Well the trip planned for my birthday turned to be in July for
some or the other reason.
I was happy and excited, it was my second trip beyond my own
country. You find yourself in completely new place and amongst new people and I
find that thrilling. (may be just for few days).
So we landed up in Columbo,Srilanka and started exploring
way to Galle. People suggested a train route but instead we took a public
transport bus which took around 4 hours to reach our destiny. Yes, we were exhausted.
We booked a hostel along beach side which had a tree house room. So, it was not
a luxurious hotel but a beach side room I have ever dreamt of living in.
Galle was around 3-4 kms away from the place where we stayed.
We took a tuk tuk(auto in India) to reach Galle. Well tuk-tuk are quite
expensive in Srilanka as for mere 1 km distance they charge min of 100 Lankan rupee
(which is 200 Indian Rupees).
Galle is a city where one can witness Galle fort (which is
being converted to place full of café and shops of tourist interest). Well it
is one beautiful place in Galle city to roam around. Alongside fort there is international
cricket stadium too.
After a day spent at Galle, we headed to Kandy (It was a
train journey of around 6 hours. Galleyà
Columbo -3hrs and Columboà
Kandy -3hours). The best transport to use in Srilanka is trains, though they
take much time but it the best way to enjoy the beauty of this place. Also, it
is always better to check the trains schedule and take the tickets in advance.
During the way to Kandy we met a couple of my parents age
who guided in the best way till Kandy regarding train schedule etc. During the
journey with them I felt they are such kind and helpful with us but later I realized
everyone in Srilanka are such wonderful human beings.
We entered Sevena city hotel, the hotel staff and service were
super awesome, will recommend to anybody visiting Kandy. Kandy is one of the
hill stations of Srilanka and is tremendously beautiful. There are lot of places
to visit which includes Buddha tooth relic temple, the cultural club of Kandy where
you can witness the Kandiyan dance by local civilians, artist with their beautiful
wooden and steel carved work. Then there is a Kandy lake where localities roam
around to have a good time, lovely street market and many attractive things to
shop for.
There is a place called PINNAVALA elephant orphanage which
is around 15kms away from Kandy (maybe you can hire a tuk tuk to visit the
place), here you can see herd of elephants enjoying their baths, the scenic
beauty is epic though. During the way there are tea factories, herbal and spice
gardens where you can spend some quality time.
After Kandy we went next day to NUWARA ELIYA and I must tell
you again the train route is such beautiful that it would take your breath
away.it is a long 4 hours journey but it’s worth spending this long time in
train and do not take a nap please, you will miss all beauty. Nuwara Eliya is a
place where you can find Ashoka Vatika mentioned in Ramayana (called as Sita temple),
they haven’t developed the temple due to Hindu minority. But it’s a good place
to witness as we can relate the stories we have grown up hearing.
On the way to Kandy we witnessed Rambarya, one of the most
beautiful Hanuman temple which has been built by Swami Chinmaya Nada
mission(Luckily this is the mission I have got my schooling from),along with
temple they also have built a marvelous campus of their own ,visiting the place
just reminded me of my school days which I have loved most of my life.
Ok coming to the food I have mostly eaten in Srilanka (because
that was the only choice I would say was Rice curry, idly and dosa.
Now the next day was our last day in Srilanka, since it
takes long time to travel so we decided to spend the day shopping in Kandy and of
course relaxing. We shopped for our homes, you get lot of attractive stuff to
shop there but the prices are reasonably high. We had a great day and headed
back to Columbo to catch our flight in night.
Once you visit Srilanka you will realize the country is around
10 years back as compared to India as they are not much technically advanced (less
use of cell phones, laptops, trains running on coal) and the people there live
such down to earth life. They are happy and satisfied with what they have, they
are not running in their life as we have made ours and may be this is the
reason they are able to preserve their nature. They have time for their family
and loved ones, not selfish in attitude, filled with kindness and love and yes
not corrupted. If somebody would ask me what was best in Srilanka, I would say
a simple and happy life. I would always cherish the lovely place and would want
to go back again.
