Monday 28 December 2015

Discover Sri Lanka



Colombo
Our first stop a beautiful Hindu and Buddhist Temple was so peaceful.




Hikkaduwa
It was a mad run for our train to Hikkaduwa. When the train arrived, it was a frenzy to grab a seat, with everyone pushing and climbing into windows to secure a seat. 





Our first visit was to the Turtle Sanctuary, located in a little open air structure; the guide was really informative and passionate about these rare creatures.
We visited the local village which was interesting and the Tsunami Museum. Here hard hitting photos remind us of the devastation caused.





Today we headed over to Persidon Dive Centre. A 20 meters dive with a maze and underwater boulders creating awesome turns and tunnels. Amazing time swimming amongst lobsters, crabs, puffer fish, etc.




 Mirissa
 On our way to Whale Watching, we were treated to beautiful morning sunrise with dolphins riding at the front of the boat. We saw the first spray of water this was a blue whale the biggest mammal on earth. I never dreamed of seeing one, so was well excited. It was amazing to see. 





Galle
We went straight to the fort and old part of town. It's like you have been transformed back into the 17th Century the buildings and atmosphere still had that colonial feel to it. The fort is massive, and took us a while to get around it all, but the view from it was amazing.





Ella
The drive continued to Ella through amazing postcard scenes. Traveling up mountains through the windy roads, every corner opened up to lush green landscape. When we reached an amazing waterfall, the views were just stunning.
Next morning we headed for Small Adams Peak for sunrise, after a gentle trek through the dark and some muddy paths the view was to a sea of tea fields.



Yala 
Beautiful sunrise between the mountain peaks of Ella, it's quite cold and fresh as we walked through the small jungle trail to the main road where our pick up was waiting for us. A 2 hours drive we ended up in Yala for Safari Tour. As you entered the park there was plenty to see: monkies, water buffalo, kingfisher birds and stalks.



Demodara
A visit to a Tea Factory it's quite amazing to see how the leaves are processed. 

Kandy
Beautiful sunrise with Ella peak in view, today we have a 6h train journey to Kandy. The train snaked through the mountains to beautiful landscapes each one could have easily been a postcard.  The best train ride I've ever taken.



Last day
Holiday done, it was a great trip, one of my favourite places in the world, with great sights, beautiful history and culture. There is a lot to do for every traveller. My main highlight was Ella there was something very special about it, a place where are forced to just chill and enjoy the moment. I will definitely be coming back to this little paradise.



Amlet Travel 
Tel: 0203 675 0537 
Email: info@amlettravel.co.uk

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Friday 11 December 2015

10 Travel tips for Christmas.


Christmas time is among the busiest time of the year at airports all over the world.
  
Here are my tips to help you to prepare for an enjoyable travel experience for the most wonderful time of the year.

1.   Everything has an expiry date. So does your passport. You need 6 months before expiry date from the date of travel.
Make sure that you have proper travel documentation for everyone to travel to destination, including children and infants.



2.  In-flight entertainment. 
Airlines have good in-flight entertainment system. You can connect onto your own laptop through an app on your iPhone or tablet. You can download the latest version of the airline's iPhone app for free access to hours of movies and TV programs.
Pack books, magazines, tablets and laptops loaded with entertainment, small games or toys for young ones.

3.   Check-in.
Airlines offer three check-in options: Online-check-in- Mobile- Self-serve kiosk.
Online-checking can be done 24 hours before scheduled departure.
Check-in on your mobile device by using airline’s app or mobile-optimized website.
Self-serve check-in kiosks are available at airports
I still prefer the old fashion face to face check-in.

All passengers must be presented at check-in.  

 

4. This is the busiest travel period of the year, so plan to arrive early. Be prepared for large crowds at the airport.
Make your travel plans even smoother and arrive no less than two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

5 A brand new bag.
Carry-on baggage must meet airline size requirements. Only one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item are permitted. 
Know your Baggage Allowances as each airline has its own luggage
allowance policies. Luggage restrictions can include, size, weight and number of bags permitted.



6. Take care of your belongings.
Be sure you pack passport, money, medication, mobile devices and
valuable items into carry-on baggage.

7. Presents wrapping.
Do not wrap presents. Airport security may ask you to open items in checked or carry-on baggage.



8. Want to take your pet with you
It is a no-no to and from the UK. 

9. Devices
Make sure all batteries on all your devices are fully charged.

10. Take Patience with you.
Holiday travel can be stressful, be prepared, and leave lots of time to travel to the airport, arriving early.
A little bit of patience goes a long, it will help making the journey more bearable.



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