This trip was a disappointment overall.
Neena Khan
(Bengaluru, India)
(Written on 25 Dec, 2024)
What's Good: The accommodations were comfortable, and the food provided was hygienic and enjoyable.
What's Not Good: I recently visited Sri Lanka with Shine Lanka Holidays, and unfort (Read More)unately, the experience fell far short of expectations. Here are some key issues I encountered during my 5-day, 4-night trip: Itinerary Mismanagement: The trip started on a poor note. After arriving in Colombo at 1:30 PM, it took nearly 5 hours to reach Sigiriya, leaving Day 1 completely unproductive. On Day 2, we only managed to visit Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple while en route to Kandy. The driver suggested a lunch spot, which turned out to be disappointing. Uncooperative Driver and Host: The driver was argumentative and repeatedly mentioned that the itinerary should have been for 8 days, despite us having booked a 5-day trip. Requests to adjust the plan, such as taking the Ella route or stopping briefly at a beach, were met with rude responses. The host (Insaaf) was equally unhelpful and seemed uninterested in resolving any concerns. Madu River Boat Safari: The safari was another letdown. While it cost $30 per person, additional charges for activities (e.g., taking a photo with a crocodile) were sprung on us unexpectedly. The overall experience felt rushed and poorly coordinated. Additional Charges: Despite not covering much of the promised itinerary, we were asked to pay extra for airport drop-off via Colombo City, even though we hadn't explored the city properly. Positives: Tips for Future Travelers: It’s better to plan your own itinerary and avoid relying on such tours, especially for Indian travelers. Exchange currency at the airport for better rates; the local exchange rates were as low as 3.2 for INR. Be cautious, as some services and activities seemed overly commercialized and overpriced.