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Sri Lanka
  • Allison Hopkins
March 2019

Sri Lanka

A two week loop tour Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 2, 2019
    Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler

    And we're ready for the off

    March 2, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    Just waiting to board our flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Had eaten before we left so was planning to sleep on the flight rather than eat. Am feeling a bit peckish now though....

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    Built to commemorate Sri Lanka's Independence
    Kites flying on the beachIslamic templeOne of many rows of buddha statues at the templeBuddist and Hindu templeMrs R

    Colombo

    March 3, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    After a quick wash and brush up at the hotel, it was straight out into the van for a whistle-stop tour around Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Our drive Ramie (not sure that’s quite his name...) navigated along roads where it seems to be a bit of a ‘free for all’. We stopped off for a walk along the local beach front, past the old Presidential buildings (no longer used as there’s too much traffic in the locality!) and saw a huge Islamic temple in a very distinctive red and white design. We drove past the President’s house and had a stop off at a Buddhist and Hindu temple, before having a wander around Independence Square. The Sri Lankan’s are very proud of their independence, given in 1948, and have built a special building to commemorate the country’s history.
    We had dinner back at the hotel and are all ready for an early night after spending last night on the airplane 💤💤    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    12

    Elephants in the wild

    March 4, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    We had a four hour drive from Colombo to Dambulla where we checked into our next hotel and then had lunch from the buffet selection. One of the desserts was like sago pudding and tasted much nicer than anticipated!
    After lunch we took a half hour drive to Minneryia National Park where we got in an open top, open sided jeep and set of in search of the elephants that live here in the wild. We didn’t have to wait long!
    We were very lucky and saw several elephant families and a few lone elephants all enjoying the ample supply of grass and shrubs. It was an absolute treat to see them out in the wild.
    Back at the hotel we had dinner, but did pick up some midgy bites tonight!    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    1

    An Ancient City and a mighty climb!

    March 5, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Up and out early this morning with our first stop at the Ancient city of Polonnavuwg, where there are many ruins and artefacts dating back to the reign of King Parakvamabahu the Great; all from around the 12th centuary. Our guide showed us around all the key places and we dodged fellow tourists to get photos without the crowds.
    Next up was a traditional village, accessed via an ox drawn cart and then a boat across the lake...
    The ladies waiting to great us, showed us how they would prepare a typical family lunch, which, after some audience participation in our part, meant we could eat it too 😀 Delicious flavours without too much chilli!
    A tuk-tuk ride took us back to our starting place, after a brief chat with a young boy who wanted to practice his English 😊
    After a short break back at the hotel, we then set off to climb Lion rock (Sigiriya), which has archaeological evidence back to pre-historic times. There were many, many steps climbing steeply, but some fantastic views to be had from the top. We were all a little smug once we reached the top 😀
    What goes up, must come down and I decided to speed up the process by falling down a few steps 🙄 Got up quickly but will probably have a bruise or two tomorrow 🙈
    After a well deserved mojito back at the hotel, we’re now off to the restaurant for dinner.    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    One of many carvings at Dambulla Cave Temple
    Flowers laid for BuddhaMusicians playing outside one of the cave temples1Andrew enjoying his facial 😉

    Dambulla Cave Temple

    March 6, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    We set off early to reach Dambulla Cave Temple before the majority of the other tourists descended. Another World Heritage Site, the Cave Temple was reached by a surprisingly large number of steps which eventually opened out to reveal several small temple caves and several larger ones, all housing ornate carvings into the rock, Buddhas of all sizes and many having been restored to show their original vibrant colours. Many people came to pray in the temples and to lay flowers at the feet of Buddha.
    Having made the descent, we were glad of our air conditioned minibus, as we set of for a local herb and spice garden. Here a chap who is training as doctor in Ayurvedic traditional medicine, gave a very informative tour and talk around the gardens with demonstrations on the various lotions they made from the natural ingredients. The tour ended with a brief facial massage and then a leg massage (you can imagine how Andrew enjoyed both of those 😂) before we were able to buy some of the products if we wanted too. I really like the idea of natural products and they certainly had something for pretty much any ailment you’d care to mention, so you can also imagine how thrilled Andrew was as I entered the shop! Still, it’s an opportunity not to be repeated so I bought a few lotions and potions and will just have to hope I can get them back in through customs at Heathrow....
    Arriving early at our hill top hotel near Kandy, we have been able to have a swim in the pool and try the local Sri Lankan ginger beer, which is delicious. Tomorrow we’ve got a leisurely start before we go into explore Kandy itself.    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    5Nice skirt at The Temple of The Tooth Relic 😉
    The teachings of BuddhaTraditional Sri Lankan dances

    The Temple of the Tooth Relic

    March 7, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We had a late start this morning so had some time around the pool after breakfast. Our plan was somewhat foiled by the arrival of a large class of young schoolchildren who use the pool for their swimming lessons!
    Once they’d gone, we managed a quick dip before getting ready to set of for The Temple of The Tooth Relic. Here we were guided by a chap who said he had guided the Queen around the temple in 1954 and various other members of the Royal family over the years. He told us about the special festivals where a golden casket holding a wisdom tooth from Buddha is kept in a shrine and is opened on rare special days, according to the lunar calendar. The last time it was opened was 2009. As per all Buddhist temples, it is customary to ensure your clothing covers your knees and shoulders and you remove your shoes as you enter. Andrew tried to lower his long shorts slightly to meet the required length but was scuppered by a check under his t-shirt to see where the top of his shorts sat and told he had to wear a sarong I’d taken with me 😂
    The stone floors outside were so hot underfoot! Anyone following behind Andrew and I might have thought we were doing an impression of Morcombe and Wise skipping into the sunset as we tried to cross quickly from building to building 🙈
    We had a late lunch at a local restaurant before going to see a traditional cultural show with some impressive and energetic dancing in traditional costume.
    The show ended with some fire eating and walking across flaming coals! Luckily there was no requirement for audience participation 😉    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    A stop midway up to the tea plantation
    Ladies picking the tea leavesWild orchid in Victoria ParkA 65 year old cactusThe lovely gardener who proudly showed us around Victoria Park

    Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

    March 8, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we made the drive through the congested city of Kandy through the countryside and finally mountain roads to Nuwara Eliya. On the way we stopped off at a tea plantation and factory. We had a guided tour around the factory and then a cup of tea to try before a wander around the shop! It was interesting to understand that different processing methods would determine the various different types of tea, even though it was the same leaves being used; in this case producing various black teas. I bought a small box to try at home 😊
    We had lunch before setting off again, passing some ladies picking the leaves out in the plantation. It looked a thankless task! They get paid per Kg picked.
    Arriving at our next hotel, again at the top of a hill, we had a couple of hours to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the sunshine in a cooler temperature, relaxing with our books.
    We then drove back down into the town and had a wander around Victoria Park. We were greeted by one of the senior gardeners who took it upon himself to take us on a tour of the park, explaining the various plantings, much of which was developed when Sri Lanka was a British colony. The area is also known as ‘Little England’.
    The park was hosting an extended weekend celebration for hundreds of school children who seemed to have been bussed in from quite far distances and all in their pristine white school uniforms. We found ourselves to be something of an amusement to the children many of whom wanted to greet us with a handshake and say hello. Even one of the teachers wanted to take his photo with us! I’m not quite sure why we were such a novelty but they seemed very happy to see us 😂
    We had a walk to see the old post office before dinner in a local restaurant.
    Tomorrow we’re taking a very scenic train ride into the mountains 😀    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    The Engineers office at the train station
    Fantastic scenery along the wayNine Arches BridgeDon't try this at home!!Buddah at the top of Little Adam's Peak2The views were worth the climb 😊

    To Ella via a scenic railway journey

    March 9, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We were awoken earlier than needs be by some piped piano music!! I was second into the shower only to find there was no hot water left....
    However, the day got better after a brief stop at The Grand Hotel, a lovely old colonial style building in pretty gardens. Buddhika, our guide, had spent his wedding night here!
    We then set off to board the train to Ella, a three hour journey through some beautiful scenery. We had expected it to get quite cool higher up in the mountains but the sun continues to shine and there was only a small overall drop in temperature. Still no need for the long trousers I’d worn, nor the fleece that I’d carried 🙄
    Following a quick hotel check in and a bite to eat, we set off to see Nine Arches Bridge. It was a fairly steep descent, some well structured pavement and steps and some not so much!
    The bridge is an impressive piece of engineering with no metal in the structure anywhere! We waited to see the train make its journey back via the bridge but didn’t wait in the end as the train had got delayed somewhere down the line.
    We slowly made the ascent although this seemed a bit easier as it felt less slippy going upwards.
    We then took the minivan round to the start of a hike known as Little Adam’s Peak!
    Buddhika just pointed us in the upwards direction this time! We made it to the summit in just over half an hour, which we felt was pretty good going as it was very steep at the top with lots of slipping opportunities!
    Having puffed and panted our to the top, we were impressed to see (amongst many others) a lady modelling a wedding dress...!!!
    The views at the top were fantastic and we stayed long enough to appreciate the views, take some photos and get our breath back. Again, with some careful negotiating of foothold, it was quicker on the way down.
    Despite being rather hot and bothered back at base, our next activity was an Ayurvedic massage! Andrew declined and spent an hour looking round the shops, which gives a clear indication of how much he dislikes massage 😂 Julie, Dave and I were all floating when we regrouped an hour later. We must have looked a right state as we set off for dinner, because the first part of the massage had involved oils and a head massage - I think I emerged looking like Worsel Gummidge!
    Ella is a vibrant tourist town. There are lots of shops, restaurants and bars and we had a lovely meal in one of them, where there was a guitarist playing 😀
    Back at the hotel, ( swerving a line up of staff who’d turned out to wait upon a local politician!) a shower was needed to get rid of the massage oils. All in all, a very busy day; think I’ll sleep well tonight!    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    Sunrise as seen from the balcony of our room
    Climbing higher, lots of tea plants!Andrew in the tea bushes!Fantasic views from the top and we're up in the cloudsIt did feel lke we were on the top of the world 😊

    Feels like the top of the world

    March 10, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We set off after breakfast for a trip to Lipton’s seat, high up in the hills of Haputhale, about 40 km from the hotel. It was journey full of twists and bends as we slowly made our way higher and higher, eventually looking down on some of the clouds. The final part of the journey up to the vista point was too narrow for the van and so we sped off on tuk-tuks, whizzing past several people who were making the final ascent on foot 😮
    The views from the top were stunning and I don’t think photographs really do it justice. We were also very lucky to have a brilliant blue sky as often the peak is covered in mist.
    The descent was just as fast paced as we made some quite sharp bends!
    It was as we reached the bottom again and set off in the van, that Andrew realised he’d not got his phone! This sent Buddhika, our tour guide into a bit of a spin and he was determined to do his utmost to find it, despite the fact that it could have bounced out anywhere along the tuk-tuk journey! As it happened, it hadn’t bounced out anywhere and was still plugged into the charger back in the room. Oh how we all laughed 🙄
    We stopped off at a monastery on the way back. A beautiful historic building now home to just three Benedictine Monks. This meant that you could only view two of the rooms, but there was a lengthy dvd showing you the rest....
    The bumpy journey took it’s toll on Andrew’s stomach and we diverted back to the hotel early, leaving Julie and Dave down in the town of Ella.
    After a bit of a sleep, Andrew has bounced back ready for tomorrow’s adventures 😊    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    2

    A waterfall and a safari

    March 11, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Another fantastic day 😀 We stopped off at a waterfall not too far out from the hotel, and walked the few steps to get to the waters edge. Following this, it was back in the minivan for the drive to Yala where we had lunch (eventually, after a misunderstanding with the waiter, who thought Andrew and I were just ordering drinks 😳)
    It was then time for our second safari of the trip 😀 The four of us had the jeep to ourselves again and it wasn’t long before we spotted elephants again 😀 They are just so graceful considering their size and it is mesmerising to watch them in the wild. There were several baby elephants too 😍
    We also saw some monkeys, wildebeest, warthogs, mongoose, deer and a massive crocodile! The Yala National Park is also home to a variety of small, colourful birds, of which we saw plenty, and also to leopards, of which we saw none! Our safari driver certainly gave it his best attempt as we drove round trying to spot a leopard, but, unsurprisingly given their secretive nature, it was not to be. We think the safari drivers must be on timed tickets and, as the 3 hour mark approached, he suddenly put his foot down and we were bombing it along the side roads towards the park exit. Apparently, if they miss the official park closing time at around 6pm, then their card is marked and they are banned from driving in the park for a week 😮
    Having made the exit just in time, he drove us down to a nearby beach where we had a quick paddle and watched the sun setting 😊
    We’v just had a delicious Sri Lankan curry at the hotel and are now ready for 😴    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    The water may look calm, but the waves sneak up on you!
    Fresh Watermelon juice 😋Prawns so fresh, they had to go and get them 😀

    It's a rest day

    March 12, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    We spent the shortest time ever in the hotel yesterday, around 12 hours from check in to departure! The waiter was very chatty and was keen to talk about recent air disasters, not ideal with our long return flight fast looming 😬
    Today was the first of two rest days. We arrived at the hotel around midday, had an orientation wander around the grounds and down onto the beach, before having lunch at the hotel restaurant. The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging round and in the pool and then for a walk in the surf along the long beach in front of the hotel. The waves are very strong and so none of us had the courage to go into the sea, other than to paddle! Maybe tomorrow might be better for sea swimming!
    This evening we left the hotel to walk all of 250m to seafood restaurant, highly rated on Tripadvisor. It was a tiny, family run restaurant with only 3 or 4 tables and we were lucky we arrived when we did or we’d have been out of luck!
    Having placed our order, the young lad shot off on his motorbike, shortly to return with the ingredients for our dinner! Unfortunately for him, by the time he got back, another couple had arrived and so he was soon dispatched again 😊
    The food was delicious, Julie and I had a plate of prawns and Andrew and Dave had fish; all very fresh 😀
    We have another rest day tomorrow, so must make sure my kindle is fully charged ☀️    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler

    Rest day number 2

    March 13, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    No activities today as our guide and driver have a day off. Andrew, Julie, Dave and I spent the morning around the pool. Andrew went on another exploration along the beach; I was happy staying put with my kindle!
    In order to mix things up a bit, we later moved to sun beds down in the gardens, facing the beach and sea. It still seemed fairly rough when the waves broke onto the shore, so we didn’t venture in! Instead we had a massage! Well, Andrew didn’t as he’s not keen, but the rest of us booked up a session each for after lunch.
    Crickey! Another tiny lady with fingers with the strength of a warrior! Parts of the massage could hardly be called relaxing, but at the end you do feel as if you’ll float out 😀
    This evening we had dinner in another local seafood restaurant. We were all slightly taken aback to be seated by the same chap who’d seated us in the other restaurant last night! We wondered if they were linked family restaurants but he said no, he was just helping out his friends on both nights. Tonight’s restaurant was also hosting a retirement dinner for the local chief of police, who arrived as guest of honour with the blue lights flashing on the car!
    Time for bed now as we’ve got to be up at 04:15 am, as we’re off whale watching (hopefully 🐳!)
    No photos again - very slow internet!    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler
    If you look carefully, you can see the whale!!
    We were on the whale watching boat at sunriseBoats in the harbourThe fishermen repairing their nets after this mornings catchOld fishermen perch on these stilts along the beach, fishing.1View from our balcony 😀

    We saw whales!

    March 14, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We were up, out and on the road by 4:45am to make the 90 minute drive to the harbour where the whale watching boats would leave.
    We’d heard that the boat would most likely stay out until we’d definitely had a sighting, and yesterday the boat had been out for 6 hours...
    Andrew and I both took travel sickness tablets just in case, but in fact the whole trip was pretty smooth, and we made our first sighting within the hour! It’s amazing to even get a glimpse of theses huge graceful creatures, and very tricky to capture in time on camera. I mostly took a bit of video (which I can’t load onto FindPenguins 🙄) but the zoom is somewhat limited! I think Andrew has some great photos though.
    There are a fair few boats in the same area, maybe 8 or so, but each tries to keep its distance and not to cut each other up when they move off quickly when a spotting has been made.
    All in all, we made about 6 whale sightings, including a view of it’s tail as it dived down on a couple of occasions 😀
    This meant that the boat had no need to stay out for too long, and we were back in the harbour within 3 hours. We were all very excited to have seen the whales in relatively close proximity 🐳
    Next up was a drive to Galle, a city governed by the Portuguese originally, before the Dutch and then the English took over. The city has an old fortress wall that you can walk around and we did this although by now it was nearly midday and soooo hot! Part way round we found an old colonial style hotel where we stopped off for a cold drink and a use of their toilets 🙈
    Julie and I had a look in some of the jewellers and gem stone stores; Andrew and Dave had walked on a bit...!!
    It was then time to move on to our final hotel of the trip, where we will spend the last 2 nights. We have a huge room directly overlooking the sea. As I type, I can hear the waves crashing on the shore.
    We thought the sea looked a bit calmer here than our previous beach hotel and got ourselves ready to head out for a swim in the sea. Unfortunately, despite the waves looking more gentle than yesterday, they were just lulling you into a false sense of security and no sooner had you got in, than the waves seemed to double in height 😮 I was a coward and didn’t venture in very far. The other 3 did with each one taking a tumble fairly early on - we decided to try the hotel pool instead 😂
    Later on, in prime viewing position on the sun loungers, we watched several other people try to make a go of it in the sea, none were successful! We watched an elderly couple go in, completely unaware of the fierce waves which creep up when you’re not looking. I was a bit worried for them, fearing a broken hip or similar and it wasn’t long before they’d both taken a tumble! Luckily the got out ok and also took refuge in the pool!
    The waiter tells us that the sea is calmer in the mornings, so maybe we’ll try again then!
    Had a lovely buffet dinner in the hotel and now back to catch up on the sleep lost due to our early departure this morning! 💤    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler

    Our final day

    March 15, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We spent a lovely last day relaxing on the beach. It’s been very hot, even right beside the shore and despite being careful all trip, I’ve managed to get sunburnt today 🙄
    We had waiter service throughout the day and got great amusement watching unsuspecting people try to get into the sea, Little were they expecting the high waves and strong pull back to into the sea. Once again, I only managed a paddle on the very edge. The others were braver and managed to get past the breaking waves. I was much happier in the pool!
    Our tour company, BH tours, hosted us at an afternoon tea party, along with four others who were on a similar tour. One was an older chap who seemed very grumpy, so we’re glad he wasn’t with us! He was surprised that the tour company hadn’t warned him how hot it would be in Sri Lanka....!!!
    Andrew, Julie and Dave decides to have one last go in the sea which, for Julie, was one go too many. A massive wave took her down and she hit her head and face on the seashore. Some tissues and an ice pack were needed and hopefully she won’t feel too sore in the morning.
    For our final evening, we took our guide Buddhika and his driver, Vimal, out for dinner and we went to a fantastic restaurant right on the sea front. Andrew had a final vegetable curry, whilst I went for more grilled prawns - they really are delicious 😋
    So all good things must come to an end and we’re up bright an early for a 6am start for the airport. I hope storm Gareth will have passed through by the time we get home 😬    Read more

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler

    Homewards bound

    March 16, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Ah well, our two weeks is up and we’re homewards bound. We’ve had a fantastic time and would highly recommend Sri Lanka if you like scenery, beaches, friendly people and elephants 🐘 😍

  • Allison HopkinsSri LankaTraveler

    And it's raining!

    March 17, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    A long flight, but we’re on the ground. And it’s raining ☔️

    Trip end
    March 16, 2019
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