Hi Shirley
We've been to Sri Lanka 6 times (first in 1996 when it was new in the brochures, last time January 2004) and Goa 7 times (first in 1994, again when it was new to the brochures), we're going back to Goa in November.

Both lots of people are lovely.

We found that Sri Lanka has more things to see, especially ancient culture which Goa seems to lack.
Sigyria is worth a visit (featured in one of Duran Duran's videos) as are Polonnaruwa and Dambullah.
You can visit the Elephant Orphange, it's great.
We always stay in Kandy for a few days, the Temple of the Tooth is good.

The 'Tea Country' around Nuwara Eliya is stunning.

A climb to the top of Adam's Peak is on our list next time we go.

As in Goa, you can hire a driver who will take you wherever you want.

I assume that you've visited Goa. We've always stayed in Negombo as there was lots of places to eat outside the hotel (we don't like AI).
You can get into Colombo easily in an hour on the local buses.

Jewellery is just as good as you can get in Goa, especially sapphires.

The beaches are a bit better further south.
We've not visited Sri Lanka since the Tsunami so I can't say what impact this had.

Overall, I'd say that Goa seems to be more laid-back.
The only reason we've not been back to Sri Lanka lately is because there hasn't been many good deals on offer.

Hope this helps
Polly

Thankyou so much Polly , it does help a lot , I know this is but can you recommend a hotel? thanks again, shirley.

Like PPC we also stayed in Negombo on our visits to Sri Lanka, The Browns Beach Hotel was lovely, great staff, excellent location (on the beach) and clean rooms.

I agree totally with PPC - Sri Lanka has so much to offer esp if you like culture and sight seeing, my ultimate favourite was climbing Sigyria (lion rock) - it takes your breath away - both the climb and the view from the top.

GFF

Thanks GFF - can I ask does the Browns Beach have a decent sized garden for sunbathing? I have looked at that one and it does look great but the pool surrounds look very small, if there are decent sized gardens though it makes up for it, thanks again , shirleyv

I also recommend the Browns Beach resort,the staff are great as is the food if going AI. We also climbed Sigarya(spelling!!!) something every visitor should do. I was a smoker at the time and still managed it ok so if you do not smoke it should be a doddle. Goa still wins hands down though (been twice to Sri Lanka, 10 times to Goa).

To keep on topic (or even on forum ), can you please continue discussion on Sri Lanka hotels, etc in the Indian Ocean forum.

luci

sorry luci will do