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sri lanka tour advise


brian1
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Hi,we have 2 excursions shortlisted for April on our QE stop.The 12 hr Kandy trip and the 8 hr tea plantation.Any of you guys out there recommend 1 or the other?We would like to see a variation of the countryside on the way,to see the real Sri Lanka,cheers,Brian.

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Hi, both excursions will take you through gorgeous scenery and to very different cultures within the island. If you go to Kandy, you will experience Sri Lanka's second largest city and have more of an urban experience. The highlight of that trip will likely be a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a center of both religious and political life in Sri Lanka. It has both Buddhist and Hindu temples within the complex, and is a fascinating study of how Hinduism, Buddhism, and politics are entwined in the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

 

In contrast, the tea plantation trip will take you into more rural areas, and you will likely learn far more about British colonialism, Tamil tea plantation workers, and the process of tea cultivation.

 

They are both gorgeous and fascinating, so it depends on which calls to your soul more.

 

Looking at your itinerary, it appears you will be in Sri Lanka the day after Vesak, one of the largest holidays in the country. Vesak is a day (or 2!) during which many businesses shut down, while pilgrims are worshipping. The temples will be over-flowing. The day after -- when you arrive -- can be a bit of a let-down, especially in the urban areas, much like the recovery day after any high holiday. For that reason, you might opt for Nuwara Eliya (the tea plantations) over Kandy.

 

No matter which you choose, getting out of Colombo and into the mountains is an extraordinary experience.

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Hi, both excursions will take you through gorgeous scenery and to very different cultures within the island. If you go to Kandy, you will experience Sri Lanka's second largest city and have more of an urban experience. The highlight of that trip will likely be a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a center of both religious and political life in Sri Lanka. It has both Buddhist and Hindu temples within the complex, and is a fascinating study of how Hinduism, Buddhism, and politics are entwined in the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

 

In contrast, the tea plantation trip will take you into more rural areas, and you will likely learn far more about British colonialism, Tamil tea plantation workers, and the process of tea cultivation.

 

They are both gorgeous and fascinating, so it depends on which calls to your soul more.

 

Looking at your itinerary, it appears you will be in Sri Lanka the day after Vesak, one of the largest holidays in the country. Vesak is a day (or 2!) during which many businesses shut down, while pilgrims are worshipping. The temples will be over-flowing. The day after -- when you arrive -- can be a bit of a let-down, especially in the urban areas, much like the recovery day after any high holiday. For that reason, you might opt for Nuwara Eliya (the tea plantations) over Kandy.

 

No matter which you choose, getting out of Colombo and into the mountains is an extraordinary experience.

Hi,thanks for info.I already took a chance and booked the Kandy trip,cheers,Brian.
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