On arrival in Colombo we are met by Romal, our guide/driver for the next 10 days, and begin our drive north to the cultural triangle. We immediately get the feeling of being on a big tropical island (which we are) as we drive along a winding rough edged road with palm trees and stalls, passing through small villages and paddy fields, coconut, cashew, mango and banana plantations.
Our first stop is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Here we witness 80 odd elephants making their way down to the river for one of their daily baths. I’ve never seen this many elephants together in a group and I am just fascinated as I watch for what seems like hours. We get to our hotel by late afternoon and relax there from the remainder of the day.
Ben’s new choice of wheels
Pinnawela elephants
elephants ...
more elephants ...
Ben and elephant ...
On Monday we drive to the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa which we explore for a few hours.
Watadageya
Royal bathing pool
Then after a much needed swim back at the hotel (it’s mid 30s and very humid) we go out again for a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Ben and I stand in the back of an old jeep (Toyota FJ40 so ben tells me) with our tracker as we drive through the jungle. We see many different types of bird life (all well spotted by Romal), deer and buffalo. The magic is a little spoilt when we get out into the open and drive along the manmade lake, only to see the convoy of jeeps in front, but we see a few herds of elephants and soon forget. Ben got some good footage so I won’t say any more, but it was defiantly a lot of fun for us!
That night we have a relaxing massage and sauna (Ben didn’t quite appreciate the sauna after feeling like he was in one all day long).
Tuesday we have a down day sitting by the pool with a late afternoon trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lions Rock). The approach was over a moat, then through a very formal arrangement of pools and gardens. Halfway up the rock face there were interesting frescos of women and to the side are giant lion paws (there was a wooden head and the rock shape formed the lions body). On the summit of the rock we looked at the remains of the palace and took in the spectacular views of the land below.
Wednesday we went to Dambulla. Dambulla Cave Temple was an impressive group of 5 caves, each with decorative frescos over the walls and ceiling and numerous Buddha statues.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
After a very long drive from Dambulla we eventually arrive in Colombo (the capital of this interesting Island) where we have a quick city tour before checking into the lovely Galle Face Hotel. After feeling like being on a tropical island for the past 4 days we finally make it to the water and are amazed by the force of the waves crashing along the coastline.
It’s wedding season in Sri Lanka and we count at least 5 different bridal parties (each with a more varied colour scheme then the last, and also a traditional Kandian dress too) having photos taken here. We were lucky enough to be walking by one of the ballrooms when one group were entering their reception with a traditional procession of drummers and dancers!
Hindu Temple, Colombo
Galle Face Hotel
Wednesday night I finally get to see Amanthi when I attend her hen’s night at the Cinnamon Grand. After a delicious dinner in Chutneys we catch up with everyone’s partners for drinks and, at long last, I am introduced to the man who is making Amanthi the happiest I’ve seen her in the 12 odd years I’ve known her!
Me, Amanthi, Niranjan
Not wanting to leave the Gale Face Hotel we wake up early for our trip down to Galle. In this city we see the old Dutch Fort and many interesting colonial buildings before checking into the lovely Lighthouse Hotel. Set right on the beach over rocks, it is quite a spectacular setting.
quick stop at a turtle hatchery on the way to Galle
2 day old turtles
Beach outside the Lighthouse Hotel
Friday we head north to Mt Lavinia (just south of Colombo). Along the way the streets are very busy as it’s a public holiday and the locals are making their way to temples ... it's the full moon poya day marking the introduction of Buddhism to this country. We check into the Mt Lavinia Hotel (where Amanthi’s wedding reception will be held) and relax.
Beach beside Mt Lavinia Hotel
Locals watching sunset
No comments:
Post a Comment