Our partner in Viajes Tuareg Joan Bartomeu has just returned from his trip to Sri Lanka and brings us fresh photographs of this beautiful Asian destination.
On his trip, he visited important temples and palaces listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, saw Asian elephants in their natural habitat in national parks, and ended his journey with a well-deserved rest on the secluded, idyllic beaches of the south coast.
We have asked Joan to answer the questions we normally ask our customers after a trip. And we've added some more that don't appear in the satisfaction questionnaire usual. We are keen to hear his thoughts on the trip and find out more.
We know Joan has travelled halfway around the world, so we begin by asking which destinations he has visited on his latest trips.
My last trips have been to Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Sudan, India and Tanzania.
What is your overall impression of the trip to Sri Lanka?
A very positive impression and assessment: the destination has practically everything. Culture, landscapes, wildlife, plants and magnificent unspoilt beaches.
The best part of the Sri Lanka trip with Viajes Tuareg was…
The fortress of Sigiriya and the landscape offered by tea plantations.
How did you get on with the other travellers in the group?
It is always good to meet new people. At first, only the destination connects us. By the end, after spending time together and sharing good moments, we also have all the experiences enjoyed along the way.
Would you introduce any modifications, or any suggestions for similar future trips?
I wouldn’t change anything. The trip is perfectly planned, with more surprises as the days go by.
Did any unexpected problems arise during the trip?
The rain when we were due to walk to Lipton's Seat. Fortunately, we managed it the next morning, and it was spectacular: a light mist made the scenery even more beautiful.
Tell us an anecdote from Sri Lanka
When travelling in a group, there are stories almost every day. One of the funniest was in Colombo, while haggling. To save money, 5 of us hired a single tuk-tuk for a morning’s shopping. Imagine 5 people in a tuk-tuk weaving through Colombo’s traffic. Then you realise you have haggled over 5 euros (1 euro each) instead of taking two tuk-tuks and travelling more comfortably.
What did you pack for a trip like that?
A good guide
What do you always remember to pack?
My camera. I need memories of all these fantastic places and a way to capture fun moments with my fellow travellers.
What is the food like in Sri Lanka? Do you eat well?
I was pleasantly surprised, especially by its variety, yes, in some places a little spicy for my taste.
The trip to Sri Lanka lasts 15 days, with several accommodations planned on the route. Which of the accommodations did you like the most?
The accommodation is excellent. I liked it all, but if I had to single one out, it would be the Queen’s Hotel in Kandy, for its colonial architecture and excellent location beside the lake.
Thank you, Joan, for the photos and for answering our questions about the trip!