Sri Lanka Travelogue Page 3

Europe

Africa

Asia

Middle East

North America

Hikkaduwa

This was my next port of call. I stayed at Richard's Sons Beach Inn. Good value for money, even if the rooms were a little on the small side and dark. Hikkaduwa is a thriving town, both as a tourist resort and a port. There is lots to keep you busy here, even for a week.The Hotel Blue Note next door to Richard's Sons Guest House does great food. There are lots of water sports on offer in Hikkaduwa in season, and even when the sea is starting to swell and it is to rough for swimming or diving, the beach is very wide and clean. There are lots of shops selling all manner of goods. A fair few Wine Stores, (Liquor/ Off License), and places to buy food and drinks. There is also no shortage of restaurants facing the beach. Hikkaduwa is more a place to sit and relax with a good book than go off Temple hunting.

Ambalangoda

This was my next stop on the way back up north. There is little reason to visit though. I stayed at the Shangrela on Sea beach Road. It was good~ish value and the rooms are big, airy and clean. There is a large hotel opposite the bus station that may be a much better bet. It has a good roof top restaurant, and a bar with T.V. and also serves food. On my way back from lunch there I stopped off at a bar/restaurant, a nice looking place. Had a cold one, than off I trotted to do other things. It seemed such a nice place, I thought I would give it a try for dinner, so in I went later. I smiled at the lady owner and asked for a beer and a menu, and went and sat outside. I had a book with me, so lost all track of time, then 30 minutes still no drink or menu, I went back inside and asked for my drink and a menu. Sorry sir, we have no more beer left, you had the last one at lunch time, and we do not serve food. So not the greatest bar/restaurant I have ever visited. Maybe you should say outside, bring your own food and drink, and they will serve the atmosphere!

Colombo. Part 2.

With just over a week to go before flying home I stopped off in Colombo to buy some gifts. The goverment run Laksala shop in Fort was my one and only stop. Everything is fixed price so no hassle or haggling for 30 minutes to save $1. One mask, and a few little bits and bobs all wrapped up and I was happy. I stayed one night at Wayfarer's Inn in Cinnamon Gardens. It was o.k. But food needed to be ordered well inadvnce, i.e. dinner ordered at breakfast time. I also had one night in the Galle Face Hotel. Is was undergoing major upgrades so a large section of it was closed.

Negombo

Negombo is the closest beach resort to the International airport, so it gets a lot of travellers passing through either on the way in to Sri Lanka or on the way out. There is a wide selection of accommodation to choose from, most of which face the beach. I stayed at the Hotel Silver Sands, and the room was first rate. I opted for air~con. The restaurant does first rate food, though service can be a little on the lax side, and you have to pop in to the kitchen to find staff. The hotel also rents out bikes. If budget is not a problem and they have rooms, I would also recommend Browns Beach Hotel. Lots of entertainment here, and a great beach setting. The other hotels in the same price range can not hold a candle to it.There are a few things to do and see in the main town. The best way is to rent a bike and peddle round. The fish market is interesting, if a little smelly. There's a Dutch fort in ruins, oh and more Christian church's than you can shake a stick at. Throw in the odd Buddist and Hindu Temple and you have a days exploration. There are lots of places to eat and drink along the main hotel strip. All are about the same in real terms and none spring to mind.

The five weeks I spent in Sri Lanka flew by, I enjoyed my trip but I was very happy to return home, to my gorgeous wife.