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Sri Lanka

A 29-day adventure by LouisaJames Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 19, 2016
    LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Sigiriya

    September 19, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After the huge crashing waves on the west coast we have moved inland to a little bit of paradise. Spent time visiting caves full of Buddha's and cooled off with a swim in the pool.

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Sigiriya

    September 20, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Climbed up this beast called Lion's Rock before breakfast. Amazing place/views. Time for a swim... Ended the day on a jeep safari and saw our first wild elephants (over 200 of them) what an experience.Read more

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    Giritale

    September 23, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Can't keep us off the bikes but in 30+ degrees. Highlights were seeing villages, birds , the freshest coconut water possible and eating at a local village house. Even had time to show Sri Lankans how to play cricket properly!Read more

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Polonnaruwa

    September 23, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    1000 year old Buddhist relics at the ancient capital of Sinhalese. After all that heat, dust and culture it only meant one thing... A free massage at a spice garden of course.

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Kandy

    September 24, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Some queue to see Buddha's tooth at the temple, although to queue is a very British thing. Elbows wide is much better. After that we were ready for some calm at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Love the name of the tree that looks like it has cannon balls on it - cannon ball tree!
    At the traditional dance show, no one told the performers of the no smoking policy.... Think this may have breached health and safety regs but all very interesting.    Read more

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    Kandy, day 2

    September 24, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Great day relaxing around town. Now we know how you get 2 elephants on the back of a lorry. We met the caretaker, Havsha Carmichael, at the Garrison Cemetry. He was so interesting and very proud to have shaken Prince Charles' hand.Read more

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Kitulgala

    September 25, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    In tea heaven, travelling through hills covered with tea plantations to get to the jungle. Sat in a river for hours cooling off, with the locals on Arrack, playing the drums and singing.

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    Nuwara Eliya, 1890m

    September 26, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Loving the cool highland air at this very British hill station. Not a bad place, The Hill Club, to spend a night although not sure where the men have been hiding their jackets,ties and shoes in their back packs.
    Left to right: Lou, Jim, Cathy, Dan, Leslie, Tracey, Keith, Ellie, Elaine, Ann, James.    Read more

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    Horton Plains to Bandarawela

    September 27, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Early morning start to walk to World's End, at over 2000m. Thankfully the mist cleared so we had amazing views. Even better views from the open doors on the train later.

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    Hambantota and Tangalle

    September 29, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan games at a banana plantation farm but not sure hitting new friends is the way forward. We are up in an elephant watch tower. Had lunch at a house built by money from Exodus customers. The husband of the lovely family died in the Tsunami and their home was washed away.
    Group leader: Roshan.    Read more

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    Ahangama

    September 30, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Rest day by the ocean and pool. More water polo.

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    Galle

    October 1, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Stopped off at a turtle hatchery on the way, so cute to see 2 day old turtles. Loved the historic fort and the international cricket ground but loved the afternoon tea even more!

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Colombo

    October 1, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Well the holiday has come to an end and the real travelling starts here. We're on our own from tomorrow. Had our final group meal which ended in a great farewell speach given by Jim and Auld Langs Syne was sung. Have really enjoyed the company of everyone on that trip, thanks very much.Read more

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    Batticaloa

    October 2, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Early start at 4.30am! We were on the train for nearly 10 hours although the beautiful rice farming countryside helped time pass quickly. Not a bad price either at 420 rupees each (£2.27) People here seem really happy to see you as there are not many tourists here at all. Oh, and we have a tree in our cabana!Read more

  • LouisaJamesSri LankaLouisaJames

    Batticalao day 2

    October 3, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Bike ride around the old city and fort (built by the Dutch, Portuguese and British), followed by a trip along the deserted coastline and beaches. Plenty of reminders here of the 2004 tsunami, destroyed houses and communities that haven't been rebuilt. An estimated 60,000 people died in the East coast region.Read more

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    Arugam Bay

    October 5, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Took a local bus yesterday for 4 hours to get here. Really reassuring to have some locals looking out for us (told us what price to pay for tuk tuk, found us a loo, pointed out money they thought we had dropped...) us westerners are larger than them so a bit of a squash in the 5 seats across when the bus was full. Can't wait to go swimming tomorrow.Read more

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    Arugam Bay Continued

    October 7, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Spending time relaxing on a beach! Not like us at all, but trying to slow down. Up early to swim in the sea before breakfast to avoid burning. Had miles of beach to ourselves when we went for a walk along from the bay. Surfing yesterday but only managed to catch some red legs and arms instead of some waves...🏄‍♀️🏄🏼🌞Read more

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    Arugam Bay (still....)

    October 9, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Continue to stay in Arugam Bay as it is idyllic and relaxing. Long walk along another deserted beach to Crocodile Rock - and yes there were Mugger Crocodiles, Water Buffalo and a lone Elephant drinking from the river. A beautiful and peaceful place. Also best street light from overhead power cable, let go of the string, contact made, light on - dangerous but genius.Read more

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    Ella

    October 12, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Took two buses to get here yesterday so happy to stretch the legs today. Relaxed (huge) breakfast overlooking Ella Rock, so decided to walk up it! However, to get to the track we did as the locals do and used the railway as a footpath! Lucky trains are few, slow and noisy. The photo of Louisa next to a building is actually a pre-school playground with handy train track - and no fence! The trail passed through tea plantations, but nowhere for a cup of tea and cake. Met a variety of really nice people and escorted a lost Indian man off the hill.Read more

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    Ella (again)

    October 13, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Walked up Little Adam's Peak this morning and could look across to where we were yesterday. Had to have a thosai for lunch after we enjoyed last nights thosai so much. Went for obligatory walk along the railway but the other way to nine arches and a tunnel on a live railway.....Read more

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    Still Ella

    October 14, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Last day in Ella - more walking! Huge breakfast including egg hoppers (rice flour pancake bowls with egg cooked inside), mixed fruit, toast & jam and curd with treacle. Walked to Ravana cave via very steep rock steps to see where Sita was hidden in Hindu tales. Had canine companion for two hours, reward was a biscuit. More walking on railway spotting birds and monkeys. First rains of monsoon this evening. (Also realised we have been a 'couple' for 21 years today. Obviously together when we were 9 years old....).Read more

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    Galle again

    October 17, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Arrived in Galle for the second time on Saturday, for a couple of days. Arrived by bus using Grand Prix rules.... Galle is a Colonial Fort with loads of history and characterful buildings. Spent a day and a half walking the streets and people watching, including a cricket match where the boundry included the road. Also indulged in another afternoon tea overlooking the ocean (including waffles and ice cream). Unfortunately it is time to leave Sri Lanka, but moving on to new adventures in Nepal.Read more

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    Leaving Sri Lanka

    October 18, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    This is what 10 hours and counting in the airport looks like! Finally airside and waiting for the next sector to Nepal (via India). Its been a variety of experiences of a new country - people are kind and friendly, always having time to sit and chat.Read more

    Trip end
    October 17, 2016
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