Drive with Dash Like 0

During three different trips, we have always found Drive with Dash to be extremely adaptable. On each occasion he arranged the requested level of accommodation, always giving us a choice from perhaps two or three suggested places. On occasions when we found that we enjoyed a particular place and wanted to stay longer, the trip was easily "adapted" to accommodate the change. This freedom added so much to the relaxation of the tours.

During the past three years we have been with Dash on a six day, and two 10 day tours, and our experience of Sri Lanka, its culture, and its people has been totally enlightened through the excellent knowledge and communication of our driver/guide Chaminda.

Our experience is that, regardless of the cost of other tour companies, we (and you) can do no better for service, for professionalism, for value for money, and for the Sri Lankan experience you will never forget. It will be a trip of a lifetime!  

We wish you a happy Drive with Dash!  

I have used Dash on THREE occasions, and have found him to be the BEST! Looking for a Guide/Driver I went on the internet and made contact with ten different Sri Lankan companies. I had many questions and wanted to find answers. For every question there was always a prompt reply. No question was left unanswered. Because of the prompt and courteous replies I had  no hesitation in choosing Drive with Dash. The choice of accommodation selected has always been to my expectations, whether it be inexpensive or expensive,  airconditioned or nonA/C,, with breakfast included. Chaminda is a Sri Lankan gem ...  with a good sense of humour, and excellent knowledge of his country both geographic and historic. At no time have there been visits to tourist and handicraft shops, jewellers and other places unless these were specifically requested while on these occasions there was excellent follow-up until the required places were found. Nothing was too much trouble for Chaminda (Drive with Dash). On some occasions when a fellow client was overly demanding, rude, selfish and unappreciative, I have been very much impressed with Chaminda's patience and his courtesy. He is a true Sri Lankan GEM. Having read one negative report, I cannot accept that the writer had this experience with Chamninda (Drive with Dash).  My friends - Australian AND Sri Lankan - and I have no hesitation in saying that potential guests will receive no better service and value with a tour guide/driver in Sri Lanka, whatever the cost of the tour.

We hired Dash for 4 days for the tour to the Cultural Triangle. We visited Pinawella Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock, Polonaruwa and Anuradhpura by day excursions and finally Dambulla caves on our way to Kandy.

We find that Dash is a very friendly driver who speaks perfect English and has excellent knowledge of Sri Lanka. During the tour we also chatted about life in Sri Lanka, its economy and politics.

Travelling with Dash has been a fun and enjoyable experience for us and he always drives carefully.

If we go to Sri Lanka again, we will use his services again, and I can recommend him to friends and family.

We paid USD 48 per day and gave him a USD 50 tips.

Please tip well as the drivers depend on tips for their livelihood.

We found Dash on the Synotrip website.

So a very big THANK YOU to Dash for a very enjoyable tour to the Cultural Triangle.

Mr. Dash,

With great regret, I write this review and I must do this, so that people are aware what we went through after booking a tour with you.

After having several email discussions and telephonic confirmation, you sent a mail confirming that the driver will wait for us at the airport.

But, while we were at the airport on the way to colombo, we received this message 

"Dear sir, its dash im very sorry to inform u that the driver i have arranged for ur tour is broken down his car. So im very sorry and please be kind enou"...

I tried to call you several times to find out what the problem was, and to find out what the incomplete looking message actually meant.

You had the audacity to not pick up the call, no matter how much time I called.

I even sent you a mail asking for clarification and why you had to do this in the last moment and you never replied.

If the car had really broken down, then thank goodness that it did not break down mid-way of our tour....but then, if that happens, the question to ask is, would you not be in a position to provide a backup car in case it breaks down? If so, why were we not provided a backup?

If there was any other problem, what prevented you from discussing this before providing your confirmation for the tour?

Your unprofessional behavior put a huge question mark on our decision to spend our vacation in Sri Lanka even before we started our journey.

Thankfully, we were able to make alternate arrangements later (since we had planned some extra time in our schedule) and have a good experience touring the country. 

You seem to forget that people spend time and money and pan their vacation and trust people like you to make the plans a success. 

Such callous attitude can get you into trouble in the long run. Please don't do this to anyone else.

Regards.

Dash,

Just a few comments and then I want to stop this useless discussion. By the way, I have emails from you confirming all issues below.

1. We requested an English speaking driver. You told me that you will our guide and driver. I was OK with your English and that was one of the reasons why I have chosen your services. 

2. Mileage - we had rate for unlimited mileage.

3. We did not have pre-agreed itinerary. The one I sent you was just FYI. Nothing was confirmed for 100% and we agreed that it will be adjusted depending on weather and other conditions. 

4. We spent only 2.5 days with your driver. And that was enough. Your statement about 5 days is a lie.

5. Your rate was competitive rather than low. We have easily found a reliable agency with the rate slightly higher than yours but who managed to do the rest of our vacation a kind of pleasure. 

P.S. I may continue the list but I do not see the point. I would report to police if I had more time, just did not want to waste my holidays. Your country is really nice so it is better to enjoy the sights rather than to teach you something. Just a kind advice - IF YOU PROMISE SOMETHING DO IT. It is that difficult.

Yana.

Hello,

I  would like to share my very bad experience with Sineli Lanka tours and specifically with Dash. This guy just robbed us!!!

In brief, before traveling to Sri Lanka I had exchanged around 40 emails with Dash discussing all the details. I was promised that he will drive us and will help to arrange all sights visits once we are in Sri Lanka. Surprises started upon arrival. We were met by two local guys who did not speak English at all (though it was my strong requirement), they did not know our itinerary (though I have sent it to Dash in advance), they did not know the way to our hotel and it took around half an our to find it in a small. I talked to Dash over phone and he promised that he will join us in two days and asked for the advance payment of full amount. We paid only 1/4 and 1/4 more in two days. That was just awful experience with absolutely unprofessional guys who seemed to know even less about Sri Lanka than us. When after two days Dash told us that he wouldn't be able to join us and we have to continue our trip with the same guys we insisted that we need English speaking driver. It is easy to guess what happened after this. All  the guys disappeared with our money. Dash has never answered his cell phone and emails. Easy math: we booked the trip for 10 days....spent 3 days with these guys and paid for 5 days. TO SUM UP: I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND Sineli Lanka tours and Dash to anyone.

YANA.