We took the train up to Kandy and booked first-class seats in the "observation" car. I had all sorts of images of a raised dome for 360° viewing, but it was a regular train car attached at the back of the train with one large pane window. So we had a reasonable view of where we had been. :)
Kandy is beautifully nestled by a lake and surrounded by hills. We arranged for a tuk-tuk tour of the surrounds and some temples in the region. We began the day at the Ceylon Tea Museum, which was very informative, with lots of old machinery and archives, plus a lovely cup of tea and informative video at the end. Then off we went to three temples which were very old with lovely carvings and paintings. The first was Embakka which was built in the 14th or early 15th century, with intricate carvings on the posts. The second was Lankatilake and is built on a hillside with stunning views of the area.
The third was Gadaladeniya and was unique in that the main stupa had a roof covering it. Out front was this beautiful Buddha statue.
After we completed our whirlwind temple tour bumping along in our tuk-tuk on the outskirts of Kandy, we came back into town and visited a tea factory which was in operation. We loved seeing the process and the machinery in action.
For a little peace, we stopped at the botanical gardens and enjoyed a stroll through the park. The orchid house was a highlight as were the cheeky monkeys about. Then on to the Kandy dance performance. We had heard that this was not to be missed, but in actuality it was mediocre.
Our final stop was at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where a piece of the Buddha's tooth that had been taken from the pyre was housed. You can't actually see the tooth relic itself, but the splendour of the golden casks that hold it are incredible. We had an awesome tour guide who spoke non-stop for the two hours we were with him and we learned so much about Sri Lanka's history. A long day, but very satisfying!
Back at the hotel, which included breakfast and dinner, we enjoyed a nice meal and were delighted to speak with the man who ran their dining room, who is a smiling, gentle soul. He was so kind and walked with us the following day to show us the way down the hill to the lake.
We very much enjoyed out time in Sri Lanka and hope to come back someday. Friendly and happy people everywhere.
With Equanimity and Joy
Kandy is beautifully nestled by a lake and surrounded by hills. We arranged for a tuk-tuk tour of the surrounds and some temples in the region. We began the day at the Ceylon Tea Museum, which was very informative, with lots of old machinery and archives, plus a lovely cup of tea and informative video at the end. Then off we went to three temples which were very old with lovely carvings and paintings. The first was Embakka which was built in the 14th or early 15th century, with intricate carvings on the posts. The second was Lankatilake and is built on a hillside with stunning views of the area.The third was Gadaladeniya and was unique in that the main stupa had a roof covering it. Out front was this beautiful Buddha statue.After we completed our whirlwind temple tour bumping along in our tuk-tuk on the outskirts of Kandy, we came back into town and visited a tea factory which was in operation. We loved seeing the process and the machinery in action.
For a little peace, we stopped at the botanical gardens and enjoyed a stroll through the park. The orchid house was a highlight as were the cheeky monkeys about. Then on to the Kandy dance performance. We had heard that this was not to be missed, but in actuality it was mediocre.Back at the hotel, which included breakfast and dinner, we enjoyed a nice meal and were delighted to speak with the man who ran their dining room, who is a smiling, gentle soul. He was so kind and walked with us the following day to show us the way down the hill to the lake.
We very much enjoyed out time in Sri Lanka and hope to come back someday. Friendly and happy people everywhere.
With Equanimity and Joy
