Kimkim Trip Reviews for Sri Lanka

My first interaction with kimkim was with Shalindra. From the very first communication and throughout the trip planning process, Shalindra was fantastic. He was quick to respond to every message I sent and answering all of my questions. The 10 day trip to Sri Lanka exceeded my expectations. However, my biggest thank you goes to my tour guide, Pramith. He was so on top of things with the schedule and when we had time while driving from one place to the next, he made suggestions of other places to go that were not part of the itinerary. I think we learned a lot from each other, had many laughs along the way and had such a varied itinerary from history, culture and education to hikes, nature walks and views of some magnificent scenery. The food did not disappoint either. Having a food allergy, Pramith made sure I was able to eat safely and took good care of me. Lastly, I must mention about the people of Sri Lanka. They are among some of the most friendly people I have met in my travel experiences. My observation and interaction with many people during the trip, I could tell that their smiles and friendliness was not an act just for tourists, but is their way of life. Overall, an amazing and unforgettable experience thanks to Pramith and Shalindra.

Hotel Reviews

Sofia Colombo City Hotel

Colombo

Definitely a higher-end hotel with some fantastic views and a comfortable room. Large, varied breakfast. Also ate a buffet dinner at this hotel. While eating on the later side (about 8:30) there were several items not refilled and service was a bit spotty however the manager recognizing a couple of missteps from her staff quickly made everything right.

Athgira River Camp

Udawalawe

Great hotel and fantastic location being in close proximity to the entrance to the Udawalawe National Park. Enjoyed a tasty dinner at this hotel with an incredible server.

Heaven Seven Hotel Kandy

Kandy

A nice hotel with fantastic views. Large breakfast area and a great staff.

Kevans Casa

Mahiyangana

Beautiful, modern property with a friendly staff and great breakfast. Lovely swimming pool/bar area. Traveling solo, the room was fine but for a couple traveling together, the room was very small and would be impossible for two people to move around each other.

Athena Lake

Dambulla

Large room, friendly staff and tasty breakfast overlooking the beautiful property. A walk each morning down a short path to the lake was a peaceful way to start the day.

The Covanro

Veyangoda

Great breakfast and good size room. Friendly service and next to a neighborhood to walk the streets for some exercise. Older hotel in need of some maintenance and renovations

Activity Reviews

Galle Dutch Fort Visit

Sri Lanka

Be sure to explore this ancient fort and viewing three different bastions. It’s quite a large fort and after walking along the ramp parts, be sure to walk up and down some of the streets in the ancient city. It has a good vibe and some great architecture.

Udawalawa Village Walk - 04

Udawalawe

The best way to experience the locals and their generosity and kindness is by visiting with them. A tasting of some coconut sap paired with cassava and sambol makes this activity worth doing. Also, observe a local mining for some gems. Quite interesting the way this is done.

Rathna Ella Combined Village Experience

Mahiyanganaya

Don’t miss this walk to the waterfalls. It’s mostly flat, shaded and quite enjoyable. Not much wildlife to see but it’s a peaceful and serene walk. Be sure to check out the pottery making afterwards. It’s a fun experience with the locals to witness.

Safari in Udawalawa National Park

Sri Lanka

A great way to experience the Udawalawe National Park. Prathapa was my guide and his knowledge of the animals and birds was outstanding. He drove to some locations other vehicles did not go to which was perfect for spotting some lesser seen wildlife.

On the way city tour around Ella attractions

Sri Lanka

Ella town has a good vibe. My guide and I ate a tasty lunch at the Chill Restaurant. Great, friendly staff who were helpful with the menu.

Discover Ella

Sri Lanka

A hike to Ella Rock provides some magnificent views. Totally worth the entrance fee. Be sure to take a bottled water with you but if you forget, there are a couple of stands along the trail that sell crackers, candy, soft drinks/juices and water. Additionally, be sure not to miss a spectacular sunrise at Lipton Seat. You won’t be disappointed that you woke up early with such a beautiful sight. Just be sure to take warmer clothing and wear pants as it is quite windy and chilly at this location.

Discover Ancient Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka

An amazing experience with so many different locations. Highly recommend hiring a guide to be sure not to miss any of the sites. I had an 80+ year old man guide me through this place. His knowledge was absolutely incredible as he was a former archaeological professor at the university and had been providing tours for over 30 years. I could tell by the interactions of other guides that my guide was well respected.

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka

This place is absolutely incredible and highly recommend using a guide for this activity…totally worth it for an enriched experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Sri Lanka was absolutely wonderful, and a big part of that was thanks to our guide, Ajith. From the very beginning, everything was thoughtfully planned, yet always flexible to accommodate our needs and preferences.
Ajith has an excellent knowledge of Sri Lanka — its history, culture, nature, and everyday life — and he shared it in a way that was both informative and engaging. The itinerary was perfectly balanced, taking us to beautiful and interesting places without ever feeling rushed.
What truly stood out was Ajith’s flexibility and attentiveness. He was always ready to adjust plans, suggest alternatives, and make sure we were comfortable and happy at every step of the journey. We felt well cared for and completely at ease, which allowed us to fully enjoy the experience.
This was a memorable trip in every way, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. I highly recommend Ajith to anyone planning to explore Sri Lanka — he truly made our journey special.

We overall had a great trip to Sri Lanka. We got to see a lot of the country in a short amount of time. The highlights were the great hotels we stayed in and the locations of the hotels. Our driver UPS was a wizard not only at driving but at arranging our local guides. He was very accommodating throughout the trip and understood traveling with 3 teenagers that they may not want to wake up at 5am to go on an excursion everyday.

On the other hand, the planning process with Laieq, Justyna and Shayala were hit and miss. Laieq was hard to get a hold of and we struggled to get on the same page about our trip planning. Justyna was amazing. I wish we were able to work with her the whole time. She was helpful, friendly and very responsive. Shayala was mediocre. She did her best to help with the final planning but we struggled with getting on the same page.

Hotel Reviews

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama

We had been staying in small boutique hotels for the most part so to come back to a giant resort was a little shocking. But the breakfast buffet was excellent. The service was good for the most part. It took about 45 minutes for us to check in for some reason which was frustrating. The location right on the beach in front of a nice surf break was fun for our family to surf on. And the convenience of being so close and able to go back and forth to the hotel as needed was great. The only surprise we had was that there was a Sri Lankan full moon holiday during our stay so the hotel didn't serve alcohol that day. These are monthly holidays. That would have been helpful information to disclose when we booked the hotel so we could be made aware ahead of time. Otherwise the resort was lovely.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Amazing location right on the beach in front of a surf break.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Yala Resort

Yala

This was one of the best hotels we've ever stayed in. The location was amazing being in a national park and having animals roaming around the property. But also the service of everyone from the pool to the restuanrat was second to none. We celebrated a birthday and New Year's while there and the staff made it incredibly special. We had some confusion around our safari being booked seperate from the hotel's offered safari and were concerned about leaving for hours without having any breakfast. The hotel provided us with complimentary breakfast snacks to take on the safari so that our kids wouldn't be hungry for 4 hours. They continually went above and beyond to make our stay there very special. Our family all agreed that of the 6 hotels we stayed in during our trip to Sri Lanka, this was by far the best one.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Amazing location inside the national park and right next to the ocean. The best of both worlds!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Walaa Kulu

Ella

This is a single family house not a hotel. It was very different from any of the other places we stayed during our trip around the island but it was a great change for us. The house was very clean and modern. The views of Ella were incredible. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. They went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. The only issue we had were the number of bugs in the house. Because all of the sheets were white, it was really easy to see the bugs. It was a small price to pay for the gorgeous views. My only regret is that we didn't have more there.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

I would suggest getting more bug zappers to get rid of some of the bugs. And keeping the windows and doors closed.

Elephant Stables

Kandy

A beautiful hotel set high above the city. It had a great view of Kandy and the surrounding area. The rooms were clean and full of character. Just FYI, there were no elephant stables at this resort! The only drawback was the loud noise on the roof at 7am. We asked about the noise and they said it might be the birds. But it was extremely loud and jarring initially.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great views of the city

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ulagalla Walawwa

Anuradhapura

I wish we had more time at this hotel. We arrived late at night after a full day and left early in the morning. It seemed like a great hotel and they were very accommodating. The resort grounds are beautiful and lush. It was fun watching the monkeys and peacocks all around the resort. The rooms are gorgeous and spacious. The food was delicious and the service all around was 5-star. We would absolutely love to come back one day just to spend more time here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It was a bit remote but very scenic.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit (F)

Sri Lanka

The steps to the top are no joke! We were definitely winded when we got there, but to see a temple carved into the side of a rock was an impressive site. The temple is actually a series of rooms with different purposes in Buddha statues throughout. It was interesting to observe how this temple has lasted for centuries and been so well maintained. And this site was easy to see on the same day as Sigiriya Rock.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (F)

Sri Lanka

This was a site definitely worth visiting. The views from the top were spectacular. The hike up isn’t too strenuous, but is somewhat steep. It was very neat to see the outlines of where this palace one stood as well as the cave paintings. We really enjoyed visiting this ancient site.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was not good at all. He didn’t want to be there and made every effort to do as little as possible. He gave us very little information about the site and left us to explore mostly on our own. When we waited in line to climb to the top, he left to go wait in the shade while we stood in the sun for 30 minutes, waiting to climb the steps. If your guide is Garmany, I would request someone else to hopefully have a better experience than we did.

Transport

Discover Anuradhapura's Ancient Sites

Sri Lanka

We had a great time navigating this ancient city by bike. Our guy did a great job of explaining each site and the cultural significance. We were able to navigate through the complex with the bikes, quite seamlessly and use back roads too quickly get to each location.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colombo by Tuk-Tuk

Colombo

This was such a fun way to see Colombo in a short amount of time. Our guide and drivers were great. They didn’t speak much English, but they were able to take us to the key sites and give us an overview of each place. We were impressed with their ability to drive and navigate in the crazy Colombo traffic! And they also took us to a local place to have dinner at the end of our tour, which was definitely a highlight.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella

Sri Lanka

We didn’t get a chance to do this train ride because the train service was disrupted due to the recent typhoon that affected the area. Instead, we did a bike ride and hike to the scenic nine arch Bridge. The bike ride was terrible! It was mostly uphill and our family, while mostly in good shape, all struggled to make it to the top. Our guide, as friendly and accommodating as he was. Rode a scooter, so didn’t have the same issues getting up the hill! He was nice enough to have his nephew switch with our youngest son when he wasn’t able to complete the bike ride. So our son was able to ride on the back of the scooter with him. Once we got to the spot where we could start the hike it was then a 25 minute walk over to the bridge. The bridge was beautiful, but also very crowded. Lots of tourists visiting and taking photos. Definitely a fun and memorable place to take photos and visit while in Sri Lanka. I would avoid the bike ride in the future. I do think we wouldn’t have been able to see the bridge the same way if we were on the train so walking over to it was the better way to get the full experience and take our time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour of tea plantation & factory

Sri Lanka

This was not impressive. We walked through the factory and then sampled one flavor of tea. The tour of the factory took about 15 minutes and then we had another 20 minutes to select and drink our teas. While it was a beautiful drive through the tea plantation area, and nice to be able to stop in and purchase tea bags direct from the plantations, the experience didn’t live up to the description.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Sri Lanka

The morning safari was fine. There are so many Safari trucks all heading into the park to get in line as soon as it opens. You spend an hour just getting tickets and then getting into line to wait for the park to open. I wish I had known that ahead of time. We saw plenty of animals roaming around, but didn’t see any elephants or leopards unfortunately, we tried diligently to find a leopard for about an hour, but it was elusive. It was a fun tour, but would’ve been better if we were able to see you more animals. Because it had rained the night before many of the animals weren’t out at their normal watering holes because they had plenty of water already.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver was well-versed on all of the back roads of the park. He was able to maneuver around many of the other cars all going in the same direction. He adeptly pointed out animals that we couldn’t even see at first glance. He’s obviously very familiar with the landscape.

Transport

Boat ride in Galle with fishing using rods

Sri Lanka

This was horrible. The boat was a tiny flea infested piece of wood and the rods were sticks with strong. We were eaten alive by mosquitoes and are still itching 2 weeks later. The water looks disgusting and we didn't catch anything. The guide didn't speak English so we had a hard time understanding what he was pointing at or what he was telling us. We turned around after about 30 minutes and went back because we were having such a miserable time.

Quality of Experience

Everything

Guides, Drivers and Staff

English speaking, at least a little, would be helpful

Transport

We traveled as a group of three adults aged 60–71 and the experience was truly outstanding. The trip was carefully organized and executed flawlessly at every stage, without delays or unexpected issues, and included a wonderful balance of both cultural and natural sightseeing. The only challenge for us was that much of the food, even when described as “not spicy,” was still too picante for our taste. Traveling in Sri Lanka also involves long hours on the road, but Ajith, our guide-driver, is an excellent and very safe driver and always took care to plan regular and comfortable stops.
From the very first day, Ajith made us feel completely taken care of. Every step of the journey was thoughtfully planned and continuously adjusted to our needs and wishes — from food preferences and meal timing to sightseeing pace, personal interests, and engaging conversations along the way. In several places, he paid for tickets in advance using his own money, ensuring smooth entry, saving us time, and eliminating any waiting. At restaurants, he consistently arranged tables with the best views. What truly set Ajith apart was his care and responsibility in an unexpected medical situation. When one of us experienced an acute health issue, Ajith handled everything calmly and professionally, accompanied us to the hospital, and ensured we received proper care. Overall, the journey was not only enjoyable but deeply memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a guided tour in Sri Lanka.

Activity Reviews

Relax in Negombo

Negombo

Galle Dutch Fort Visit

Sri Lanka

Interesting historical place

Quality of Experience

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Sri Lanka

The Yala National Park jeep safari was very interesting, and seeing such a wide variety of animals was beyond our expectations. Unfortunately, we were not lucky enough to spot leopards. Their sighting did not seem realistic to us, as these cats are extremely cautious and naturally tend to move away when many jeeps gather together.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our jeep driver was so special

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was an amazing place and well worth the long journey. Seeing the young elephants playing and watching dozens of elephants bathing and interacting with one another was a truly special and unforgettable experience

Discover Kandy: Temple of the Sacred Tooth visit

Kandy

The experience was beyond expectations. We were fortunate to visit at a time when it was not crowded, yet a donation ceremony was taking place. Seeing a place of faith filled with people dressed in white and surrounded by flowers was truly moving and felt like a rare and special experience.

Quality of Experience

The atmosphere of the temple was unique

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka

We could not go up due to a leg still recovering from injury, but our guide thoughtfully arranged a ride around by tuk-tuk.

Quality of Experience

Wonderful views!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tuk-tuk guide

Rural Village Trail in Habarana (Cycling, Boat Trip & Lunch)

Sri Lanka

We explored the village by tractor, continued by boat on the lake, and returned by tuk-tuk, as cycling was not possible due to a leg still recovering from an injury. Communication with the local guide was somewhat difficult, and we would have appreciated more explanations. It was also not entirely clear to us how the lake ride related to the rural village experience.

Quality of Experience

More explanation from our English-speaking guide prior to the experience would have been helpful.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The possibility of communication with the local person on the tractor through mediation by the English-speaking guide

Transport

Discover Ancient Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka

Amazing historical evidence. Unusual for a European culture tourist.

Quality of Experience

The place is maintained in a good condition, the complex is huge, but mostly ruins, you need the story behind to get impressed.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide of the place was very clear and knowledgeable

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex

Sri Lanka

Very special place, great explanation about Buddhism.

Quality of Experience

Pramith, our main driver and guide, was abs terrific! Friendly and always smiling

Activity Reviews

Free Day at the Beach

Sri Lanka

Liked the beach. Didn't liove the hotel

Galle Dutch Fort Visit

Sri Lanka

Pretty Fort, albeit a little touristy

Visit Lipton's Seat & Tea Estate

Sri Lanka

Beautiful spot. Also enjoyed the Tea factory

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike to Diyaluma Waterfall

Sri Lanka

Really fun experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover Ella

Sri Lanka

Beautiful town in the mountains. Really enjoyed the Ella Rock hike. One of my few criticisms of Dhanushka was he didn't fully brief us on the hike. Called it a walk.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Local guide was terrific

Transport

Visit to Elephant transit home in Udawalawa

Sri Lanka

Really interesting place

Quality of Experience

Safari in Udawalawa National Park

Sri Lanka

Fantastic. Being so close to the animals was amazing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was very good at spotting animals

Transport

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with very friendly people. The trip had a nice blend of Tours and trekking. My guide, AJ, did a great job of giving me options for each day. I was even able to hike up Adams Peak!

Wonderful vacation in Sri Lanka!

Justyna made every effort to understand what we were looking for and did an amazing job planning out the itinerary in detail. I had a mix of phone/email interactions to finalize our plans.

We had a mix of city, culture and nature. The driver/guide was knowledgeable and keen to ensure that we got the local experience.

It was fun to go to the village cooking class near Sigriya. It was a unique experience.

I have used KimKim for multiple trips since 2018. They take away the stress of planning, safety, and dealing with situations on the ground. It allows us to really enjoy the local place, people and experiences.

I highly recommend Exemplary Voyages to plan your experience.

Hotel Reviews

Wattura Resort and Spa

Waikkal

While the overall setup is nice, the hotel could use freshening up.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Taru Villas Kandy

Kandy

Boutique hotel in an old home. Has the charm of an old home, but downsides too e.g. steps to go to the bathroom. The train track runs behind the hotel and it is in a generally crowded area, so can be noisy if you ware sitting outside the room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Not much; it is on an industrial street and the train track runs behind the hotel.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Water Garden Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Luxurious hotel and rooms. Swimming pool is gorgeous! The food is delicious, but the portions are really large. After our first meal, we shared a single main course.

Authenticity & Character

Location

The roadway from the main road to the hotel is unpaved and bumpy.

Staff

Very attentive. not pushy.

Cleanliness & Comfort

All was good.

Activity Reviews

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka

Exploring the Dambulla Cave Temples was nice, definitely worth seeing, but not mind-blowing. Having traveled a lot and seen other similar sites, it felt representative of what I've seen before. Still, a good experience overall.

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka

This was the highlight of our trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

To be honest I mostly selected hotels and needed up cancelling 2 or 3 prearranged tours as we are pretty independent when travelling but the agents were always available very patient !!! And helped arrange a series of car transfers
Plus w elbows Sri Lanka and had a great time

All of our guides did an excellent job. They were able to answer all the questions we had, were flexible when any changes were needed and extremely helpful when there was a medical emergency. Personally, I would have preferred staying a little longer at each place rather then moving every day or every two days from one place to another.

We had such an amazing experience in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful country with thriving cities, unspoiled nature and a rich history. Dhanushka planned such an excellent, activity filled trip for us with excellent hotels and awe inspiring sites. Our guide Ajith was world class. He shared so much knowledge and history about his country, was flexible and accommodating with our schedule and made visit Sri Lanka the trip our a life time! We spent 9 days exploring various cities and areas. Highlights were the train to Ella, the Diyaluma falls, stilt fishermen and amazing food! We highly recommend visiting Sri Lanka with Kimkim Travel

Activity Reviews

Hike to Diyaluma Waterfall

Sri Lanka

The hike to Diyaluma Waterfall was absolutely amazing and a must-do. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was worth every moment spent getting there.

Arrive in Negombo

Negombo

The experience at the 'Explore Negombo “Lellama” Fish Market' was actually really cool. I found that doing this activity combined with seeing the stilt fishermen made for an interesting experience.

Rural Village Trail in Habarana (Cycling, Boat Trip & Lunch)

Sri Lanka

The family we visited so open and accommodating. They taught us to make roti and sambal. And taking all the modes of transportation made it an even better experience.

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex

Sri Lanka

The cave complex is unbelievable. The preserved art and paintings take your breath away.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We enjoyed our stay in Sri Lanka and especially found Nuwara to be a beautiful area and stayed in a lovely hotel. Yala and the hotel were also nice.

We all liked our tour guide and appreciated his level of knowledge and recommendations.

The amount of time spent driving was a surprise and would have made different decisions had I know. I also think it should have been communicated the first hotel was not at all a luxury experience. The service, food and room were all mediocre.

It would be nice to have helpful information proactively provided. For example the bathrooms along the highway charge to use them so having smaller bills would have been very helpful. Recommended tips for tour guide and safari drivers, clothing for higher elevation etc.

Activity Reviews

Explore Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka

Visit to Elephant transit home in Udawalawa

Sri Lanka

Safari in Udawalawa National Park

Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park

Sri Lanka

Really the rated should be N.A.- We opted not to do this based on feedback from several people that the weather is iffy and no animals. Sounded like a nature walk but required 2 additional hours of driving.

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Sri Lanka

Quality of Experience

Wildlife was great including water buffalo, elephants, owls, deer and many birds. We did not see a leopard.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The driver was distracted by his phone especially the 2nd half of the tour.

Transport

My wife and I just returned from an unforgettable 7-night trip to Sri Lanka, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We booked through Kimkim, and Dhanushka did an outstanding job creating an itinerary that perfectly balanced nature, culture, and historic sites.
From the start, Kapila, our guide and driver for the entire trip, was nothing short of exceptional. His wealth of knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and natural beauty was incredible, and his driving skills made us feel safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Kapila went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible experience and was always looking out for our needs.
One of the trip highlights was the village safari, where we had the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about traditional cooking methods. We had the chance to watch the villagers prepare a delicious pumpkin curry along with other local dishes. It was such a unique and hands-on experience, and the food was absolutely delicious!
Overall, the trip was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. We’re grateful for Kimkim, Dhanushka, and especially Kapila for making this trip so memorable.

We loved our trip to Sri Lanka. Rikaz helped us build a perfect itinerary, mixing wildlife, nature treks and hikes, cultural experiences and sites, and much more! Would highly recommend booking your trip with Rikaz.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
We spend 1.5 days in Hikkaduwa as we wanted to end the trip on the beach. Although it is gorgeous, it is EXTREMELY touristy, and the hotel we stayed at (Hikka Tranz) was probably our least favorite hotel of the trip (although we did not see any better options in the area). Therefore, if you want to go to the beach, I would consider doing some research to find other less crowded beaches with the same scenery.

Awesome trip across Sri Lank discovering its history, culture, nature and water sports. We worked with Rikaz to tailor the trip to our preferences and thoroughly enjoyed the adventures for our first vacation in Asia.

Our local guide was very knowledgeable, willing to find answers to our questions when he did not have them and always prepared to give us a unique experience and view into his country. He was on-time, attentive and ready to explore with us.

Thank you Rikaz and team for putting this amazing trip together!

This week long private tour with kimkim tours was a wonderful way for a first hand experience in this beautiful country of Sri Lanka! My driver and guide Aj, was easy going, punctual, professional, and full a suggestions to make my experience that much more enjoyable! From white water rafting to trekking thru the jungle, AJ always made sure of my utmost safety! The week that Dhanuakha planned for me was absolutely TOP NOTCH! The resorts were incredible and the activities planned absolutely thrilling and engaging! I highly recommend this type of “custome taylored” trip to anyone thinking of this incredible destination, Sri Lanka!

Our recent trip to Sri Lanka was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the exceptional hospitality and professionalism of our driver/tour guide, Anura Kumar, and the outstanding service at Hilton Resort Yala – Safari Ranger, where Sanka made our stay truly memorable.

From the moment we arrived, Anura Kumar ensured that our journey was smooth, comfortable, and packed with insightful experiences. His deep knowledge of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and hidden gems added immense value to our trip. Whether it was exploring ancient ruins, enjoying scenic coastal drives, or discovering local delicacies, Anura’s warm personality and expertise made every moment special. He went above and beyond to accommodate our requests, making sure we had a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout.

Our stay at Hilton Resort Yala – Safari Range was the perfect retreat after days of adventure. Nestled close to Yala National Park, the resort offers breathtaking views, luxurious comfort, and world-class service. Sanka, in particular, stood out with his exceptional attentiveness and dedication. His personalized service, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality made our stay extra special.

The Yala safari itself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were fortunate to witness incredible wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and exotic birds, all while being guided by expert ranger who ensured a responsible and respectful wildlife experience.

Overall, this trip exceeded all expectations. Sri Lanka’s natural beauty is breathtaking, but it’s the people—like Anura Kumar and Sanka—who make the experience truly unforgettable. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend both Anura as your tour guide and Hilton Resort Yala for a luxurious yet immersive adventure.

Hotel Review

Hilton Yala Resort

Yala

The Hilton Yala Resort was simply incredible. The hospitality, food, location, and service were all exceptional. The resort's location in the forest allowed us to see elephants, monkeys, and even a crocodile right from the property. The newness of the resort added to its charm, making it my preferred choice over other accommodations during our trip.

Activity Reviews

Kanneliya Rainforest with a lunch by the stream

Sri Lanka

Visiting the Kanneliya Rainforest was a highlight of our trip. The early morning hike was perfectly organized with a knowledgeable guide, allowing us to explore various plant species and see snakes. The walk to the waterfalls was breathtaking, and we captured some beautiful photos there.

Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park

Sri Lanka

The afternoon safari at Yala National Park was unforgettable. We had almost given up hope of seeing a leopard when, just fifteen minutes before leaving, we spotted a huge one lying on the ground, staring right at us. Capturing that moment was magical and a testament to the wonders of Yala.

Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Sri Lanka

The morning safari in Yala National Park was a beautiful experience even though we didn't see everything we hoped for. We saw elephants, buffalo, and some amazing birds, which were fantastic.

The trip was very good. The accommodations, with one exception, were excellent. The itinerary was also very good. Our guide, Aruna, was outstanding. He was very knowledgeable about all of the places visited. Furthermore, he was very good at identifying birds which was of interest to us. He was also flexible regarding the schedule. An example, we arrived early into Colombo and to our hotel at the Heritance Kandala (excellent hotel!!). By the time we checked in we we had a few hours free so we went to the Dambulla caves instead of visiting them on the way to Kandy. Visiting them on the way to Kandy would not have provided enough time as the drive to Kandy is long. The only hitch in the itinerary was the day in Kandy. We did not attend a puja at the temple of the tooth which we now realize was something that we should have done. We visited the temple of the tooth but a puja would have made the visit better. In Kandy the hotel was too far outside the city. A very nice place but it would have been better to be in the center so that we would have wandered around the city a bit. The stop at the Gem museum in Kandy was not good. We understood that it was an attempt to sell us jewelry which is o.k but, unfortunately, the mineral displays were very week. Not much to see except what was for sale. At least the spice stop was interesting. We were glad the our train tickets were 2nd class so that we could open the windows. Our walking tour of Galle by Aruna was very good. We are glad that we did not do any of the optional activities because Galle was a nice place to just wander around. All in all an excellent trip with an excellent guide.

Hotel Reviews

Taru Villas Rampart Street

Galle

Excellent location. Hotel was a former villa with a nice swimming pool. Great staff. Well decorated and very comfortable rooms with 4-poster bed and mosquito net. Very good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Set in a former villa so very authentic

Location

Staff

Very helpful and friendly. Always available.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Broomfield by Jetwing

Nuwara Eliya

Excellent location near Victoria Park. Very good food and interesting a history of the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

History back story of the hotel as a place owned by a former women prime minister

Location

Staff

Very small staff. Efficient and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was a bit small but very comfortable

Heritance Kandalama

Dambulla

Fantastic hotel!!! Great rooms, excellent food and wonderful design and location. Very good staff. The only negative is the very slow and bumpy access road to the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Excellent architecture.

Location

Blends nicely into the hillside. Great views overlooking the lake.

Staff

Very good massage services

Cleanliness & Comfort

SKYLOFT KANDY

Kandy

Good hotel but too far from the center of the city.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka

The train ride from Kandy was excellent. Comfortable and scenic. Good visit to a tea plantation and a nice walk around Victoria park (some excellent birds in the park).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Glad that the staff arranged for second class tickets instead of first class.

Transport

Very fun train ride from Kany to Nuwara Eliya

Tour the Sacred City of Kandy

Sri Lanka

The temple of the tooth was fascinating. However, it would have been better to visit during a puja so that we could also see the temple drumming.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka

The 1000 year old ruins of Polonnaruwa were amazing! The extent and qualify of the ruins were surprising. The area is big but all the important sights were accessible by vehicle.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide/drive was very knowledgeable about each site and the birds.

Transport

Very comforable car but the back windows were tinted that did obscure views out of the windows.

Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka

We actually visited the Hurulu Eco park which is near Minneriya and is a better place to see elephants this time of year. We did have some great views of the elephants and some very good bird sightings. We did get some rain but the open jeeps could be enclosed when it was raining so we stayed dry.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Aruna was very knowledgeable about the birdlife in the part. Our driver was very good at getting good views of the elephants when there were a lot of jeeps all together.

Transport

The open jeeps are good for wildlife viewing and could be enclosed when it rained.

Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka

It was pouring rain when we were there but that was o.k. because the art is in the caves that are out of the rain. Wonderful Buddhist art...paintings and statues.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Aruna was very knowledgeable about each cave. He also gave us as much time as we wanted to spend at the caves. He also had umbrellas which were useful give the heavy rain.

Transport

Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka

Very special place but also very crowded. We went mid-morning because the poor weather meant no sunrise but it was still very crowded. The route up was crowded and for those that are afraid of heights or in poor shape something to be avoided. However, even if you don't make the climb to the top the site is a good place to visit. The paintings on the side of the site that are seen on the descent are wonderful. Photos are prohibited of the paintings but the museum does have reproductions that can be photographed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

As a senior woman travelling solo my 6 night tour of southern Sri Lanka could not have been more perfect. Kapila, a lovely gentleman who was my guide and driver, was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and flexible. Whether a riverside yurt/tent in the forest, beachside, or downtown urban setting, all the accommodations were perfect: clean, modern, with helpful staff. The arranged safaris and tour of the Galle Fort were amazing, but I think my favourite part was Kapila sharing a visit to his Buddhist temple and just completely relaxing on the beautiful Weligama beach. I could not have asked for a better experience.

Our tour in Sri Lanka was an absolute delight from start to finish! The lush landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality left us in awe. Each day was an adventure, from exploring ancient temples to wandering through vibrant markets and beautiful seaside beaches.

One of the highlights of the trip was the scenic drive through the hill country, where we were treated to breathtaking views of tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Our guide Shamaka was knowledgeable and passionate, making each site visit engaging and informative.

Sri Lanka's cuisine was a feast for the senses, with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Every meal was a culinary journey in itself. The local people were incredibly friendly and made us feel at home wherever we went.

The tour was well-organized, under the permanent care of Danushka, the local organizer, with smooth transitions between activities and first-class accommodations. We were able to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the experience, knowing everything was taken care of.

However, the Yalla Park Safari could have been better organized. Very crowded and not guided as expected. Despite this hiccup, the overall experience remained overwhelmingly positive and did not detract from our enjoyment of the trip.

Our Sri Lanka tour was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We can't recommend it enough and look forward to our next visit with KimKim Team!

We had a truly wonderful and unique experience in Sri Lanka. This is largely thanks to the country’s inherent beauty, rich culture, and remarkable charm. However, we feel that the planning of the trip did not fully align with our preferences and expectations, which required some on-the-spot adjustments during our journey.

Roshan, our guide and driver, was exceptional. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our trip. His flexibility and willingness to adapt plans were a significant reason why our experience turned out as well as it did. However, it seems that the information and guidance we provided to Rikaz during the planning stage were not fully communicated to Roshan, leading to an itinerary that didn’t fully match what we were looking for.

We had made it clear during the planning process that we were not interested in spending time relaxing in hotels, no matter how lovely they were. Instead, we wanted to immerse ourselves in the culture and explore the country with activities that felt authentic and avoided commercialized, "hop-on-a-bus" experiences.

That being said, the hotels selected for our trip were all very good and comfortable. However, the service at the hotel in Ella was inefficient and slow. For instance, when we asked if it was possible to have a yoga mat brought to the room, the staff assured us they could, but it was never delivered, nor did they follow up to inform us it wasn’t available. Upon arrival, we were also promised a welcome drink, but after waiting for 30 minutes, we decided to forego it and head out to explore Ella instead of waiting any longer.

In contrast, our best hotel experience was at Ginganga Lodge. Both the place and the service were exceptional, and it was a real highlight of the trip!

As for the itinerary, there were moments where the planning fell short of our expectations. For example, the plan to visit Rawana Falls as the only activity after a long drive to Ella did not align with what we had asked for. The itinerary described it as a place where we could bathe or climb the rocks in the dry season. However, upon arrival, we found clear signage prohibiting both activities due to safety concerns, and Roshan had already informed us these were not possible. The stop ended up being little more than a photo opportunity crowded with tourists—exactly the type of experience we were hoping to avoid.

In hindsight, there were more fitting options nearby, such as walking to the Nine Arches Bridge from Ella or visiting hidden waterfalls in the area, which Roshan suggested after understanding what we were looking for. Unfortunately, by then, there wasn’t enough time to adjust.

To salvage the day, Roshan suggested taking the train to Bandarwela, which turned out to be a highlight. In addition, he made thoughtful adjustments to the plans for the last three days, optimizing the itinerary to give us more meaningful experiences and less time on the road. He also included special stops, such as visits to local markets and less touristy spots, which made a huge difference for us. These efforts reinforced how committed he was to ensuring we had the best possible experience.

That said, we believe his level of English, while sufficient for general communication, was not quite strong enough for tasks like giving a detailed guided tour of Galle. As a result, we opted to explore on our own, which worked out well for everyone.

In summary, while the planning stage left much to be desired, Roshan’s exceptional efforts and flexibility, along with the quality of most of the accommodations, ensured that we left Sri Lanka with incredible memories. We hope this feedback helps improve the planning process so future visitors can have an even smoother experience.

Hotel Reviews

Jetwing Lake

Dambulla

Even though it is a big hotel and part of a chain, it had it's charm and the service was lovely. The best was that on our last day they allowed us to stay until 18:00 in our room as our flight from Colombo was at midnight, which was a life saver

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ginganga Lodge

Bope

If I could give them more than 5 stars I would

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hide Ella

Ella

Service was slow and felt they didn't really care

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Koragaha Lodge

Tissamaharama

The service was wonderful, but breakfast was limited selections

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Ritigala Forest Monastery

Sri Lanka

Village Tour at Hiriwadunna followed by cooking demo and lunch

Sri Lanka

Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka

After Yala - this was redundant even though the scenary was different

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (F)

Sri Lanka

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka

We were lucky to do it on a Full Moon so teh experience was special

Guided Tour of Galle

Sri Lanka

Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa - Shared Boat

Sri Lanka

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

Sri Lanka

It's a touristic walk and you'll find many people on this trail

Explore the Nine arch bridge

Sri Lanka

Visit the Ravana Falls

Sri Lanka

It's a tourist trap!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park

Sri Lanka

It was a typical safari, but it felt too crowded. There was a traffic jam of nearly 40 jeeps to see one leopard (sleeping) and each time there was sighting fo elephants the first jeeps could get a good look at it, but all the Instegram people created a traffic jam and didn't move to give a chance to others. Not the best experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport