A Sri Lankan Road trip | The "Little England" of Sri Lanka, Tea Plantations and Scams

Waking up in Sri Lanka's "Little England", before hitting the road towards Kandy (I manage to refrain from being scammed- just) and then Sri Lanka's capital, Columbo.
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Locations and Contacts:
- The hotel in Nuwara Eliya: Craigbank, No:48, Waterfield Drive, Nuwara Eliya
- Kandy: The Queen's Hotel, Kandy. Hotel: Gracian Villa BnB Spacious Romm
- Colombo: Granbell Hotel
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Other channels:
You can also find me on the @tuesdayatdobbs KZbin channel for weekly motorcycle chat.
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And you can shop Monika's prints here:
www.thevillon.com
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Video editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
Spirits of Our Dreams: Soothing Nature
Arden Forest: A Tale of Interiors
Daniel Kadawatha: The Return Home
Tell Sonic: A Forest Melody
Alon Ohana: The Lotus Flower
A Gentle Invitation: Dawn Dawn dawn
Jacob Ahlbom: A Drop in the Ocean
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Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases

[@veritasvincit2745]

My grandad spent some time in Sri Lanka immediately after the war. He was in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and had served in India at Coimbatore. He said that Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as he knew it as, was the most beautiful country he had ever experienced and he was well travelled. The villa at the start looks amazing so well done to the owner and staff who keep the grounds lovely.

[@sachithmalalagama7166]

@veritasvincit2745 then we fucked it up spectacularly mate 😂. Some credit to the poms too. Post independence SL politicians were educated in Oxbridge and brought back the same Marxist ideology that ruined British industries to SL which made enterprises like Colombo port less efficient and loss making as compared to Dubai & Singapore.

[@chandimalakmali9577]

So happy to hear this as a sri lankan ❤

[@user-bu9qo3cy8h]

My father worked in Royal navy too in Ceylon

[@user-rd7mu8bp6c]

My mom used to say they had the best food when they were young. Best milk, butter, meat, condense milk, veges. Unlike now it's all garbage and poison in food. It all tastes different and bad in quality compared to their times. I truly think sri lanka was very beautiful then, now people are corrupt, hungry for power, the government also have no regard for people, high imports, locals have no support. Which is truly sad.

[@samuelraj9204]

In British India, Coimbatore was called as the Manchester of South India because there were lots of textile Mills.

[@UKPete]

What a beautiful country. My dad was in Ceylon during the war and always said it was stunning.

[@kevinnimalan9351]

I am actually amazed, I did not know Sri Lanka was this beautiful! Truly mesmerising! Kudos to you Freddie, what a wonderful treat you have given us

[@menakadias4287]

Sri Lanka is a paradise! ❤

[@akilaperera5843]

Come over here n experience it by yourself

[@Youknowwho910]

Hill country is the prettiest. Its cold and fresh. Other parts of the country has a temperature of like 30°C

[@moonk990]

Sri lanka is absolutely stunning

[@francomartini4328]

Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008), the British science-fiction author who wrote _2001: A Space Odyssey,_ lived in Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as it was called at the time) from 1956 until his death in 2008. He spent the first few years living on the south coast at Trincomalee. A diving enthusiast, he discovered an underwater temple and even set up a small diving school. However, the vast majority of his life on the island was spent in Colombo, possibly due to the fact that he contracted polio in 1962. He was very highly regarded even by the government.

[@sunethraursulakarunaratne]

I've seen him during my childhood at the Otters Swimming Club in Colombo where he was a member.

[@maksymlysenko2174]

We went on an unforgettable journey riding a scooter around Sri Lanka with my wife a few years ago. Thank you for reminding me of that experience!

[@G3A3]

that's where my dilmah tea comes from😄

[@DiveHive]

Of course yeah

[@thilinadhananjaya4755]

❤

[@emnd4540]

Yesss ❤

[@tharindujayawardhana9885]

Of course ❤

[@wildinthewildexpeditions1894]

Dimah tea comes from various estates located everywhere in sri lanka...😊

[@MGman100]

I went to Sri Lanka just over 30 years ago. Absolutely stunning. Sigirya and Mihintale did it for me. Great video and editing, thanks for sharing 😊

[@kanishkaherath2850]

Mr. ... You are welcome to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 again in near future

[@morrisminor56]

I think your Sri Lanka videos are your best yet.

[@richmondz]

Such an amazing island ❤️ thank you for letting me travel and explore Sti Lanka with you. Such a stunning place. 😍

[@biker_dale]

Such a beautiful Island, thanks for taking us along, and it seems a lot cleaner too, the people seem a lot more invested in keeping the place clean which is good to see, or I hope that is the case. You really are a push over lol, keep Monika close Freddie 😊

[@TheCrystalsss]

Thank you for visiting my country and showing it off to the rest of the world.

[@harinthomas7539]

Hi Freddie and Monica, thanks for taking the time to visit Sri Lanka and sharing your honest views of our beautiful country. I really enjoyed the exciting adventure you had with linen trousers in Kandy. I've been following your videos for a couple of years and really enjoy your content. Thumbs up from a member of your Sri Lankan audience.

[@Globaldob]

22:23 the reason Sri Lanka won the cricket WC before England 😅

[@SkrakvilleSkySurfer]

Your Sri Lanka videos bring back vivid memories of our month-long bicycle touring around the beautiful country in December 2019. We were four pensioners and cycling buddies. The train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya through the cool highland western was a surreal experience. Thanks for your professional videos Monica and Freddie.

[@sudunuwara]

My Mother is from Nuwara Eliya and My Father is from Kandy..... so I enjoyed this VDO very much... the art you do this VDO is magnificent.... I love your British ascent.... thank you for taking my country to the world.... Totally regret about the scams.... that is common in this part...

[@kaizen2049]

The place looks so good at an absolute bargain ❤ beautiful country

[@kaniwijesinghe]

Hi Freddie & Monica, Sri Lanka has so much to offer, a country with a very long history and tradition. There is something for everyone. Enjoy your stay.

[@MrMattw975]

I spent a 12 hr flight next to a junior tea plantation manager a few years ago & his fascinating descriptions + photos have just been brought to life in moving pictures......thank you 😊

[@ishanmadushanka9869]

As a srilankan I must say thnks for your srilankan video series..

[@anojadharmapala306]

200 hundred years ago Sri Lankans were living in up country. We had kingdoms. Not like Australian first nation we had thousands years old history. Please educated yourself. British colonialism force my grandparents to be baptised as Christians. They were born Buddhists. I remember my father saying they were not allowed to speak Sinhalese. If they were physically wiped from canes. Only they were trained as clerical work not allowed to do higher positions. British stole lot of gems too. They stole my grandfathers 700 acreages of rubber estate for gambling. They introduced alcohol and gambling to local rich families and took over their wealth. Its sad when my grandmother talk about their lost wealth. Similar to other Commonwealth countries. Sad stories. We forgive and forget the horrible history. Our people are very much resilience. Thanks for beautiful clip. Enjoy your journey ❤

[@fraserwright9482]

I love Freddie, but the "be a good chap and take the bags" of Brits overseas thinking that people love the UK

[@flashydeals2743]

So , what is the point that you are trying to bring up with this historical statement of claims?

[@supremegodemperordonaldtru3563]

@@flashydeals2743 The point is that this place wasn't some "uninhabited" place the British randomly stumbled upon ad the man in the video mentioned in passing. Making it sound like some desolate place with no human civilisation. This is a country with literal 2500 years of civilisational history with amazing ups and downs along the way.

[@tivankawickramaratne9905]

You are implying that the British plundered us,but we had 75yrs to rebuild ourselves. Did we? Did Japan keep complaining about Americans bombing them to pulp? As a small fact can we ask our SL people to reduce holidays and work,even if the salaries are increased?

[@supremegodemperordonaldtru3563]

​@@tivankawickramaratne9905 A colonial bootlicker has arrived. Unless you haven't noticed moda cariya Sri Lanka suffered a 30 year civil war post independence literally caused by massive population meddling done in the island during British occupation. The workers in Nuwara Eliya you see in this video for instance are literally Indian Tamil indentured workers brought by the British to Sri Lanka because the Sinhalese refused to work in their plantations.

[@Explorer55612]

That place is truly a heaven on Earth

[@999study]

Your videos are amazing. The cinematic , the subtle background music, your narration with your style of clothes. This is a very unique channel because not only you show the niche vintage hotels inspired by British era but also you both show the local areas too. Thank you for being original and sharing your passion.

[@bhagyarathnamali9569]

Mind peace full video with nice music 🎶 Thank you sir for come to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 🙏 ❤

[@FreddieDobbs]

It was a pleasure to be in such a beautiful country🇱🇰

[@martinturner9296]

A fantastic insight into an amazing country . Thank you Monica and Freddie I really enjoyed these videos.

[@luddite6239]

Beautiful. You shouldn't be surprised at seeing roses there since they originated in central Asia and were subsequently introduced into Europe.

[@user-eg7uw9ls4o]

Correct. Like Rhododendrons

[@vmoses1979]

That's the thing with Europeans - they think everything was invented there or comes from there. It's an extremely self centered view of themselves in the world.

[@antonoat]

Freddie and Monika thank you so much for sharing your holiday with us, it was especially fascinating for me as my grandfather who was born in Cornwall in the UK drove a tea train in Ceylon (Sri Lanka ) in the 1930s a far cry from the small Cornish village where he grew up! Safe travels. 👏👍😀🏍

[@johnbalmforth8467]

Fascinating. Would like to know more of his story.

[@johnbalmforth8467]

FASCINATING. Would like to know more.

[@ajaj9655]

wow😯

[@wayne2325]

Thank you both for a stunning look at Sri Lanka - a place I will be visiting this year. As I haven't been there, your tips and advice on where to go and what to see have been really helpful. And so professionally done! Fantastic camera work and editing, super narration. It's been a pleasure.

[@LakDhan]

Greetings from my motherland..! I'm thankful that you came to reveal her true beauty to the world..! ❤🥰💐💐💐🥰❤

[@Dan-xx5jq]

19:00 Beautiful chic hotel..Love the outdoor area. That Queen's hotel is also beautiful being stuck back in time, so cool. i can just imagine the British back in time relaxing in the lounge area while they are served on hand and foot. What a life they had!! That beautiful cottage that you lived in was their home. It must have been painful for them to give it all up.

[@mcpjohnson]

Excellent video as always, enjoyed the experience of Sri Lanka. Credit to Monica for outstanding footage too.

[@hermansiri6947]

Thanks, Freddie! You've done this video so well in this beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

[@kiki6037]

This time of the year is so so hot in Sri Lanka even the locals can’t bear the heat

[@skipper2594]

yeaa the first year temperature gone over 33 C

[@kenmason9354]

That's beautiful a garden ,just paradise..

[@psrosemary]

So refreshing to see country houses that aren’t surrounded by high concrete walls and electric fences!

[@mantarayal]

Freddie and Monika are woefully under-subscribed. Just think back on the variety of their content, and its engagement. My only complaint is that we don't get to see enough of Monika! :) Brilliant channel. No one comes close really when I think about what these guys show us, and how beautifully narrated and presented it is. Fabulous.

[@vvonder69]

I found the channel right now. OMG. The videos are magnificent. I'm a sri Lankan working in dubai, but you don't know how much i miss my country when i go outside. Yes you can find big tall buildings and the richness here. But the richness of nature... Sri Lanka is at top of it. Great content my friend.

[@gseg663]

I am Sri Lankan. I completely agree with your statement about two separate markets and the economy. It is a controversial policy by the corrupt government, many of us don't understand yet, when the country depends on tourism.

[@postivkinder5188]

Freddie ive watched lots of your travel videos! The one in Bali, Lombok, Asia in general! Your style of video, personality, how you implement motorcycle in a travel vid is so good and i love it! And this one is no different! Thank you freddie

[@aloysiushettiarachchi4523]

Thanks for showing the true nature of Sri Lanka. Lots of tips for Tourism Board for improving what we can offer to a foreign visitor.

[@MC-yi3zp]

I am a descendant of the British (and Dutch) colonist who went to Ceylon and I am very proud, of the hardship the Planters went through to build those houses/plantations, roads and railways and enhancement to the wellbeing of the people, that they left behind. I left Ceylon many years ago to live in the land of my ancestors but I remember the beauty of the country that was.

[@MrDiegoMieres]

You are a superb storyteller! The music you feature is always beautiful! All the best from Argentina!

[@srilankanchannel1439]

Ceylon ❤ Thanks a lot Freddie for all the great works and the way you explain, it was facinating 🙏

[@richardyardley5127]

A staggeringly enjoyable series of videos Freddie and Monika. Thank you so much for sharing your trip.

[@KarthikSoun]

Looks amazing.. i am surprised it looks like the western ghats even though it is cut off by a sea.

[@vijayafernando1]

I believe the western ghats are continued in sri lanka,geologically

[@darrylredmill4376]

What a beautiful property at the beginning. By the way , they use the same "I work at your hotel" con in marrakesh .

[@renujayajaya]

I grew up in this region!!!:) My dad was in the tea plantation management, and our homes were actually the bungalows. Some of them have now been converted to villas, but at out time, all were homes to the various tea plantation managers. We spend our childhood playing in those lovely gardens and having lunches and dinners with family and friends!:)

[@ianjunitedk]

Amazing scenry and views. Thx for sharing the video :)

[@roviwoteap2375]

I’ll never forget getting conned in Sri Lanka, and that over 20 years ago. They’re obviously still at it big time.

[@waters1801]

spectacular content as always, this trip is so much fun to watch!

[@goyanka01]

❤!!! Great background music! There is so much authenticity the way you tell these stories!

[@PasanArunajith]

Wonderful footage as always. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. FYI the main reason for Sri Lanka to be slightly expensive than India is the recent economic crisis. All the prices got sky high and we locals cannot do the things we enjoyed in the past now. Another thing is tourism plays a big role in this country's economy. So there are many places especially reserved to cater for the foreign tourists.

[@garywoodward6750]

Well done Freddie and Monika! Thank you for keeping us entertained each week with your wonderful videos on our Saturday morning lie ins here in Fuerteventura 😊

[@88davidw]

Really enjoyed this series. I’m sure you now have some amazing memories 😊

[@stevesanelli90]

Ohh Freddie & Monika, a truly fantastic journey shared for our pleasure, by you fabulous people. Almost like a magic carpet ride to all destinations arriving in grandeur. Absolutely brilliant series of endless adventures. Thank you both! It’s so entertaining hearing Monika’s laughter! Safe travels home. You won’t recognise the Bonneville, but I bet your palms will be clammy.

[@lew7496]

Hi Monika and Freddie, You are doing amazing work by sharing piece of your world with us. I am waiting for every new episode from you. For me it is perfect combination of motorcycles, travels, coffees and good stories. Greetings from Krakow!

[@karenwiltshire4311]

Another fab VLOG, the place you have stayed is absolutely wonderful. the tea plantations very similar to Munnar in Kerela, I know how that man felt I was also very sick with those windy roads in Kerela India. Sri Lanka will go on my bucket list of places to go we have just booked Goa for five weeks on a royal enfield next Jan. Maybe Sri Lanka 2026 .

[@normaperera7499]

Beautiful scenery , great video. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️😍

[@jimwood1068]

Great series mate. 👍🏼

[@mikejenson6406]

Fantastic series.. Many thanks to you both..🎉

[@RepairandRideout]

Fantastic place & lovely people. Great video, makes me want to go back

[@aboroginal]

Just in love with the videos and the vibe . Brilliant voice mate.

[@leeandjancruise]

Lovely vlog once again, well presented Freddie and skilfully shot by Monika, you both deserve much more credit than you actually receive. Ride safe.

[@tbillington]

Hell of a view from that last hotel room. Great travel video as usual Freddie and Monika.

[@MentatOfDune]

Great videos guys, cheers for sharing.

[@ruhlworth]

Dear Freddie and Monica. Thank you for such interesting travel videos !! I get to see places that I would normally not get to see. It is great to travel along with you !! Have a great flight back home !!

[@deardaughter]

Very cool. Thanks for the tour bruv.

[@marcheighton6436]

Again great filming by Monika 👍👍👍

[@shamaleejayakodi409]

Perfectly articulated words, loved watching it, well done!

[@stretoo]

Freddie t'es le meilleur !👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

Merci!

[@udayanga786]

Absolutely beautiful video ❤ Nice cover music 🎶

[@user-mb2wq4om3r]

What a place, just beautiful and fresh food right on your doorstep.

[@FreddieDobbs]

It feels like the healthiest land I’ve ever visited

[@SASUKE-4]

Thank you for your video very nice support collection

[@SASUKE-4]

My garage mama. Please nuwarelia ...hewahetta. ... Verry nice

[@philbane2069]

Excellent trip both iv enjoyed every second your bikes looking good too

[@user-xl2st4xk5w]

Absolutely stunning guys. You just get better and better and better

[@AnnChen-uq2bo]

Totally love this. Thank you for sharing

[@priyanthaliyanage3755]

Beautiful ..! So nice video ...thank you

[@kimetogo]

Very interesting video with very detailed information, don't know how you can remember it all. Really liking your channel. Cheers

[@danielmcneil3004]

Thank you Freddie and Monika for this very interesting series in India and Sri Lanka, which looks like a fascinating destination. Beautiful and diverse scenery , not to mention the idyllic cottage rental that I would expect to see in a movie. Cheers guys and stay safe. Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦

[@starboy1887]

Great vid , old boy, this world is really a beautiful place and it’s up to each and every person to do their part to keep it that way and stop it from turning into shit ! I certainly will do my bit. Thanks mate for your effort in this vid. All the best to you and Mon 😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉

[@shara4036]

Thank you for your unbiased opinion 😊 The scenery is beautiful....❤

[@anushka-nashpathirana8741]

Thank you for visiting S L! To fully experience everything, i recommend staying for at least four weeks.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Your audio narration is next level ❤

[@kushanbandara7984]

Beautiful video. Highly Appreciate ❤️

[@paulreportingliv]

Would you also consider visiting the More poor areas of the island and even living perhaps with a family??… After all this country has been through recently, it would be nice to support the other side of the less fortunate…

[@jaytam1522]

Similar to Darjeeling which was also built by the British for sanitariol, healing and recuperation for the Brits. But sadly the similarity ends there cos Darjeeling has been turned into an urban jungle .. all the beautiful bungalows have been destroyed to build concrete buildings for financial gain.. so my people and the govt never learnt or cared abt preservation .. just sad.

[@_Compass_NPP_Malimawa_Q_tv]

Glad you are visiting Srilanka. Thank you. ❤

[@apacherider7110]

Great video story of Sri Lanka, a very beautiful island. I'm surprised you two haven't been approached by a TV production company by now.

[@user-cm6hr7kw3z]

So Beautiful episode Freedie Iam completely enjoyed

[@FamousSri2]

What a beautiful video ❤❤ . Thank you sir . Bless you

[@lucymason4142]

Great video Freddie and Monika. You really should travel the whole world making your videos, doesn’t matter whether you have your motorbike or not. Would be great to have seen you ride the road up to Kandy. Those hotels were amazing… Love all of these videos, you are now my No 1 You Tube channel, having been No2! Thank you.

[@gdesilva77]

Freddie, loving the Sri lankan Video's!.. keep it up mate!

[@keshvlogs8158]

As a Sri Lankan, I am truly amazed By the comments ❤ Thank you Freddie for doing this

[@rodart1945]

Love your videos, so classy.

[@ronron33100]

What a fantastic presenting style you have. Combine that with the cinematography and its so enjoyable to watch.

[@xiologyCNX89]

Stunning adventures in India and Sri Lanka. Thanks for the great Videos and fly home safe

[@swarnaranjana4790]

Thank you and love from Ceylon

[@ishanideandrado3003]

Love you all. Superb presentation of my lovely motherland

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Last Colombo Window View is in 10,000% Perfect 💯 ❤

[@ricatiman]

A beautiful, exotic, sublime place, without a doubt...Breakfast with Tea, Toast and Marmalade, sunshine and amazing scenery... You are a lucky man to be able to enjoy your fabulous lifestyle. Excellent as always, thanks Freddie.

[@aathifazmi2155]

Glad you visited my country Freddie i'm from down south where all the beaches are it's even nice to see you and monica enjoying the uphill nuwaraeliya and kandy. Feel bad that you had to face a conman.

[@clivehale397]

Great film trip you two many thanks ....😊