Is anyone traveling to Sri Lanka? Is it considered calm now from civil disturbance?

over 7 years ago about Sri Lanka

January 2012 through March 2012, I am interested in volunteering at an Elephant Sanctuary. Traveling around country - after and during stay. Any recommended areas to avoid?

Asked by GENE WHEELER via

WorldNomads.com

12 Answers

+1

My friends just left on a tour today to sri lanka, there is absolutely no travel advisories or known civil disturbances on the beaten paths. over 7 years ago

Answered by themole via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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We spent our New Year last year in Negambo which is close to Colombo. Absolutely no sign of civil disturbance. Safe as any place over 7 years ago

Answered by Subba Reddy via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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I was in Sri Lanka just a few weeks ago..... while there is still a few armed guards here and there it is very safe. Considering the country was in a civil war like 2 years ago its only natural they want to keep the place safe. The people there are very friendly. You seriously wouldnt think that there was a war there at anytime if you didnt know about it.
I didnt actually see any places that you should avoid so unfortunately I cant help you there sorry. But you cant go to wrong in places like Colombo, Kandy and I heard Negombo was pretty good as well

If the elephant sanctuary that your talking about is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, about 45mins from Kandy than I actually went there on my trip and i can tell you that it really is a safe, friendly place. I very much recommend that you do it. You won't regret it! over 7 years ago

Answered by shanecroft via WorldNomads.com
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Tourism in Sri Lanka has actually grown since the civil war ended and the government has injected a lot of money to the industry by building new hotels. over 7 years ago

Answered by Ewan ARNOLDA via WorldNomads.com
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Much safer than most major U.S cities :-)

.....but seriously. There is no more terrorist threat and it is. Very safe! over 7 years ago

Answered by Sinbad via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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I am from Sri Lanka. It is very safe for tourists especially now that the civil war is over. All main tourist spots and travels in between will warrant you no danger so come down to my little country and enjoy the beaches will you! over 7 years ago

Answered by K. Soertsz via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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Civil in the sense that it was within Sri Lanka mind you. over 7 years ago

Answered by K. Soertsz via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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It was really good experience this year in April with my girl friend, I'm agree that people are really friendly. We enjoyed visiting colombo, kandy, Dambula, sir gay and many other places, I will advice to stay in hilton or gol face hotel which are really on nice locations and quality of food is much much better. over 7 years ago

Answered by Muneeb Nawaz via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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I worked in Sri Lanka from Jan - June 2011. While there I travelled throughout the country and had no negative experiences. Wonderful people everywhere I went.

I especially enjoyed the train ride through tea country up to Nuwara Eliya (stayed at King Fern... Great place) and a safari I went on in Yala National Park. Unawatuna has some great beaches as well.

One thing I would suggest is using Trip Advisor to find places to stay rather than Lonely Planet. A lot of the places listed in the book have jacked their prices after they were listed in the book? over 7 years ago

Answered by Matt via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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Beware of the tourist traps. like the spas and massage centers, Whale watching tours, turtle sanctuaries in south coast. you can eat out cheaply than in hotels. Must say almost all the tourist site entrance fees are VERY high for foreigners. Try to be among people always there were incidents of sexual harassment of tourist recently. So be cautious always. over 7 years ago

Answered by elendran via WorldNomads.com
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Was there in february and there was not a single moment that I felt unsafe. There was a bit of demonstrating in negombo our last night, because of fuel prices, but we did not feel threatened. The people are amazingly friendly!! over 7 years ago

Answered by Whitney Webb via Ask a Nomad iPad app
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No problems at all. You will see some military with machine guns. In Jaffna it's still a little different. It's calm and safe but soldiers are almost everywhere.

Biggest threats are touts! But you will learn fast if it's just friendly local or just someone who wants your money.

Check out our Sri Lanka Blog: http://srilanka.for91days.com/ we are still having 5 more weeks ahead! over 7 years ago

Answered by For 91 Days via WorldNomads.com