Looking for opinions and advice on Sri Lanka itinerary with Mumbai extension (page 2 of 4)

In Galle

One idea: Adam's Peak by sedan chair—the locals use this method without hesitation. Anyway, don’t hike up in the afternoon like I did, even if it’s less hot in January than in May!

The Emirates Hotel in Mumbai is at 21 €. Plus, it's really close to Dharavi 😉

The Emirates Hotel in Mumbai is 21 €. Plus, it's really close to Dharavi 😉

Uh... no 🏴‍☠️

Back then, the sunrise hike up Adam’s Peak really blew me away, but you’ll need more than a day in the area

You know my climbing skills and cravings for a good scramble

Discussing nature and landscapes in your Kyrgyzstan thread made me realize this itinerary is much more nature-focused than urban (except for Mumbai). I’m worried I’ll miss the city vibe :/

Sri Lanka is far from being a desert... I don’t remember it having vast open spaces at all. More like big villages, towns—definitely not a density of 5 people per km²! !😉

Hi Kate, I wrote a little trip report from a journey I took in January 2024 that included Mumbai. It might give you some ideas: https://voyageforum.com/forum/compte-rendu-voyage-3-semaines-en-inde-en-janvier-2024-d10553545/

As for Sri Lanka, the trip report is much older (August 2014), but it might still give you some ideas if the info is still up to date!

https://voyageforum.com/forum/sri-lanka-beau-voyage-3-semaines-mais-pas-si-cool-que-ca-d6688836/

happy planning

In high season, you're almost always in very crowded places. I think it's a shame, especially since the trip duration is comfortable, not to go to Tamil country—if only as far as Trincomalee, which is only two hours by road from Sigiriya. It's a very different Sri Lanka from the Sinhalese one in many ways. Should you take Biboun's tuk-tuk or should I lend you my motorbike? 😉

Hi Guy

Thanks for this info! Some great ideas for Mumbai... For Sri Lanka, I’ll keep in mind your descriptions of the vibes, even though a lot has probably changed in 12 years!

Hey JL

We decided not to go to the East coast because of the rainy season. And we want to stay at least 3 nights at each stop. Unless it's absolutely unmissable—would one day be enough?

No tuk-tuks or motorbikes 😉 But I get it, both would’ve been tempting! This time we’re gonna try trains and buses, unlike our previous trips where we unanimously opted for a car with a driver.

Hi Kate, So you’ve finally decided on Sri Lanka and Mumbai, which was a must-do for you. For hotels, I’ve never paid that rate in Mumbai, and the last time I was there, I stayed in two hotels that were both very decent. The Flora Suites hotel was very good and in a great location. The brunch at the Taj hotel is unforgettable. As for the dabbawalas, it’s really not a must-see anymore—they’re not as numerous as they used to be, they sort the boxes quickly, and leave just as fast. The Dhobi Ghat, on the other hand, is worth a visit, but that’s just my opinion. If you’re looking for a lively and authentic neighborhood, the area around Crawford Market is great—the streets are bustling with a typical bazaar vibe. Gandhi’s house is nice too, in a more upscale neighborhood.

Same opinion as Voyajou. The north and east of Sri Lanka (the "Tamil country"), which remained completely empty of visitors for over 40 years due to the ethnic war, has certainly retained more "authenticity" and still has a lot to offer. I really liked Jaffna and its surroundings, as well as Trincomalee. But that was in 1975! From an MTO (mass tourism organization) point of view, I don’t think it disrupts the visit to the region much.

It must still be quite a shock to go from a budget first-price hotel to the Taj Palace breakfast table. 😄

Hi Marie-Jo

We’d talked about that hotel (Flora Suites), and I’d mentioned that the latest reviews put me off...

I’ll treat you to brunch at the Taj Hotel 😉

Hi Jean-Michel,

We sacrificed the north and east in favor of Mumbai. The choice of the west and south of the island was motivated by the unfavorable climate in January/February in the other parts. I agree that Tamil country still likely has a lot to offer. We really enjoyed Tamil Nadu in India. I imagine the two places have some similarities.

It must still be quite a shock going from a budget first-price hotel to the Taj Palace breakfast table.

That’s what’s so great about it. Common practice for Kate !

It must still be quite a shock going from a budget first-price hotel to the Taj Palace breakfast table. 😄

One doesn’t rule out the other, and I love great places.

I also did it when I was earning minimum wage. I even remember that La Mamounia only charged us for one breakfast out of two. 😛

Nowadays, I avoid this kind of hotel. Unless there’s no other choice. Or if the cheapest option is already 150 euros. 🤪

I’ve already told you it’s not really about the budget but more about the style of accommodation. You see, in Tangalle I found this: https://www.booking.com/Share-nCgSPa for 27 € a night. What matters to me is that it’s a small place—it’s all about the vibe! I can’t stand impersonal, cold resorts. A bit of rustic comfort doesn’t bother me as long as it’s very clean and the bathroom is private. For a relaxed end to the trip, I’d even pay 4 times more, but what I’ve seen in that price range just doesn’t appeal to me at all!