Yala National Park

Winding our way down the mountains of the tea country we drove past rolling verdent green tea covered hills and spilling water falls till again the flat rice fields filled our windows. And again the heat and humidity rejoined us. 

Arriving at Yala National Park we swaped our van for a jeep and hit the bumpy road.  Hot and dusty the safari proved to be a winner. Traversing the park we saw elephants, bathing mongoose, crocodile, emerald bee eaters, wild boar, pea cocks dancing, toucans, buffalo and deer to name a few. 

The national park touches a bouldered Coast line where 47 jeeps were taken into the ocean killing their occupants during the tsunami. The flatness of the land here makes the the scene chilling as we imagine the wave rushing in, indiscriminate  water carrying away  path.

Dambulla caves

Leaving Kandy but continuing our Buddhist path we visited the Dambulla caves. A giant golden Buddha greeted us at the bottom of the hill. After an epic climb by all kids unaided we reached the caves, and were greeted by frescos and multiple seated and reclined buddhas. The caves were peaceful and serene despite the tourists. The cheeky monkeys lurked everywhere entertaining the kids. Sol even managed to dispose of his banana, one cheeky little monkey to another.

Ella the tea country and the mountains we climbed

Leaving the cultural triangle we are now in tea country. Driving through the traffic caused by the presidents signing in ceremony we reached Nuwara Eliya. After visiting a tea factory or two we are now  well versed in the process of tea production. Much sorting, drying crushing, preserving and packaging happens before we drink that morning cup.  Interestingly all varieties of tea, black, green and white come from the same plant. The distinguishing factor is the location of the tea leaf on the plant. White tea comes from the first bud, green the next leaf and black subsequent. 

Next we travelled to Ella and climbed little Adams Peak. Climbing past more tea plantations, women picking and filling the bags on their backs. The peak was windswept with incredible views. Zar enjoyed the climb so much he suggested we tackle Ella Rock in the afternoon. 

We walked along the train tracks before turning off to pass local farms. Climbing higher eagles flew overhead and the foliage changed from palms to eucalypts. Walking head down noticing the fallen leaves and the sweet air it could have been Australia.  We walked up the mountain for two hours. Zar's fit bit showed over 20 km of walking. The views were breath taking and were well worth the effort. 

Down was faster and we made in home in time for sunset viewing from our balcony. 

Ritigala

One more day playing Indiana Jones. This time an hour long climb along a deep jugle path took us past the long and forgotten ruins of Ritigala, abandoned stair cases and the oldest known urinal. We were alone with the jungle vines climbing over rock and ruin. Sol found a jungle swing that proved a lot of fun. More picnics by waterfalls and we were climbing down again.

Polonnaruwa

A  breeze followed us through the ancient city of polonnaruwa as we explored the ruins. The large stupas and columns provided great spaces to play hide and seek. We traveled along dappled corridors of green until we came to the draw cards. Two Buddhas, one reclined the other seated towered above us. Their scale so impressive and serene. It is disrespectful to take a photograph with ones back towards the Buddha but facing the Buddha is allowed. As I photographed Flora I remembered images of my three year old self in the same place. 

Sol found an icecream tuk tuk and soon appropriated it before indulging in a well deserved treat.