#colombo airport pickup

[casonstaxiservice]

Unlocking the Gems of Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Guide to Taxi Services and Tourism

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Sri Lanka beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural wonders. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene beaches of Galle, every corner of this island nation has something unique to offer. However, navigating through the vibrant tapestry of Sri Lanka's attractions can be daunting for visitors. This is where reliable taxi services come into play, offering a seamless transportation experience while unraveling the treasures of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

The Landscape of Taxi Services in Sri Lanka

In recent years, the demand for taxi services in Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant surge, paralleling the growth of tourism in the country. Travelers, both domestic and international, seek convenience, safety, and efficiency when exploring the myriad of attractions Sri Lanka boasts. Whether it's a quick ride from the airport to the hotel or an extensive tour across multiple destinations, taxi services cater to diverse needs.

Taxi Service Sri Lanka providers, along with their cab service near me counterparts, have leveraged technology to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers. With the tap of a few buttons on a smartphone, tourists can now effortlessly book a cab or taxi, eliminating the hassles of haggling over fares or searching for transportation options in unfamiliar surroundings.

Seamless Airport Transfers

For many travelers, the journey begins the moment they step off the plane. Efficient airport transfers are crucial for setting the tone of a trip, and Sri Lanka's taxi services excel in this aspect. From Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to regional airports across the island, taxi operators ensure prompt pickups and drop-offs, easing the transition from air travel to terrestrial exploration.

Tailored Experiences with Luxury Transport

While some visitors prioritize affordability and convenience, others seek a touch of luxury during their travels. Sri Lanka's taxi services cater to discerning travelers with luxury transport options, ranging from sleek sedans to spacious SUVs. Whether it's a VIP airport transfer or a chauffeured tour of the island's premium attractions, luxury taxi services elevate the travel experience, ensuring comfort and style every step of the way.

Exploring Beyond Boundaries with Shuttle Transport

Sri Lanka's diverse landscape beckons adventurers to explore beyond the confines of urban centers. From pristine beaches to lush tea plantations, the island's attractions are scattered across various regions. Shuttle transport services bridge these geographical gaps, offering convenient connectivity between popular destinations. Whether it's a group excursion to the ancient city of Anuradhapura or a leisurely journey along the southern coast, shuttle services enable travelers to explore Sri Lanka's wonders with ease.

Unraveling Hidden Treasures with Van Tours

For those seeking immersive experiences and personalized itineraries, van tours present an enticing option. Accommodating small groups of travelers, these tours offer flexibility and customization, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and natural beauty. Knowledgeable guides, fluent in multiple languages, accompany travelers, enriching their journey with insights into local traditions, folklore, and history.

Logistics and Delivery: Beyond Passenger Transport

In addition to facilitating passenger transport, Sri Lanka's taxi services play a vital role in logistics and delivery. From transporting luggage and equipment for travelers to facilitating the movement of goods across the island, taxi operators contribute to the seamless functioning of Sri Lanka's tourism ecosystem. Their reliability and efficiency extend beyond tourist-centric activities, supporting various industries and businesses across the nation.

Unlocking Sri Lanka's Tourist Attractions

At the heart of Sri Lanka's taxi services lies a commitment to unlocking the nation's myriad tourist attractions. From the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the tranquil shores of Mirissa, taxi operators serve as gatekeepers to these gems, facilitating access and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Their local knowledge, coupled with professionalism and hospitality, transforms ordinary journeys into memorable adventures.

Crafting Unforgettable Tour Packages

As the tourism landscape evolves, tour packages that integrate transportation, accommodation, and experiences gain prominence. Sri Lanka's taxi services collaborate with tour operators and hospitality providers to craft seamless and immersive packages that cater to diverse traveler preferences. Whether it's a cultural odyssey through the Cultural Triangle or a leisurely beach retreat along the southern coast, these packages offer convenience and value, ensuring a memorable stay in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of Sri Lanka's tourism industry, taxi services emerge as indispensable threads that weave together the nation's diverse attractions. From facilitating seamless airport transfers to unlocking hidden treasures with personalized tours, taxi operators play a pivotal role in enhancing the travel experience for visitors. As Sri Lanka continues to allure travelers from around the globe, its taxi services stand ready to guide and accompany them on unforgettable journeys across this enchanting island nation.

[serendibity]

The Bus

I land bleary-eyed at Bandaranaike International Airport after almost 24 hours of travel. The local time is 5:30 AM.

Immediately, my senses are confronted with a milieu of humidity, incense, and something typically invisible that one usually associates with this part of the world. It is a frenetic energy compressed with the sense that time also stands still.

Except right now, it is very clear that I’m standing at the intersection of two opposing forces. Around me, a screaming shack of tuk-tuk drivers offers a trip into Colombo proper. Our bundle of recent arrivers divides into two camps: those who either fall under their spell and tumble into the back of what amounts to a glorified golf cart, or others who have pre-arranged pickups and let their drivers take them away from the chaos.

And then there’s me.

On a quest to find the mythical 30-minute express bus I’ve heard about, I leave the last remnants of my safety bubble that popped the second I got off the plane, and waddle down the sidewalk towards…I’m not sure exactly.

A quick chat with a friendly police officer with a rifle in full regalia reveals the bus to Colombo is “that way” (finger point).

Righto.

I keep walking. Streets pass, temperatures rise, and it’s only getting louder. Road vehicles beep to the tune of “Oh When The Saints Go Marching In”. With my day-old travel clothes and two backpacks, I stick out like a sore thumb. There isn’t another foreigner in sight. I’m starting to regret this decision.

With increasing desperation, I ask every third local I walk past for “Bus? Colombo?” with each one saying the same thing: “That way”. One woman helpfully tells me, “100 metres more”, which quickly turns into 500 metres and then some.

I walk for at least 25 minutes into the suburbs of Negombo. A wave of panic that I, unfortunately, recognise all too well starts to take over until, lo and behold, a dilapidated station that has seen better days comes into view.

Well done, you. The first hurdle is overcome.

Now, which of the 50 buses parked here is going in my direction?

After a quick congress with the loitering group of drivers waiting for their shifts to begin, I get put on a bus positioned to leave the lot. When precisely that might be is anyone’s guess, as I never got a response to the “Express?” part of my initial query, but I’m too tired to make a run for it. Plus, I’ve got no Plan B.

To my surprise, my driver gets on soon after that and starts descending the congested main road. Along the way, a wingman-esque conductor shouts the route out the door in Sinhalese and collects other passengers. My segment costs 300 LKR and I hand over a 500 bill.

I rapidly realise that I am not, in fact, on the express bus from the airport to town. Somehow, I have found myself on a normal bus for normal people because they’re normal (bonus points, dear reader, if you spot the reference). Forty Sri Lankans and I are participants in this party. As each new person gets on, they shoot a curious look at the pale, nervous-looking tourist sitting in the first row.

Two hours later, the conductor gestures that it’s my stop. Against the odds, I have made it to my final destination for the day. The journey there is not at all what I expected. But it is the wake-up call I need that this trip will be anything but ordinary.

I never did get change for my fare in the end.

[itravellanka]

Vesak Festival Colombo

Sri Lanka is one of the leading romantic destinations in the whole world. The land of serendipity brings spiritual tranquility and a chance to rediscover oneself. The beauty of this tiny island is simply breath-taking. Known for its enchanting ancient ruins, endless soft-sanded beaches, imposing mountains, colorful festivals, tempting water sports, dense wild-life, diverse ethical groups and off the top hospitality from the local residents, Sri Lanka is bound to make you come back again. Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism brings all of this for you right under your fingertips so that you can discover the serene island for yourself.

  See the Beauty of Sri Lanka.

Book your trip & Visit Sri Lanka.

Please contact +94718047995 or +94717557995. 

E Mail - dinukachameera@gmail.com FB: itravellankaz

 Airport Pickup

Economy/Semi Luxury/Luxury Transport categories,

Fair Hotel Booking

Fine Dining

Random Shopping / free shopping

Excursions

Customized Tours

Familiar Guidance

Airport drop

Sri lanka is known for its splendor and new life experiences ranging from mouth-watering delicacies to its extraordinary culture and glamorous festivals. Long before civilization took place in the west Sri Lanka was already full of vitality , beauty and a well-civilized culture providing a home for many ethnic groups. The cities, palaces, reservoirs, parks, temples, monasteries, monuments and works of art bore testament to the character, imagination, culture, philosophy and faith of the people of Sri Lanka.

It is indeed a land like no other ….. The sheer beauty of it can leave you breathless gasping for more. The Sri Lankans themselves are very hospitable as far as hospitability can get. The calm and quiet serenity of the country will undoubtly leave anyone calm and content. But however your senses will always be unappeasable because in Sri Lanka everyday is a new day and full of tranquil beauty that can never be put out in words. Simply breath-taking.

[consiliomeo]

Rome Airport Taxi | Book Online

Best Airport Taxi from Fiumicino Airport

As soon as you arrive at Fiumicino airport (FCO), you will be greeted by your taxi driver. He will be waiting for you at your exit gate with a sign that has your name on it. Is your flight to Fiumicino airport delayed? Do not worry. At Welcome Pickups we monitor every flight and guarantee a hassle-free trip to Rome. Your English-speaking driver will help you out with your luggage and together will make your way to the vehicle you have pre-booked. In addition, while he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver will give you some tips and recommendations on what to do while in Rome. Therefore, relax and enjoy your taxi ride from Fiumicino airport to the city of Rome or your hotel. TRAINED DRIVERSHand picked & english speaking drivers LOW PRICESSame price as a regular Taxi from the line FLIGHT MONITORINGDrivers are always on time QUALITY SUPPORT24/7 Email & Phone support Taxi prices Day time (05:00 - 24:00) Night time (00:00 - 05:00) Duration FROM FIUMICINO TO CITY 48 € 48 € 45 MIN FROM FIUMICINO TO VATICAN 48 € 48 € 40 MIN FROM FIUMICINO TO COLOSSEO 48 € 48 € 40 MIN FROM FIUMICINO TO PANTHEON 48 € 48 € 45 MIN FROM FIUMICINO TO TERMINI 48 € 48 € 42 MIN

Airport Taxi Service from Fiumicino Airport to Hotel

When it comes to travelling from the airport to your hotel hiring a taxi is the most convenient method since it ensures that you will arrive at your desired location safely and efficiently. In addition, you will not have to struggle by carrying your luggage through the public means of transport and even if your arrival has been delayed, a taxi will always be available to service you. CAR TYPEFiumicino Taxi (Sedan) number of passengersUp to 4 CAR TYPEFiumicino Taxi (Minivan) number of passengersUp to 8What our customers say about Welcome Samantha "Anabelia, our tour guide was wonderful. She guided us through history and food and made great suggestions and enabled us to understand Greek culture and the food. I would highly recommend this tour.”

Our Taxi Fleet Awaiting You at Rome Airport

Welcome Pickups provides airport taxi services from Rome Airport with your choice of either a sedan or minivan. If you want to book a transfer of up to 4 passengers, then a private sedan will pick you up from Fiumicino (FCO) airport. If you are travelling with family and looking for a comforting way to get to your the hotel, then a private minivan will operate your transportation from Rome airport.

Directions from Fiumicino Airport

Fiumicino, officially called Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), is the biggest and busiest airport in Italy. When travelling from Fiumicino airport by taxi you need around 50 minutes to reach the downtown area of Rome under normal traffic circumstances. Fiumicino airport is 30km away from the city centre of Rome. As soon as you get picked up by your driver you will head to Francesco Paolo Remotti in order to reach the A91 highway and then you will take the exit heading to Cristoforo Colombo road. Depending on your final destination, you will turn to local roads in order to reach your final destination.

Fare of Taxi from Fiumicino Airport

It is advisable to pre-book your Rome taxi trip from the airport. However, if you are travelling from Fiumicino airport (FCO) to the city centre of Rome a taxi ride will cost you 48€ (daytime and nighttime).Why Book with WelcomeWelcome goes above and beyond the commoditized taxi service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment you arrive in Rome, until your return home, Welcome accommodates all of your travel needs (transportation, travel products, things to do, information) in the easiest, friendliest and most personalized way possible.24/7 customer supportEnglish-speaking driversHand-picked & trained driversSame price as a regular taxiHassle-free Arrival at Rome airportFlight delay? We WaitDriver will be waiting for you at your exit gateFrequently asked questionsIs a Welcome Rome Airport Taxi Transfer operated by an authorized Driver? Yes. All of our drivers at Rome airports (both Fiumicino and Ciampino) are licensed. For up to 4 passengers, an official NCC driver will be waiting for you If you pre-book a Rome airport taxi ride. If you pre-book a minivan taxi from Rome airport, a licensed driver, eligible to drive a minivan, will pick you up.What happens after I book my taxi? As soon as you book your taxi ride you will receive an email confirmation with all the details. In addition, 4 days before your Rome airport taxi transfer, you will receive an email with your driver's information, such as phone number, name and a photo. Therefore, it will be easier for you to identify your personal driver.What else can I book with Welcome? Your transportation from Rome airport is just the beginning. You can pre-book your "skip-the-line" tickets for the most famous attractions of Rome, such as Colosseum and Roman Forum. Your desirable tickets will be handed to you by your driver in order to avoid waiting in long line ups which can take hours from your day. Welcome also offers private and shared experiences in Rome at the most competitive prices. Welcome hand-picks only 5-star providers so that you can pre-book your amazing experience based on real customer reviews. Source Read the full article

[urgentvisa]

PLUNGE INTO SRI LANKAN WATERS

With alluring view, green palm trees, immaculate brilliant shorelines, emerald green water and all year warm climate, Sri Lanka is a standout amongst the best islands on the planet to go for water experiences. If dashing into the water is your fantasy, water sports in Sri Lanka is the spot to be. It will give you sufficient chances to have a fabulous time, unwinding and your own piece of delight as well. Enjoying some outrageous exciting background of swimming, kite surfing and scuba plunging will leave you revived. These water sports will enable you to find the wealth of the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. On the off chance that you are not an in-your-face proficient it is ideal to take the assistance of a coach. It will give you recollections which you might never want to overlook. Mostly, Bentota is the focal point of all the water sports in Sri Lanka, a beach front region in the region of Galle. In the event that you have longed for keeping like Robinson Crusoe, a dive into the White Water Rafting in Kitugala merits a shot. One can experience rafting in the wettest spot in the nation – Kitugala. 90 km from Colombo on the banks of the waterway Kelani River, it offers chilling grade three rapids making it a bold encounter for both the fledglings and middle of the road rafters. Plunging in warm Indian Ocean flows is an encounter of a lifetime. One will locate a wide assortment of marine animals in Sri Lankan waters. From the strong Blue Whale to the modest nudibranch, Sri Lanka has everything. Locals of the spot all around supplemented with an astonishing sustenance make the experience far superior. This reef is situated off the shore of Mount Lavinia. It is home to the absolute most lovely amphibian animals, for example, Lionfish, beams, and nudibranch. In the event that you need to make a plunge the west and south-west coast, at that point October to May is the best time whereas May to October is the perfect time for the upper east coast. If one needs a decent snorkeling visit, it is an ideal opportunity to test Sri Lankan waters where one can range for 3 nautical miles in a length. The entire of the south shore of Sri Lanka is loaded up with such courageous games. For the experience to achieve its pinnacle, attempt Bar Reef which is viewed as Sri Lanka's biggest reef. For a mesmerizing experience, one can take a stab at swimming in Hikkaduwaa, Weligama and Kirinda. Canoeing is a wonderful involvement in Galle and furthermore a standout amongst the best exercises to do in Galle. Unawatuna is an astonishing island where the majority of the experience sports occur in Galle. It is overflowed with channels, tidal ponds, shorelines, streams and supplies. Kayaking can take you amidst the Natural magnificence of verdure described by changing scenes and intriguing mangroves. It incorporates a nearby guide, water and refreshments and an actual existence coat. One can go to  the Unawatuna Lagoon by tuk-tuk. Getting the opportunity to investigate beach front vegetation immaculate by the human progress, the more profound area of mangroves and so forth is fulfilling. In the event that you have a fixation for fishing then this is an absolute necessity to do in Sri Lanka. The South-West coast is extremely well known for remote ocean angling. With the angling riggings you can catch colossal fishes. You will feel the rush while profound fishing with an opportunity to catch fish like Jack Trevally, Spanish mackerel, skipjack fish, yellow blade fish, sail fish, marlins, and frigate fish. Hikkaduwa, at a separation of 17 km North-West of Galle and 98 km south of Colombo is ideal location for this. Moving on board on your own sanctioned pontoon and voyage through the ocean to see the view of Bruwela and Bentota is one of a kind experience. During this three hours venture, beginning from 9 AM, you can unwind and delight in a lavish situation and furthermore figure out how to cruise. The pontoon stops at an awesome bay, where a hop in the waters, swimming or paddle boarding can be enjoyed. Seeing the Barberyn Island and its beacon during the visit is must. The activity that will enable you to go Galle fishing like a nearby angler in Sri Lanka is Galle Fishing tour. You will get the opportunity to ride in paddle vessels to give you a chance to encounter the whole angling procedure. The administrator will give all angling hardware. The action will be directed at Hikkaduwa Lagoon. Galle angling visit is a guided by the educator. An English-talking aide will walk you through the whole system, and show you the ability of getting a decent catch. It has been structured in a manner to let one experience a couple of hours of an angler's life. The term of this action is for two hours. Pickup and drop office is incorporated into the expense of this bundle. Loosen up with savoring lunch at a nearby eatery in the wake of spending the planned hours in the sea. The expense of tea and lunch is incorporated into this bundle. One can book this bundle as a performance explorer or as a gathering (two-three or four-seven). Leave in a critical nautical encounter on a sailboat which will stun you and guarantee a cheerful sensational recollections as you sail over the ocean in Trincomalee. Assume control of Topaz and appreciate the adrenaline surge of cruising a huge sailboat, which gives an uncommon and special experience to be recollected. The three hours visit can be started either at 9 AM in the first part of the day or at around 3 PM for the evening opening. After a seaside route in the wild Vandalous Bay, one will secure in the delightful reef hindrance of Elephant Rocks for a swimming, swimming and stand-up oar boarding adventure. Visiting Barberyn Island and its pride, the superb beacon and appreciating the sight for some time is going to be delightful. The stunning Catamaran Topaz visit ends at around 12 PM for the morning opening. Sri Lanka offers top tier waterskiing with its delightful sandy shorelines, coral reefs and clear blue water in scenery of the tropical environment which stays warm consistently. With water ski camps in all the real areas, one can without much of a stretch figure out how to ski regardless of whether you are an amateur. There are two diverse atmosphere zones in Sri Lanka specifically South-West and North-East. The best time for water skiing on the South West coast is from October to April while on the North East coast the perfect time is from March to November.The real areas for water skiing in Sri Lanka are Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Kumudu Valley. Jet Skiing is the best water sports for the individuals who love to race against the solid tides. Experiencing the adrenaline surge in your body when the rushes of the sea lift will leave you feel stunned as you fly through the cloudy ocean. Situated in the Galle locale, it gives a wide range of water sports openings. Negombo is also famous area for the same located 15 Km far from Colombo global airport. The best time to for Jet Ski is October to April on the south-west coast and March to November on the north-east coast. A standout amongst the most exciting water sports is windsurfing. The brilliant shorelines of Sri Lanka and the sultry tone of the environment makes it a standout amongst the most wanted area for windsurfing. The game requires a specific blend of parity and quality. There are camps in Sri Lanka where you can without much of a stretch select for a course in windsurfing on the off chance that you are a novice. The exciting snapshots of surfing over the superb waves gives a sentiment of joy and a bagful of recollections to reclaim. Bentota and The Colombo Sailing club situated on Bologoda Lake are the spots to go. The west coast offers all the more testing conditions which are favored by experienced windsurfers. The best water sport for families with okay and high stimulation is banana ride and tubing. A long banana molded vessel is pulled by a speedboat at an exceptionally fast, giving you an amazing rush. In tubing, you will sit on an inward cylinder and towed by the watercraft over the water. Both recreational exercises are ideal for little families who need to have a ton of fun together. This fun water ride can be enjoyed at the water sports capital of Sri Lanka, Bentota. You can appreciate the game with your family at Negombo tidal pond also. Feeling the sea wind hurrying all over and hair with the exciting pace boat rides in the wonderful emerald water of Sri Lankan shorelines is wonderful. A family experience with insignificant security concerns is a perfect method to put in no time flat of your vacation. Appreciate the rapture of going in the speed vessel with heaps of chuckling and shouts. Striping off the waves with surfs will most likely leave you with a remarkable encounter for a lifetime. Surfing is one of the acclaimed activities in Sri Lanka. In spite of the fact that surfing is accessible in numerous Sri Lankan shorelines on the off chance that you need to have a genuine surfing knowledge in the warm water you ought to go to Weligama shoreline. Be that as it may, you can likewise attempt different shorelines like Arugm Bay, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and substantially more to list. Regardless of whether it is your first time or you are an expert, it is in every case better to comprehend the water from a mentor to become familiar with the nuts and bolts of surfing in safe waters. In the event that you want to kite in paradise, at that point the Kite Surfing background in Kalpitiya will leave you astounding. Kalpitiya Lagoon is the best spot for freestylers and fledglings. It is a standout amongst the most prevalent activities in Sri Lanka. You can discover a few facilities in the adjacent territory which makes it simpler for everyone to attempt this experience sport. Kalpitiya is roughly 3 hours away from Colombo. Kyaking in Samanalawewa reservoir, Sea plane ride, Boat trip in Balapitiya, Duck Paddle Boating at Beira Lake, and Wake Boarding at Negombo or Hikkaduwa are few more must try water activities during your Sri Lanka expedition. Getting a Sri Lanka E-visa for your expedition to India is now quick and easy. Tourist e-visa can be applied for the same.

[sunofgan]

Ayubowan Srilanka.

After finishing majority of the Indian states, I wanted to go International and kickstart the Travel As many countries as age campaign :) and luckily the Jan 26th weekend had come and usual discussions started happening if we should go to Ooty, Kodaikanal or Gokarna, suddenly checked the flight tickets to Srilanka and it was just a little costlier than a round trip to Delhi. We created another whatsapp group, checked best offers and then booked tickets. Yayyy First International trip !!!

Since this was my1st international trip, I was more excited about the international lounge :) We had applied for our e-visa which costed us about 30$ and the visa was approved the next day. So we were all set for the trip, now we wanted to build on the itinerary and since it was a short trip (4 days / 4 nights ) we wanted to hire our own vehicle and landed up at cassons.lk. They had a good deal and was ready for a pickup and drop at airport. All that we wanted to do was an IDP - International Driving Permit and it is quite simple, You should have your license and airport at the address, Go to the RTO and apply with this and a medical certificate with a fee of Rs 100. Your IDP is ready and you can travel to about 100 countries.

For more details about IDP - You can check out the post here written by friend - https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/22521-how-to-apply-for-an-international-driving-permit-in-india

So  IDP was set, we had got the quote, itinerary was built, lounge access was ready, Airbnb booked (I was very impressed with the houses in Srilanka) and we were all excited to make our mark International :)

Day 1: We reached Negombo (40 kms from Colombo) which is where the flights from Chennai land, the previous night and after having enough at the lounge and free beer at Srilankan airlines - That was the 1st thing that we asked when we boarded the flight and the airhostess was like, Sir wait sir, we will deliver in 15 mins and I was like Madam flight only is for 45 mins, what will I do :P So we started at around from 10 in the morning and reached Pinnawala Elephant orphanage by afternoon. One good thing about Indians travelling to Srilanka is that most of the entry fee is half of what you pay as any other foreigner. One thing that surprised most of us was that almost all the signboards and name plates were written in Tamil and you don’t feel any alien there, Driving down the roads looked very similar to driving along Kerala or some parts of Goa.

After finishing our site seeing at Pinnawala, we reached Dambulla cave temple and this was one of the best temples in Srilanka and is a must visit. The entry to the cave temple is free and the place is very much part of the Dambulla city. Post our Dambulla cave temple visit, we reached the sigiriya town which is an half an journey and stayed there overnight. Sigiriya Town is famous for the Lion rock citadel. Sigirya was a like the Gokarna of India where you would see more foreigners than Indians. After enquiring about the trek to the top of the rock from fellow travellers who were staying at our Airbnb, We wanted to start the next day early.

Day 2: Sigirya which means Lion rock is one of the UNESCO Heritage site thanks to the look of the rock which looks like lion’s paw. You should start as early as 7 am for the climb as it gets crowded post 9AM and due to the narrow staircase and path it might become tougher and time consuming otherwise. The entire climb from the bottom to the top of the rock shouldn’t take more than 2 hours. The view from the top of the Sigiriya fort was breathtaking and by the time we came down, it started getting very crowded. Here again the entry fee for Indians and SAARC nation are half of what other foreigners would be paying.

We then headed back to our Airbnb where our we had breakfast with our host, who wanted to own the new Indian 2000 rs and 500 rs note and was showing off all his notes and coin collections. Throughout the entire day as we travelled from Sigirya to Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, I happened to meet so many people - majorly Srilankan Tamilians and was so fascinated by their Tamil usage, I even felt ashamed of calling myself who can speak Tamil :( They knew everything that was happening around in Tamilnadu, right from Sasikala entering into politics to calling MGR as their local boy to talking about Abdul Hameed. One thing which was common to most of them was they should visit Tamilnadu atleast once in their lifetime. For them Tamilnadu was bigger than India and Tamil was bigger than anything else.

After visiting the Kandy Tooth temple we headed directly to nuwara eliya which is the tea estate of Srilanka located at the central province of the country.

Day 3 : We again started early from our host’s house to head towards World’s end. World’s end is not a common destination that most people go during their visit to Srilanka because it is time consuming and yes, there are better treks you can do. We wanted to go there just for the this reason and on the way we crossed Sita Eliya which is where Sita was abducted and kept. There is even a sita temple there. We reached World’s end gate by 8 AM and the entry fee here is common for all foreigners and it is pretty costly. They have some weird system, where you would be charged for self, vehicle and vehicle parking. It would roughly cost you about Rs 1200

World’s end is a circular trek where you can either take the right path or the left and we took the right because it was less crowded. The entire trek is pretty easy where you come across Bakers Fall, World’s end and mini world’s end if you take the right path. The belief is on a clear day you can see the Indian ocean from World’s end. World’s end is the 2nd tallest peak in Srilanka and is part of the Hortans national park. The entire trek would take about 2.5 hours and if you are lucky you can get to see a breathtaking view from World’s end. It is advisable to reach World’s end by 9 AM so that you can spend some time at the top. You would be literally walking through the clouds post 10 AM and you cannot see anything.

After our trek, we wanted to head back to Bentota to relax the next day at the beach. We had planned it in such a way that the last day of the trip would be for relaxing and we can head back to Colombo to catch our flight. After getting lost on the way and with our tamil skills and Ayubowan singhalese skills, we somehow managed to hit the highway. This is the only highway in Srilanka and has really good roads right from Colombo to Galle and the speed limits here were 100 km/hr. We were very careful about the speed limits because we have heard that police here are pretty strict and luckily we didn’t face any issues. We wanted to have Red Puttu, Idiyappam and all the local dishes but never managed to get. Being a vegetarian is tough in Srilanka but you end up getting rice and daal at most of the places.

Day 4 : We told our airbnb host about our likings for local food and being such a nice host, he had prepared all of these for us :)

We wanted to do Snorkelling in Srilanka and lot of people suggested us to do it at Hikkaduwa but because we had planned Bentota, we thought we will try it here. We headed to the beach thanks to our host we happened to get a decent deal. Having not known swimming it was mixed feeling and with all those snorkel and other equipments it was just getting worse. As I jumped inside the water, I realized it is a gone case and the only thing I did for the next half an hour was what I would be doing in any temple pond - Basically on the count of 3 you go inside the water, mungify, spot any snorkels, fish, water bottle, plastic cover and come back and then breathe again. That was snorkelling for me.

Post an un-successful snorkelling trip, we headed back to Colombo to see the best sunset at Galle Face beach. I was so excited to see people playing cricket there and we even asked if we would have an India - Srilanka match. But considering how Indians have been trashing them recently, they refused it :) But Srilanka is very synonymous to cricket, As a country they are more passionate about cricket than India. You get to see Angello Mathews poster promoting Milo everywhere. Srilankans were so passionate that we could see everyone following cricket and talking about cricket. So striking a conversation with them is very easy. Just tell them Sanath Jayasuriya had spring in his bat :)

We then headed to the Negombo Airport after a successful 1st foreign trip and so much memories. Srilanka is the easiest, safest country to travel if you are an amatuer traveller. Go for it !!!

Trip Summary 

[global-news-station]

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s battered tourism industry is trying to woo visitors back to beaches deserted after deadly Easter bombings, slashing hotel rates and pushing promotions in key markets like Russia.

Tourism, which accounts for 5% of Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product, tanked after terrorists on April 21 attacked luxury hotels and churches, killing 250 people, including 40 foreigners.

England, India and the United States were among countries that issued travel advisories for Sri Lanka, a diverse island with pristine beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, and lush hills that Lonely Planet selected as its top 2019 destination.

Those advisories contributed to a flood of cancellations and a drop in bookings just as the monsoon-dominated low season was beginning.

To lure tourists back, Sri Lanka is hosting international sporting events and has mothballed a rule on minimum rates for hotel stays. State-owned SriLankan Airlines is offering special fares and pushing joint promotions with the government’s tourism board. Some hotels are waiving corkage fees on day trips, while tour groups are offering free airport pickups.

Lavanga Resort & Spa in the southern beach resort of Hikkaduwa, for example, is offering rooms for $35 instead of the usual $75 – with free breakfast. Travel agents are promoting the offer in Russia, with some success.

“We have offered rock bottom rates for foreigners. We are getting bookings for the winter season,” said Lavanga’s managing director, Anusha Frydman.

Reservations for the next few months remain tepid, however, with occupancy around 10% versus 30% last year.

But some tourists are lapping up a dream vacation on the cheap.

“I secured a six-night stay in a plush southern hotel for $200 which included complimentary ayurvedic treatment,” said 52 year-old Leif Ohlson from Sweden.

Data suggests more and more foreigners are emulating him.

A daily average of 1,400 to 1,500 foreign visitors are currently in Sri Lanka, up from 1,000 recorded immediately after the attacks, said Kishu Gomes, the head of the Tourism Bureau.

That is still down from around 4,500 last year, but with countries including India and China lifting their travel advisories, officials are optimistic.

“We are expecting the recovery to commence. It is too early to say how fast and to what level it will be,” Gomes said.

A rebound could not come fast enough, however, especially for smaller hotels.

“Lots of hotels have curtailed operations and shut down wings. They may have reduced or laid off (staff),” said Sanath Ukwatta, the president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka. He said he did not have any immediate data, however.

The post Rooms 50% off: Sri Lanka woos tourists after attacks appeared first on ARYNEWS.

http://bit.ly/2XCDTCf

[mumbaikaarle]

Srilanka Explorer Ex. Colombo Tour From 24 March to 30 March.2019

Tour with EcoNomads Booking link: http://bit.ly/2AXpasz Contact No.: 7000743870 Price Per Person: ₹ 28,349 (Inclusive of taxes) Detail Itinerary DAY 1: COLOMBO ARRIVAL  Pickup from  Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to Kandy, On the way visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. It is founded in 1975 to care and protect the orphaned elephants wandering in the forest. Then proceed to Kandy. Check into the hotel and relax for the night. Stay: Hotel in Kandy   DAY 2: KANDY After breakfast, get ready for an incredible day across Kandy, you will start with Peradeniya Gardens one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. One of the jewels of the colonial era, it was an initiative to try out introduced crops like rubber etc. It was also the headquarters of Lord Mountbatten who spearheaded the allied war effort in the east during the 2nd world war. A not to be missed experience is a visit to the Orchid House here, where you will see about 300 different and rare varieties of orchids beautifully displayed. You will then head to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the evening in time for a “Poojah” where you may make an offering of flowers. At 06:30 pm, locals and tourists alike gather to offer flowers and prayers to the sacred relic in the inner sanctum to the backdrop of the temple drummers. This is indeed a magical experience. Meals: Breakfast Stay: Hotel in Kandy   DAY 3: NUWARA ELIYA After breakfast, ride to Nuwara Eliya - "city of light". The British Tea Planters of the colonial times recreated a little bit of England’s country life with manor houses, horse racing, high teas and golfing here as a reminiscence of their life back in England, visit  Gregory Lake - built during the year 1874 by a British governor Gregory, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club  Meals: Breakfast Stay: Hotel in Nuwar... Read more source https://mumbaihikers.com/m/events/view/Srilanka-Explorer-Ex-Colombo-Tour-From-24-March-to-30-March-2019

[ellabudgettaxi-blog]

Ella Budget Taxi is a cab service in Sri Lanka and aims to offer world-class taxi services at the most economical price in Colombo. Our team is here to provide the most trustworthy and cheapest transport services for you. We supply airport taxis for Airport pickup and drops.

[vegan-ferocity]

1. That time we accidentally crashed a wedding in Sri Lanka

And ended up being part of the band; singing ‘Sweet Home Albama’ at full passionate volume.

2. Making generous millionaire friends

Shortly after the wedding crashing, myself and Daisy got chummy with some multi-millionaires and THEY FLEW US FIRST CLASS TO THEIR PRIVATE ISLAND IN THE MALDIVES (sorry for the heart attack, mum).

3. A guy grabbing my pussy (Trump, was that you?) & pulling a knife on me

Just a few days after returning from the Maldives  some guy grabbed me in the street, and then later when he passed me again, he pulled out a knife and lunged at me. I escaped, running manically to a tuk tuk. The driver then offered to go back and stab the guy for me. I almost started a stab war.

4. That time where Gigi & I pranked a misogynist with a snake

We HATED him, and since he would never clean his room,  we acquired a giant snake skin and hid it in there so he thought there was a snake in there. He fre-EAKED OUT.

Fuck you Tyler. you were awful at badminton, too.

4. That time I was a fifth wheel on a motorcycle road trip all the way to Malaysia

With two couples called Andre and Irina, and Andre and Irina, And we went… ice-skating?

5. And afterwards when I ended up alone and stranded with NO GAS

I was in the middle of nowhere and the sweetest person proceeded to suck their gas out of their motorbike and put it in mine. They had cute dogs, though.

6. The time the military thought we were terrorists all day

This was a different time where I drove a pickup truck all the way to Malaysia, and we had ALL THE GUNS pointed at us every TEN MINUTES.  A huge truck is apparently not the vehicle of choice for border crossings. And where a timber lorry did not stop at a 5am crossing and I almost killed us all.

7. Sally, the kind, feminist, racist, coat lady

That FREEZING time in New Zealand where we thought it would be hot (?!?!?) and we met a random, old lady in a Christchurch park. Who then secretly delivered some warm coats to our guesthouse.

8. THE DAY WE GOT STRANDED IN MORDOR!

We had to hitch-hike.

9. Getting lost in an empty National Park

That time we went to a deserted ‘Jurassic-like’ Thai National Park, which was full of old dinosaur bones, and our tuk tuk driver was so worried about us he came along on the hike but then we ALL GOT LOST ANYWAY.

That’s me looking at the map, very concerned. And our very chill tuk tuk driver/ travel companion.

10. When I dated my student and we literally could not communicate

He was ten years older than me, chill. I started taking Korean lessons and taught him English. We told each other we loved each other through Google translate and he bought me a giant peach one time.

11. Having no choice but to dress up & sing on stage on Christmas day

We were forced on stage. To sing Christmas songs. To hundreds of people.

12. And then when accidentally set fire to our house on Christmas day

Long story short: the wrapping paper caught fire. We also ran out of gas and couldn’t cook Christmas dinner because I used ALL OF IT MAKING SPICED RUM.

12. Getting attacked by rabid dogs in Koh Samui mountains.

It was scary AS HELL.

13. That time I decided I would drive my motorbike straight through a flood

Because by then I felt enough like a local, and I wanted to get home. And I NAILED IT.

14. Almost getting arrested because Lorell fell off a monument & was left danging by her skirt on the railings

Then I had to rescue her. She shouldn’t have been up there in the first place. She also got attacked by a monkey on that trip.

15. A late night mountain run to see the amazing Kandy Buddha

It was closed, but the monks loved us and welcomed us in anyway.

16. When I had to catch my flight back to the UK, but instead got drunk, then stuck in Colombo traffic, THEN my tuk tuk broke down

I had to get out and run, pushing it with a friendly local MOTORCYCLE GANG, to get it going again and turned up at the airport ten minutes before my flight left.

17. This, being my first ever tinder date

fuckin’ nerds

Going on my first ever tinder date, ever, dressed up as Sherlock and Watson to solve a puzzle, and then accidentally getting caught up in the ‘riots’, and meeting this guy’s family who were on holiday. Awkward.

There’s probably so, so many more moments. Ones I’ve forgotten about, or blocked out, but these especially are the ones that made my traveling special. Shout out to Gigi who features in most of these <3

What’s your favourite weird travel moment?

My favourite weird travel moments 1. That time we accidentally crashed a wedding in Sri Lanka And ended up being part of the band; singing 'Sweet Home Albama' at full passionate volume.

[travelfoody]

Flight: QR1363

Route: DOH-JNB

Equipment: Boeing 777-300ER

Cabin: Business Class

Seat: 1J/1K

[Please see video above, if you prefer to watch a video review.]

As you may now know, I’m a huge fan of Qatar Airways. For me, the passenger experience with them has always been en-pointe and though some of their business class seats are outdated, they are still very comfortable even in long haul flights.

This review brings us back to Doha’s Hamad International Airport. It was around 10:00pm and we had just flew in from Colombo on Qatar Airways Business Class. Our connecting flight to Johannesburg didn’t leave until 2:45am, so we had a few hours to kill. We were also meeting my sister and brother in-law in Doha, who were traveling with us to JNB.

We initially went to the excellent Al Mourjan Business lounge, but Because of Qatar’s lounge access rules, we were not allowed to bring in guests and instead we were directed to go to the Qatar Airways “First Class Lounge” (not to be confused with the Al Safwa First lounge, which only First Class passengers have access to) – which is the designated Oneworld Emerald lounge in Doha. We walked over across the concourse and took the escalators up to the lounge. We mentioned to the lounge agent that we are Oneworld Emeralds traveling with guests. The agent scanned our boarding passes, and waved us through.

I wasn’t expecting much, but the lounge itself was much nicer than I thought. It was definitely much cozier than the Al Mourjan or Al Safwa lounges, but it was also beautiful. The space is basically a long and rather narrow hallway. It featured a living wall, with high ceilings and offered plenty of seating. There were also hot and cold food items available on the buffet. An espresso maker and other beverages were also on offer. Directly adjacent to the buffet, was a small dining area with tables.

There was also a single shower room available, which we were able to use but we had to wait a bit. Our overall impression was very good. Not to the same league as the al mourjan or al safwa lounges, but much better than some US lounges that we’ve been to.

After a nice shower and a cappuccino, we decided to head to the gate. Upon arriving, the gate agent scanned our boarding passes allowed us into the boarding lounge. As always, there was a battalion of people standing near the gate, and things got crazier as boarding was announced.

We made our way to the gate and through the jet bridge. Waiting at the door was the cabin service manager, who welcomed us on board, while another flight attendant walked us to our seats.

This Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER features QR’s previous generation seats. There are 42 front facing flat bed seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. Qatar also uses these seats on their 777-200LR planes,  which we reviewed here. Sadly not all seats have aisle access, which may be problematic for people traveling solo.

We were seated in 1J and 1L on the starboard side of the plane, both of which are bulkhead seats. Waiting at our seats were the pilllow, duvet, and noise canceling headphones. There was also a bottled water inside the sliding coaster in the center console.

After settling in, a flight attendant came by and took our pre-departure beverage orders. My companion asked for a glass of rosé champagne, while I ordered Qatar’s signature lime & mint drink. She also asked if we wanted a hot or cold towel. I opted for the hot, while my companion asked for a cold towel.

While waiting for our drink orders, another flight attendant came by and offered us each a Girorgio Armani amenity kit. She also asked us if we wanted a sleeper suit, in which we both asked for a size Large.

  Our welcome drinks and towels were soon delivered along with our pajamas. After few minutes, boarding was complete and the Captain went on the PA for his pre-flight announcement. He mentioned our flight time of 8 hours and 20 minutes.

We soon pushed back from the gate and the safety video started playing. We had a quick taxi to the end of the runway, after which we had a short takeoff roll and rather smooth ascent.

10 minutes into the flight, the Captain switched off the seatbelt sign, and the crew started their service.

A flight attendant came by to take our drink and meal orders. We first asked for the rosé champagne, which was served with warm nuts. Even though this was a late night (or early morning) flight, I still wanted to have a full meal since I didn’t eat much at the lounge.

While waiting for our meal, I decided to check out the IFE selections. Since we were seated in the bulkhead, the IFE monitor pops out from the center console. I flipped through the large selection of movies, TV programs, music, and games, but as usual just decided to watch the air show.

  Soon a flight attendant came by to setup our meal table with white linen complete with a bread basket and plate.

The soup course came first, which was cream of asparagus. It doesn’t look that appetizing,  but it was pretty good and also served at the right temperature.

Next up was the main entrée, in which I ordered the Thai chicken curry. It was delicious!

Finally for dessert, I was in the mood for some cheese, so I ordered the cheese plate. I loved it and I finished everything!

After the big meal, I visited the lavatory to freshen up and change into my pajamas. It was a good size lav complete with the usual toiletries, and amenities. There was also a changing bench which made it easy for me to change.

Feeling refreshed, I went back to my seat and made it into a flat bed. The bed was comfortable and I slept for a almost 5 hours.

After waking up from a restful nap, I decided to have my pre-landing meal a little earlier than the usual 90 minutes before landing. I pressed the call light, and a flight attendant promptly arrived. I asked if I could have my meal earlier and she obliged and reminded me that I could order anything since they offered a dine on demand service concept.

I ordered a glass of date smoothie, which was sweet, creamy, and delicious.

Then I had the Bircher Müesli to start the meal.

For the main, I ordered the omelet which was pretty good.

The meal ended with a hot towel.

I went back to sleep for another hour or so, only to be awakened by the Captain’s announcement of our initial descent into Johannesburg.

It was a cloudy day in Jo’Burg, but we still had some good visibility on the way down. Landing was uneventful. We taxied for a few minutes before parking next to a Lufthansa 748-8i. Then we soon disembarked said our goodbyes to the crew.

We had a rather long walk to immigration, and sadly the queue at passport control was even worse. We were in line for over an hour before we eventually got through.

We arranged a pickup service from the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, and the driver was already waiting for us at the arrival hall.

All in all, this was another excellent flight on Qatar Airways. We were bummed about not being able to bring our guests to the al Mourjan lounge, but were happy to be able to see the “other first class lounge”. The flight was a typical Qatar flight. We got excellent and efficient service from the crew. An awesome dining on demand service with great food presentation and quality. The seats, well they were the older business class seats, but since I was traveling with a companion it worked out rather well. And of course, the pajamas and flight amenities were also a nice touch. I give this flight a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Qatar Airways Business Class Boeing 777-300ER Doha to Johannesburg Flight: QR1363 Route: DOH-JNB Equipment: Boeing 777-300ER Cabin: Business Class Seat: 1J/1K As you may now know, I'm a huge fan of Qatar Airways.

[airporttransfer-lk-blog]

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[airporttransfer-lk-blog]

Benefits :

1. English Speaking Chauffeurs

2. Luxury Ac Vehicles

3. No Luggage Charge

4. Baby seats Available 

5. Well Experienced Chauffeurs

6. Safe & Reliable

7. Various Classes Of Vehicles

8. Hassle Free Online Bookings

[airporttransfer-lk-blog]

Now everyone can online booking your taxi or cabs for your destination from colombo airports.We are offer the more useful & valid services to all customers like free cancellations,waiting time,all types of taxi,cabs,vans on best cost.

Benefits :

1. English Speaking Chauffeurs

2. Luxury Ac Vehicles

3. No Luggage Charge

4. Baby seats Available 

5. Well Experienced Chauffeurs

6. Safe & Reliable

7. Various Classes Of Vehicles

8. Hassle Free Online Bookings