We farewell Kandy today as we head up into the hill country but of course when I went to check out of the hotel nothing had been done about the spa bill……have to say our tour guide was fantastic and really took them to task. I ended up with a 25% discount but that took 25-30 minutes of negotiation with multiple people and one or two precious people on our tour got ****** off because we were 10 minutes late leaving…..oh dear…seems I'm in the poop today!!!

Before leaving Kandy we visited a fabric centre where all the ladies on the tour were offered the opportunity to be fitted with a sari….in all my travels this is the first time I’ve tried a sari on!!! Holy hell….SEVEN metres of fabric is wrapped around you. I have new admiration for the Asian women who wear these on a daily basis but I don’t think I could manage – it would take me all day just to get it on!!! The shop had some magnificent fabric and clothing……oops guess who ended up buying a rather lovely silk outfit……and its not even 10am yet!!!! Then headed to a batik making factory to see how it is done in Sri Lanka. They use a different technique to other Asian countries and all the work is done by hand – fascinating to watch them work and I even managed to walk away without any purchases!!

Can see the changes in the landscape as we move into tropical jungle and lush countryside via steep winding roads. Our destination today is Kithulgala.

Kithulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka that derives its name from the prehistoric Kitul tree.The Academy award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed on the Kelani River near Kithulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge (and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene). Kelani Valley forest reserve is established as a forest reserve to protect the watershed of Kelani River. It is home to many of Sri Lanka’s endemic fauna and flora. We are seeing many birdwatchers from all over the world who have come to see some of the country’s birds. There is an endemic owl that was only found recently and apparently this had increased the number of birdwatchers extensively.

Just before we arrived in Kithulgala we were offered the chance to do some white water rafting on the Kelani River which 2 of our group decided to try. I declined – figured I’ve tried it in 3 different countries already and can’t say it is something that I enjoy. We were driven to our hotel – aptly named – Plantation Hotel. It is in a lovely setting along side the Kelani River and the rooms are reminiscent of old British homesteads that were probably here many years ago. We have time for a short rest this afternoon before we head off on an evening nature walk. Am thinking that early evening will equal mosquitoes so am trying to work out if the risk of getting dengue fever is enough to entice me on the walk……



So glad I decided to go for the nature walk through the local area. We got to see how the local villagers live and work, tea plantations, vegetables and fruits growing. Got caught in a tropical downpour and was invited into a local home with a lovely family who proceeded to prepare us some ginger tea while we sat looking out over the green hills and jungle. Thunder and lightening accompanied the heavy rain but it was still warm/hot. Although the family did not speak any English and none of us could speak Sinhalese we managed to convey our thanks and headed off again once the rain let up. The hospitality shown to us is typical of the Sri Lankan people who are most welcoming to everyone with a smile.

Back to the hotel for pre dinner drinks overlooking the river….then dinner…..then I guess we might enjoy a few beverages as we don’t have to head off until 0900 tomorrow J