Sri Lanka

[mybutty]

trying to find out how much to stay in sri lanka. cost of living etc.

[naomi24]

Are you going on holiday - or thinking of living there?

[Buenchico]

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Sri+Lanka&;displayCurrency=GBP

[mybutty]

holiday. apparently I have won return flights

[naomi24]

Lucky you!! Sri Lanka is beautiful!! Living costs are inexpensive, but depending on where you are staying, I wouldn't want to eat in local establishments more than is absolutely necessary, so best to get a hotel with meals included. If you can afford to pay a driver (car hire is not to be advised) to take you around the island, it's well worth seeing.

[Zeuhl]

Endorse all that. In many ways it is more beautiful than places such as Bali.

Focus on West or East coast depending on when you go (monsoon)

Take excursions to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Anuradaphura Ruins, one of the Forest Reserves and old towns like Kandy (in the hills) or Galle (south west coast) are fun to visit.

The beaches and scuba are particularly good but unless you're on a private beach or very remote, you will be hassled by hawkers and beggars.

[mybutty]

definatley would stay at a hotel. want to find out about prices and the weather. don't like it too hot 75f is enough for me

[Zeuhl]

/75f is enough for me /

you might be better in the hills and the tea plantations.

check out Kandy

[naomi24]

This outlines weather for every month .....

http://www.selectiveasia.com/sri-lanka-holidays/weather

... but I don't know your budget, so it's difficult to recommend hotels. Try googling. There are hundreds.

[Zeuhl]

Kandy

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Kandy-weather-averages/Central/LK.aspx

compared with Galle on the coast

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Galle-weather-averages/Southern/LK.aspx

[naomi24]

Good thinking, Zeuhl.

[mybutty]

I haven't got a budget as such. only just found out I'd won return flights with BA

[naomi24]

Oh, another thing. Be wary of being taken on a diversion by tuk tuk drivers to tailors shops/jewellery shops, etc, etc. They're on a commission so some will do that hoping you will buy.

You will see poverty in Sri Lanka, but it's an amazing place where practically anything that grows - from cotton, to rice, to tea, and every spice imaginable, seems to grow. If finance isn't an issue, choose a high quality hotel, make good use of the tuk tuks and taxis - and enjoy!

[naomi24]

A bit more. If you want a car to take you sightseeing around the island, your hotel will arrange that for you, together with hotels to stay in en route.

Agree prices with taxi and tuk tuk drivers before you get in - and be prepared for slow journeys. Roads are few and horrendously busy.

[mybutty]

wow. thank you all for your advice. still confused as to when and where to go

[mybutty]

my hubby said about terrorists? is there any danger? were is the best place to book accommodation?

[naomi24]

Have a look here.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g293961-Sri_Lanka-Hotels.html