u/Outrageous-Breath272

When I started planning this trip, a woman from Colorado recommended the driver she had used when she visited a few weeks prior. I have to say this was the best first move to make. We met on WhatsApp and we’ve been constantly in contact for almost 2 months as I’ve been planning my trip. He has been absolutely fantastic. I gave him my list of things I wanted to do: seeing lots of elephants, hiking, relaxing, getting Ayurvedic massages, and staying in relatively nice hotels.

Once he knew what my priorities were, he helped me book the route that made the most sense. I’ll be here for 15 days and it is packed with all kinds of great adventures but with plenty of relaxation time left to enjoy.

He picked me up from the airport at 3:30 AM and we went directly to Sigiriya, which took about 2 1/2 hours. The hotel let me check in at 7:00 AM and I only had to pay $40. Highly recommend Hotel Sigiriya because it has an outstanding view of Sigiriya Rock.

Within 10 hours of my arrival, I was out on my first safari and saw an enormous amount of elephants in Minnereya National Park. It was, without a doubt, one of the best safaris I have ever been on. Minnereya is maybe 20 minutes from Sigiriya so it’s a great thing to do on your first day.

Today we climbed to Sigiriya Rock (not for the faint of heart), took a 4 1/2 hour nap, and then we climbed another mountain rain tonight. It has been a spectacular day.

I can’t say enough about how important it is to hire a driver who will be with you two weeks. It’s good on the front end because you have someone to bounce things off of and get ideas, and while you’re here, you feel completely safe and secure and well taken care of. And trust me, it’s not expensive.

Feel free to message me with any questions, including contact information for my amazing driver (and friend, actually) but I will keep posting as the trip goes on. Tomorrow we are headed off to Trincomalee to swim with turtles.

Also, so far the weather has been beautiful. No sight of a monsoon anywhere near here.

My travel insurance from last year just expired and I had Allianz. I take three or four international trips a year, and some of the trips are to developing countries. I understand that no insurance covers “war,” but does anyone have recommendations for a good comprehensive plan that covers everything up to “war”?

Does anybody have a good/great recommendation for a private driver to see Sri Lanka in late June or early July? I’m looking for an 8-10 day trip, 4-5 star hotels, lots of outdoor time (safaris, beach, hiking). Looking for somebody kind and knowledgeable (funny would be an added benefit) but who gives me space to be on my own, too. Will only consider licensed drivers and those with strong recommendations.

Planning a bike trip to Sri Lanka this summer, probably early July. What should I expect from the weather during that time? I know it’s monsoon season in some areas some, but what are the daily highs and how much of the day does it rain?