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

Hi Kate,

I don’t know if you remember, but we already exchanged messages about your trip to Rajasthan some time ago. I just stumbled upon your post about Sri Lanka. We spent a month there in February 2026 and got back just as the issues with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other airports were starting. Just wanted to let you know that in Sri Lanka, we hired a driver recommended by our hotel in Negombo. I can recommend him if you’d like. Discreet, reliable, punctual—no complaints, and he matched the price we asked for. As for hotels, there are so many options... We used Booking.com—the day before for the next day—and always found what we were looking for. On average 25 €, and always clean, sometimes with a pool. I’d set my limit at 30 €, and never went over. Huge breakfasts... The great thing is that with this site in Sri Lanka, you never pay in advance. So when you arrive, you ask to see the room, and if you don’t like it, you leave. Sure, the hotel owner isn’t happy, but oh well... That happened to us twice—too much noise, bad location, no AC... You’re going to love it; it’s a country where everything goes smoothly. Life is easy—for us, at least—but for Sri Lankans, with inflation, it’s not the same. If I can help, I’d be happy to. Happy planning.

Hi Josiane,

I don’t think I’ll need a driver since we’re staying at least 3 nights in each stop. We’ll use other means of transport (train, bus, or taxis). If we change our minds, I’ll get in touch 😉 As for hotels, I’ve already pretty much booked everything. The offer really is interesting, you’re right.

You mentioned AC—is it necessary in February?

Hi Kate,

The temperature in February was between 28 and 34 degrees... It was scorching!!! What will it be like this winter?

Hi there, I go to Mumbai regularly. I’d recommend the YWCA—it’s really well located near Regal Cinema. Half the price of the Regency and includes half-board. It’s spotless.

Hello

Thanks for the info—this hotel does seem like a great value for the price. I’ll keep that in mind! :)

Hi Kate,

Looking at the itinerary you're planning for Sri Lanka, I'm surprised not to see Anuradhapura. It's truly the major site to visit on this island if you're interested in Buddhist culture. It's a vast site with monasteries and lots of giant stupas (Dagobas), with monkeys and peacocks everywhere to brighten up the landscape. From what I remember, it's THE most important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka! If there's only one you should see, it's definitely this one!

Hi Jean-Michel

Yes, it’s planned. We’ll go during the day from Sigiriya, where we’re spending 4 days to travel in a star pattern.

Okay, got it. From Colombo Fort, there are direct "fast" trains, and even first class is very affordable. From there, you can easily get to Sigiriya, which in my opinion is much less interesting (it's just a big rock) than Anuradhapura. Not far away is Dambulla, which you shouldn’t miss either.

I already told you it’s not necessarily about budget, but about the style of accommodation. You see, in Tangalle I found this: https://www.booking.com/Share-nCgSPa for 27 € a night. What matters is that it’s a small place—it’s all about the vibe… I hate 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 chill end to the trip, I’d pay 4 times more, but what I’ve seen in that price range doesn’t appeal to me at all!

A small place?! At first glance, I see: the room is 300 m²—isn’t that a bit big? Well, it’s not expensive per square meter 😂

The room size details on Booking are always dodgy. By the way, I changed my plans! I booked the Hidden Garden 😛 Twice the price of the first one—smart move!

I booked the Hidden Garden 😛

Big breakfast + kayak rental: doesn’t sound bad .I’ll keep it in mind and if I end up going (I’m heading there early December), I’ll let you know how it is.