Avani Kalutara Resort

4.5 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Avani Kalutara Resort

On the beach, white sand, beach towels, waterskiing
Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, minibar, in-room safe
Beach/ocean view
Lake
Exterior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Hot tub
  • All-inclusive
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
St. Sebastian's Road, Katukurunda, Kalutara, 12000
  • Kalutara Bodhiya
    8 min drive
  • Spice Traders
    1 min walk
  • Aluthgama Railway Station
    40 min drive
  • Colombo International Airport (RML)
    75 min drive

Room options

Avani Deluxe Lagoon View Room

  • 38 sq m
  • Lagoon view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Ocean View Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Ocean View Pool Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Ocean View Room

  • 38 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Lagoon View Room

  • 38 sq m
  • Lagoon view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Deluxe Ocean View Room

  • 38 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Avani Courtyard View Room

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Kalutara

Located in Kalutara, Avani Kalutara Resort is by the ocean, within a 15-minute drive of Kalutara Bodhiya and Richmond Castle. .This beach resort is 4.3 mi (7 km) from Kalatura Beach and 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Pothupitiya Beach.

What's nearby

  • Kalutara Bodhiya - 8 min drive
  • Richmond Castle - 11 min drive
  • Kalatura Beach - 24 min drive
  • Pothupitiya Beach - 29 min drive
  • Bentota Beach - 37 min drive

Getting around

  • Aluthgama Railway Station - 40 min drive
  • Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) - 98 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Olu - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Aqualina Italian Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Spice Traders - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Fresh Lobster - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Panorama Hotel - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Avani Kalutara Resort

Luxury resort on the beach, with outdoor pool
Avani Kalutara Resort offers 105 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature DVD players and minibars. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Accommodations have separate dining areas and are furnished with single sofa beds. Select Comfort beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and bidets.

This Kalutara resort provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, complimentary newspapers, and phones. Additionally, rooms include safes and complimentary bottled water. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a waterslide, a sauna, and a fitness center.

Children under 11 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or spa tub without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Anantara Spa has 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including Ayurvedic. The spa is equipped with a sauna and a spa tub.

The spa is open daily. Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Make yourself at home in one of the 105 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Your Select Comfort bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with single sofa beds. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a waterslide, and a spa tub. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).
All-inclusive rates are available at this resort. Meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments are included in all-inclusive rates. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.

Enjoy international cuisine at Mangrove Restaurant, one of the resort's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Relax with a refreshing drink at the beach bar, the poolside bar, or one of 2 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.

Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Event facilities at this resort consist of a conference center and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free valet parking is available onsite.
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
Mangrove Restaurant - This beachfront restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Spice Traders - Overlooking the ocean, this fine-dining restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Karadiya - This beach bar serves light fare only. Open daily.
Miridiya - Overlooking the garden, this bar serves light fare only. Open daily.
Late night fare is available from 24-hour room service.

All-inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at Avani Kalutara Resort are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • Free self-parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Airport shuttle on request

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee daily 7:30 AM–10:00 AM: LKR 4000 for adults and LKR 2000 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 2 bars/lounges, 1 beach bar and 1 poolside bar
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Restaurants on site

  • Mangrove Restaurant
  • Spice Traders
  • Karadiya
  • Miridiya

Things to do

  • Fitness classes
  • Archery
  • Beach volleyball
  • Bike rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat tours
  • Canoeing
  • Children's pool
  • Designer shops
  • Fishing
  • Fitness centre
  • Full-service spa
  • Kayaking
  • Motor-boating
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Private picnics
  • Rock climbing
  • Sauna
  • A hot tub
  • Waterskiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Yoga classes
  • Ziplining

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's toys
  • DVD player
  • Free children's club
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Separate dining area
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Sofa bed
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water slide

Conveniences

  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Front-desk safe
  • Library
  • Reception hall

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • A meeting room

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Beachfront location
  • Dock
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 4 treatment rooms
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment room(s)
  • Facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massages
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Hot tub

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 1 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible (may have limits)

More

  • Beach towels
  • Couples dining
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated entire property – January 2020
  • Romance packages available

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding
  • Select comfort bed
  • Single sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV
  • TV channels
  • DVD player
  • Premium channels

Food and drink

  • Dining room
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Free newspapers
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)
  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Phone
  • Restaurant dining guide
  • Safe
  • Slippers
  • Soundproofing
  • Turndown service

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This is a designated quarantine resort. The property can only accept bookings from travelers who are required to quarantine (i.e. international travelers). You may be asked to provide evidence of this on arrival.
This is a certified Sri Lanka Tourism Level 1 property. Sri Lanka Tourism Level 1 is a health and safety certification issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for LKR 20000.00 per night
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: LKR 54000
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per child: LKR 26800 (from 6 to 11 years old)

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately LKR 4000 for adults and LKR 2000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: LKR 17000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 2)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: LKR 17000 (one-way), (from 2 to 11 years old)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Rollaway bed fee: LKR 20000.00 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Children under 11 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or spa tub without adult supervision
Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 16 years old are only allowed with adult supervision

Property is also known as

AVANI Kalutara
AVANI Kalutara Resort
Avani Kalutara Resort Resort
AVANI Resort Kalutara
Kalutara AVANI
Kalutara Resort
AVANI Kalutara Resort Sri Lanka
Avani Kalutara Resort Kalutara
Avani Kalutara Resort Resort Kalutara

Avani Kalutara Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 83 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Staff & service
We were disappointed on arrival at the hotel insects in room and broken electric socket broken and very limited choice of food. Spoke to the assistant manager who was extremely apologetic and arranged to change us to an upgraded room and for us to eat at their sister hotel next door. Staff in this restaurant were very attentive and the food quality and choice were amazing
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Avani Delight.
A very comfortable and enjoyable stay. Can’t fault anything. We were half board and there was an excellent buffet selection including freshly cooked and bbq to suit everyone’s tastes. For me I especially enjoyed the salads and non spicy dishes but the local breakfast I sampled was easy on the palate. Wish I could’ve sampled everything on offer. Loved the way the salads were presented in mini pots as well. We were given breakfast boxes on request to take away our pastries which was excellent. Enjoyed the sunset walks and there’s a shallow sheltered lagoon with soft sand underfoot and that was simply fabulous. Pool was lovely too. Room was serviced very well by Isuru who unfortunately wasn’t there when we left so hope he sees that. Very creative towel sculptures left on the beds everyday and lovely turn down. Thank you Avani! A most enjoyable stay.
Lovely pool
The shallow lagoon sandy soft underfoot. Perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

David, Halifax. UK.

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The resort was very smart, and beautifully appointed. Staff were constantly cleaning, and tidying in the grounds, and the restaurant workers and poolboys very attentive.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff need to improve service levels not told about the pool being out of order, even through we could use the next hotels pool not very convenient. Only three rooms occupied on one night so lonely place to be !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the best place to stay as a family.. Was clean and a quiet place. Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The actual cost to stay and have food/drink is ok, but once the various charges/fees are added, becomes expensive comparison with rest of islands stays etc
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our time at the resort. The pool area was great and the food was good. It was also nice to have the option to go to the adjourning Anantara resort for additional meal options and spa facilities.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer, Chelmsford Essex UK

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Our holiday was ruined as the hotel failed to tell us prior to our stay they were double booked with a corporate booking and MID STAY (10 night booking) we were told that the following day we would be moved to a different hotel. I have a young toddler under 2 this was extremely upsetting. The hotel they moved us to was complete opposite of the relaxed open plan setting being a horrible high rise that also gave us food poisoning. The hotel knew of the double booing but failed to inform us prior to our stay. We were there as a group with family staying in Avani the neighboring hotel Anantara as we were there for a family memorial. This split up our group and ultimately ruined our whole holiday and our family groups holiday.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2019

6/10 Okay

E

Liked: Staff & service
Good service and good food. But terrible location!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
It's a nice hotel with a great location - the river on one side and the sea on the other. But Avani is primarily a family resort with lots of kids and large families as guests! Also they don't have a spa in the premises but guests can use the Anantara spa which is amazing but a little pricey. Even though we had a good time, it just felt that the hotel was a little bland, lacked a certain character..
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Resort & Room with Excellent Service
I was staying at the Avani Resort for a friend’s wedding. My friend was getting married at the Anantara Kalutara Resort next door and because rooms there were sold out, she recommended booking at the Avani. I was glad I did, because it was just a 5 minute walk to their hotel next door and everything at the Avani was impeccable. The hospitality we experienced from the moment we arrived was warm and welcoming, and the room and amenities were top-notch. The room and bathroom were very clean and spacious - we also had a view of the ocean. There’s a pool and fitness center, the beach is literally a 30 second walk from the pool, and there are a couple restaurants with many types of food options. The food at the restaurant was good, especially the breakfast which comes with many types of juices, fruits, bread, and Sri Lankan specialties. I would 100% stay here again and I would highly recommend this resort to others coming to stay in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely smaller hotel with everything you need
We had a great stay here with our 2 year old. Great pool and the drinks prices were very affordable. Breakfast buffet was good too. The room service menu was a bit limited and quite expensive compared to some of the other hotels we've stayed at. The complimentary soft drinks were a nice touch and they were very kind about providing warm milk for our little one for all his feeds. There was no shower gel or body lotion, which was a bit of a pain as you expect that at hotel chains. But overall we had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

4/10 Poor

steve, london

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disappointing
We arrived early morning and they tried to put us in a room that was directly below building works going on with hammering noticeable, this in peak season We then finished up in a room next to the bar and also cleaning facilities which was also very loud The general quality was not what you would expect from a £280 per night resort, with lack of regular maintenance particularly noticeable Food choice was very limited and expensive Transfer cost of £81 from airport was unacceptable, we got there for £5 using bus and train
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Totally disppointed
Avani was advertised as a 5 star resort. However we have found that the rooms are more like a 3 star tourist class hotel. Can’t believe that they have patches of rust on the mirror and has a rusty looking IKEA quality bin in the toilet. The rooms are also small. Room amenities are also not good. The swimming pool is tiny and when water Volleyball is played, there is no space to swim. One can only stand in the water. The service of the staff was also poor, particularly those in the restaurants and bar, They are not friendly, not helpful and sometimes almost rude. Food quality in the restaurants are also not good and expensive. Buffet spread is limited and not tasty. The cooked scrambled eggs as if it is a fried egg. Wifi is incredibly unreliable and super slow. It keeps dropping off, making it impossible to surf the net.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good Hotel - Service First Class
Stayed 3 nights in total over New Year. Hotel was very clean and comfortable. Service was top rate. We left at 4:30 one morning to go on a day trip (with a third party tour guide) and the hotel packed a little breakfast pack for us to to for the journey. Food at breakfast and lunch very good and very reasonable priced. The New Year Hala which we attend (charge is compulsory for staying over new year) was the best New Years party I’ve every been too. To be honest couldnt knock the hotel or Service in anyway. Only thing to be aware of is not much to do in local area. However lots of tours available via hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
View from balcony was good.
Found some things too expensive and not worth the money. For example bicycle rentals were too expensive and they weren't even in good condition.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

jane, cheshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good all rounder
A lovely hotel with a stunning location. Great service, and lovely food. It was a relief to return to after a long day of sight seeing.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Meeta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Definitely recommended
Attentive and responsive staff. Menus could be improved. My mothers 80 birthday dinner was arranged by the staff and it was wonderful.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, clean and relaxing hotel - perfect!
Could not fault our stay. Welcome and check-in was superb. Room was so clean and well looked after during our stay with some lovely peronal touches. Food was very good - both breakfast and dinner. The pool service and pool itself was perfect. Such a relaxing few days and every single member of staff was friendly, helpful and courteous. Can highly recommend this hotel for peace and relaxation. It was a tuk tuk ride from the main shopping area, but we didn't even want to leave the hotel except for a walk along the beach to the local beach restaurants and a lovely massage!

8/10 Good

Kamil, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfectly snugged between a lagoon and the ocean.
The perfect place to rejuvenate your soul and body.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Aditya, Bangalore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel for relaxation
Great service! The hotel staff are very attentive and our kids enjoyed the pool. The receptionist Udeshi went out of her way to ensure that our little one was okay. The sea was unfortunately too rough to swim in. Food variety and quality could be better/authentic at the hotel.

8/10 Good

David , UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good holiday hotel - exactly as stated
Very good. Staff were helpful and informative and always polite. I really can't understand some of the other reviews which seem to be picky comments about trivial issues made for the sake of whinging! The hotel was spotless and delivered exactly what was described. What more do you want? Complaints about bar prices seem out of place. The buffet (there is also a la carte) provided an excellent meal in three or more courses, was plentiful and varied. At Rs 2,600 you would, in the UK, be lucky to get 2 pints of warm beer and a bag of fish and chips! The gardens are well maintained and patrolled unobtrusively and, if you wander from the pool to watch the fishermen in the lagoon, you should see kingfishers, chipmunk-like squirrels and the occasional snake and iguana amongst the palm trees. Warning: the hotel-arranged taxi transfer was more than a little expensive. Cost me US$85 arriving and Rs5,000 (privately arranged local taxi) departing - almost 3-times cheaper. Don't go in the monsoon season if you want to swim in the sea - the waves and undertow will have you in East Africa before you're missed.