven my friend's tuk tuk round the yard - that was OK.

Re Rod's point about jackets, very true - thick jumpers also dirt cheap. Before climbing Adams Peak in April we kitted out my Sri Lankan friend (my son as he calls himself) from the shops at the bottom. Fleece jacket,gloves and a wooly hat for under £3 total. Near the top he gave the jacket to an old lady who was shivering in just a t-shirt - it was perishing at 7000 feet at 6 am. I was really proud of him.

For what it is worth, I'd avoid Nuwara Eliya for the reasons Rod gave and go to Ella or Haputale for better views.

By the way Rod, I have a pair of Negombo sandals that cost me 70 pence - stll going strong but not for trekking in!

Damn, over payed again. I knew I was being over charged but felt sorry for the guy. Having 12 kids and a mother in law to feed can't be easy.
Still, I reckon I've had and will continue to have great value from mine, so can't complain. So far, they've coped with trekking all over Sri Lanka lots of times,
Even used the left one as a tuk tuk brake once, stuck out the side and digging it into the road when the official brake didn't work.
They did a fair bit of work in Cuba earlier this year , as well and will again in two weeks time when I return there.
Rod.

I have climbed AP a few times and each time I went i was prepared with a few footwear options . I have climbed in sandles and boots . Sandles give your feet alot more air you can dip your feet in the waterfall on the way up and down without peeling off your sox and the layers of skin attached to them.
Been up with boots , I found them too constricting though , the steps are all unevenly spaced .
I would advise boots only if it is raining because it gets very cold on top after you start to cool down . Regardless , bring a change of sox + an extra pair some rubbing alcohol ( just a little bit ) . It works great on the leeches if they get you .

Green house is the nicest and friendlest place to stay at AP , some of the best meals I have had in SL were there . Call first for reservation as Christmas time its hard to get a room .

Deffinately boots in the rainforest .
In Haputale I have walked for hours on end in Tevas.

Agree 1000% with Wadiwadiman , Haputale is far better than Ella which in my opinion is over rated and over run with tourists . Unless your need to wash your car in the waterfall there or even soap up and shower , haputale is a better choice .

BEST views in Sri Lanka ( well Haputale at least ) are from Ropers View .

Go to the Lipton tea factory and look directly above it , if thgere is no cloud cover you will see a small look out point there . When you climb up to liptons seat you will reach a junction , go left and follow the sign . The views are amazing , better than Liptons seat because the sun is in your face there and spoils any type of foto.

Hi travellingpaul.
Thats great info for anyone due to visit Adams Peak.
However, the Op asked about ""Little Adams Peak "" which is just outside of Ella. Different sort of climb altogether.. For one thing,, no leeches, no change of socks needed and no rubbing alcahol.
I reckon Ella and Haputale have about equal appeal. Both have some great walks, the climb up to Ella Rock, and the views from the top , all fantastic. As are the walks and climbs around Haputale.
Rod.

Looks like its time for me to get my eyes checked . Hopefully the info on Adams Peak is useful to someone anyway .
I only got leeched once on Adams Peak and that was just after rain , I have been lucky weather wise with my climbs.

Anyone who needs info on the climb or area , PM me and I will be happy to help you out .

Looks like its time for me to get my eyes checked . Hopefully the info on Adams Peak is useful to someone anyway .
I only got leeched once on Adams Peak and that was just after rain , I have been lucky weather wise with my climbs.

Anyone who needs info on the climb or area , PM me and I will be happy to help you out .

Thanks very much for your replies guys, you've been a great help - cant wait to get there !
Sue