Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - The Colombo City Tour

The last day our Sri Lanka league of the tour saw us moving through the commercial capital city of Colombo. A growing global metro, it retains its local and traditional flavors too.

Most of our tour through the city was guided through the bus as we moved through the streets, markets and memorials of Colombo.

Starting with the freedom memorial, we coasted through the port area (its a massive port and billion dollar industry for the country) and moved through the political premises of the some of Sri Lanka's most influential politicians and businessmen. 

Visit to the Lotus tower (Standing 375 mtrs tall and south asia's tallest) was an amazing experience in itself while visiting the local markets and marts gave us the typical urban shopping feel. It was fun but nothing new really. If at all the local handicrafts were delightful (the Makara masks to ward off evil were delightful and purchased like a dozen of them as gifts)

We signed off from Sri Lanka with lunch opposite the Sri Lankan's premier's house. A wonderful experience being in Sri Lanka. The 5 days just flew by but the memories were permanent. Thank you Sri Lanka.

Our entourage then moved towards the Colombo airport to start our Maldives league of the tour. We were excited to witness the 2 day beach residence and activities on the island in Indian Ocean...

Male here we come....  

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Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - The Sigriya Rock Experience Of A LifeTime

The day we had planned this whole trip for (over 6 months of planning and preparation) finally dawned. We were going to climb the #SigiriyaRock finally... Yaaaaay! Super excited...

Only 12 out of the 60 strong tour party decided to take the rock climb expedition. Others preferred to stay back at the hotel relaxing or swimming. We drove for about 45 min to reach the Sigiriya Rock entrance. 

NOTE: For foreigners, passports are checked and there is a USD. 30.00 fee to get in. For South Asian countries this fee is USD. 15.00 per head.

After completing those formalities, we started the approach path to the rock - a long kilometre walk through beautiful garden ruins on a red-soiled road leading to the base of the rock.

NOTE: This is a no-plastic zone. Although pet water bottles are allowed the wrappers around them are removed by the security guards. Its that strict and much appreciated.  

Thus began our 1250 feet rock climb. The initial steps had high riser, low tread making it slightly difficult to climb needing extra effort but after 100 steps or so we got acclimatized to the terrain.

Then we arrived at the "Welcome" gate formed by two stones converging on each other creating a welcome entrance for the climbers. The move upwards from there was a combination of high riser and low riser steps.

Further down, the steps turned metallic as the rock became stepper. There were a couple of places where metallic bridges were built to crossover sections of the rock. It was tiring but very exciting....

Then we arrived at a spiral staircase that looped 6 storeys above. It was fun climbing it round-n-round and reaching a cave full of paintings and carvings. Then we were led down a bit and another fortress road took us to a flight of metallic steps. After another grunt through 100 odd steps we reached the base of the Lion entrance temple half way through the climb. It was a victory of sorts really.

The lion entrance is really royal (although in ruins now) as the steps take you straight to the top of the hill undulating across the rock surface. This is a complete metallic step route (understandable considering the rock and safety of climbing). This was a grueling climb for sure.

And then we were there ....

Everyone leapt in air as if we had won a war :)

It was indeed a very tough climb but everyone had completed it without any hassle or injury. A job well done...

At the top was big plateau (the foundation of the king's palace) and a brilliant landscape around it. There were gardens, lakes, security points, swimming tanks, water channels, dancing halls - all brilliantly developed centuries ago and still standing there majestically. Although in ruins, we could imagine the grandeur of this place in its prime...

A lot of flora and fauna around. We also encountered a brilliant snake sun-bathing on one of the rocks.

The view below was breathtaking in all directions possible. For miles there were forests and farms, then hills and other mountains in the distance. This one rock stood apart in this plains. Just magnificent.

We didn't want to but had to start our descent to continue our journey.

The pathways down was slightly different to the one we came up and it had some challenges too. Due to the high risers, climbing down put more pressure on the knees and hence needed high caution against twists and cramps.

As we came down half way the descent smoothed out into easier undulated red soiled roads and we could really enjoy the beauty around. We saw a bandicoot type creature climbing the rocks and trees while a big giant squirrel was enjoying fruits offered by tourists.

Near the base was a Cobra Cave naturally formed in shape of Cobra hood and cave inside for people to sit inside to protect themselves against the elements.

And then we were back on the ground gasping but highly satisfied with the effort put it in. Worth every step up and down the rock ... Amazing is the only word that everyone was seeming to say to each other as we trudged back to our bus after having the most sweet coconut water from a local guy.

There was a nice marketplace at the foothills with local artifacts, clothes and memorabilia. We enjoyed buying a few.

At the bus stop, the other non-climbing troupe had gathered already and we had the traditional Sigiriya Rock background group photo snapped to complete the picture...

We then had a long drive toward Colombo via Kandy. Our final destination of the day was Vibhishan temple. The place was majestic - built on the beachy sands of Colombo. 

After days of peaceful roads and freeways, Colombo presented us with the same old metro issues - jammed roads, long traffic snarls, signal queues and it took us an hour to reach our hotel from the temple (less than 1 km away) but the Sigiriya Rock climb experience just nullified all those delays and frustrations.

Checked into hotel and closing the Sri Lanka league of the tour with Colombo ride and then onward to Maldives!!! Here we come....

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Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - Gayathri Peetha And Dambulla Cave Temple

Still in Nuwara, we had an option to visit their botanical garden or the Gayathri Peetha temple. All of us chose the temple in an instant. The story associated is highly spiritual and fascinating. At the temple (under construction) has 108 Shiv Lingas (in pure one-piece black stones) brought in from the Narmada River in India and they are being installed at the temple. The process is on.

The guide at the temple told fascinating stories of the main guru of the shrine and how he traveled all over the eastern Asian countries and bought extraordinary elements to the this place (includes a sahasra (thousand) mukhi rudraksh with a natural cobra hood and Shivlinga grown on it, the sanjeevani herb that Hanuman had brought into Sri Lanka to save Lakshman during the Ram-Ravana war and others).

Meditation at the place is highly advocated. I did. What a feeling!! The energy and vibration of the place was divine and peaceful. What an amazing 10 min of meditation. There was heaviness too. Just felt as if some energy within was trying to come out and some trying to get in. Felt wonderful...

Our journey then started toward Dambulla, one of the biggest cities in Sri Lanka. 

Along the way, we stopped at a local Spice Garden to look at spices and herbs. Having already visited Kerala its spice gardens, it wasn't a new experience for us really. Looked routine but to our pleasant surprise, nature decided to make it exciting. The heavens opened up and boy ... what a downpour! We were quickly escorted into a hutment conference room where we were served piping hot cinnamon, cardamom tea. The guide explained various spices and products being offered at the garden shop. Many of our members bought some of them.

After about an hour, the rain relented and we were on our way to Dambulla Cave Temple - one of the most fascinating Buddha shrines in Sri Lanka. As we neared the temple, we were awestruck by a 25 feet tall yellow statue of a meditating Buddha sitting atop a hill. Around the statue was a brilliantly developed and maintained temple campus.

Below the statue was a museum with artifacts and idols while the cave temples were located around and above the statue in the hills. The approach to the cave temples was a stepped climb (around 400 steps) leading to five cave temples above. Each cave had its own magnificent carvings, statues and paintings that were centuries old but still standing test of time. Incredible...

One of the caves housed a bowl of eternal water. Water dripped into the bowl from the top and leaked out at its bottom into the rocks below (the source and destination of water are unknown) such that the bowl is always full of water but never spills of the edges. Amazing!!

Another cave had paintings on the roof that were high and extremely intricate in colors and shapes. You were left wondering, how did the painters get up there and how did they draw/paint such amazing artwork and for how long? 

A truly humbling experience at the cave temple as we started our journey to complete our day to check into Hotel Sigiriya for our next day show ... the biggest highlight of the tour for us - the Sigiriya Rock Climb! So excited...

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Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - Ramboda And Nuwara Eliya

We checked out of Kandy early morning next day and marched on toward Ramboda, the place of the Anjaneyar Temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman who set foot in Sri Lanka at this place for the first time). The journey towards base of the temple took us through beautiful mountains and curves (over 3500 ft). The scenery was absolutely stunning.

At the base camp, the temple was situation atop a mountain and road leading to that was very narrow so there were two options for us - Trek your way up or pick up a Tuk-Tuk (auto rickshaw) to reach upstairs. We decided to trek our way up ... It was fun. The climb was steep at places but most enjoyable with all the natural beauty around. After about 15 min, we reached the temple premises.

Today being Karthik Poornima (Full Moon of the Karthik Month in the Hindu calendar), there was a big pooja (prayer) organized at the temple. People from all over had come to visit the temple. The deity was enclosed in the main chamber by a curtain and devotees had gathered in the hall across to catch a glimpse of the 15 feet Hanuman statue. After performing their customary rituals, the curtain was lowered and there stood the magnificent Hanuman statue (all black stone and adorned with flowers, jewels and color). Felt very spiritual looking at the manifestation.

Just across the temple are beautiful valleys and mountains.

There lies the mountain shaped in Hanuman's sleeping pose. 

Sleeping on the back with hands on his belly, it is believed that it was his resting spot when in Sri Lanka.

After this blissful experience, we started our journey towards Nuwara Eliya.

Along the way, we stopped at Ramboda falls - a brilliant land-water scape to soothe the eyes.

PS: More about Ramboda Here ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramboda

We had a customary halt at a local tea factory famous for growing and brewing the classic Ceylon Tea. We were given a guided tour through the factory's tea making process, the various grades and then to the shop to buy various brands of tea (Dilmah, Damro to name a few).

From 3200 feet, the climb to Nuwara Eliya is about 6000+ ft. Our bus undulating through the mountain curves and tunnels (breathtakingly beautiful) reached the hill town in about 3 hours. 

The first striking view was that of the Nuwara Eliya Lake (called the Gregory Lake). Beautifully maintained and a natural habitat for birds and fish, the sight of the lake was one to behold.

We then reached one of our highlights of the tour - the Ashok Vatika Garden (where Ravana had kept Sita in Sri Lanka, how Hanuman came to meet her to give Lord Ram's ring and assurance that the Lord was on his way to set her free...) 

The temple there houses 5 swayambhu (natural creation) idols - Rama, Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and Jatayu all in black stone. The backdrop of the temple is an awesome mountain with long, dense tree cover indicating the might and security of the place at the time. A beautiful rivulet flows nearby and there lies the stone where Hanuman set his foot at the garden (Hanuman's foot imprint).

The surroundings had big mountain covers and the misty environment of the evening meant the place looked absolutely gorgeous. The slight chill in the air added to the atmosphere. 

After a lot of photography and long day, the tour party checked into a local hotel (it was really cold and dark just around 6:00 pm) for the night's stay. Our itinerary next day was to visit the Gayathri Peetha in Nuwara and then move toward Dambulla Caves...

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Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - The Candid "Kandy" Experience

After a phenomenal Pinnawala experience with the elephants and checking into the hill-top Topaz Hotel, it was time to ride through the idyllic town of Kandy on Day 2 of our trip. A good night's sleep was absolutely must owing to the hectic flight schedule and traveling on Day 1.

A quick breakfast and we were downstairs ready for the Kandy show...

Our first halt was at the famous Kandy Botanical Gardens.

The area developed over a many hectares of land is a brilliant collection of natural wonders and local species that delight one and all.

** Tickets priced at SLR. 500=00 for foreign tourists

There were two options - the 7 seater battery driven cab or good old strolling.

We obviously preferred the walk and marched into the fine garden.

From the national Rosewood tree of Sri Lanka to the local double-coconut tree, from one of the largest creeper trees in the world (unable to recall its name) to the various plants planted by world leaders, it had everything. Medicinal herbs, imported plantations, amazing flowers and everything you can expect from a top class botanical setup.

The place was impeccably maintained by the gardeners and working staff.

Most trees had their botanical names along with their Sinhalese translations. We had some difficulty mapping them with our Indian equivalents but it was fun using Translator Apps to attempt that...

After a 2-3 km walk (major part of the whole garden), we decided to move to the exit gates for our onward journey.

Some yummy coconut water and yummy ice cream awaited us (much needed after that walk) as we sat down in the greens and enjoyed it to the fullest.

We then moved towards downtown Kandy for the main attraction of the day - The Tooth Temple Of The Relic. Adjacent to the temple is the magnificent Kandy Lake making the monument even more beautiful and pictureque.

For Visitors: There is a baggage check and frisking before entering the temple.

There is a long garden approach (about 500 m) leading to the main temple area. Our local tour guide had some wonderful stories to tell about the statues in the garden and their significance in setting up the temple.

One of the fables included that of a 6 year old boy who offered to sacrifice his life for the sake of his family related to the tooth of relic. His statue stands there as testimony to his courage at that young age.   

We then entered through a gate from the right side of the temple. Immediately, there was a sense of calm energy all around. It was a two-storeyed building. The floor below had a chamber with elephant tusks used to decorate/adorn the doors. Looked magnificent.

The tour party then moved upstairs to the main sanctum zone where the tooth is kept inside the chamber securely. No one gets to see the actual tooth since its stored under a stupa (a dome shaped vessel) in a layer of chambers. We could see the chamber closed from all directions. There were priests and people praying around the chamber in an open hall. The energies were felt.

Will post my understanding of the legend of the tooth on another post shortly.

There is a 5 day festival in Kandy where the decorated chamber of the tooth is carried around on an elephant back during Aug-Sep every year. The king of the place escorts the Tooth during the procession throughout the city. There are dances, street shows and festivities all around during that mega event. Must be fun. Reminded me of the Mysore Dussehra festival back in India.

There were carvings and paintings from the life of Buddha to how his tooth was established at this place all over the temple. All in all, a divine experience for me.

Back on the bus, we headed to our next destination for food followed by a Sri Lankan cultural show by local artistes. The show included wonderful dances, warrior drums and beats, comedy acts and acrobatics. There was rousing applause to most acts from a hundred plus audience (from all across the globe). The pinnacle of the show was a fire act in an open ground (walking on coal, etc). Fun overall.

The women of the group then took an opportunity to explore the nearby marketplace. That sent the schedule for a toss as expected :) but we were signing off for the day anyway, so it was all good. A lot of purchases including wooden artifacts, gemstones, fabric were sold and everyone returned back to their rooms happy and contented by the day's experience..

The next day >> we were to check out of kandy and move to Nuwara Eliya, the hill stations of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Maldives Tour - The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

One of the key attractions of this tour has to be this unique experience of watching elephants being groomed and taken care of like children at this orphanage. When our bus stopped at the gates of the orphanage zoo it looked like any other zoo. 

The moment we stepped in the atmosphere changed. In the distance we saw a herd of 4 elephants in an open area jostling around. 

A closer look and we saw there was a group of mahouts surrounding them and feeding them fruits. It is a custom in Sri Lanka to feed elephants a fruit bowl (costs SLR 250.00). The bowl included bananas, apples, pineapples, grapes, etc. The tuskers were enjoying these delicasies but were bound by chains. 

A stroll around the area and there were sections where these elephants were trained to heavy work and the most interesting aspect was to see them feed on big tree branches and bamboos shafts. The way they were breaking those shafts into pieces for eating was fascinating to watch. They used their trunks to hold the wood shafts and using the powerful fore limbs kicked them hard. They would then put up the broken pieces in their mouth. Water was served for them too.

We then crossed over to the other side of the orphanage (the river side) and an even more thrilling experience awaited us. It was the bathing area of these elephants. We walked down to the river bed to see that glorious "bath" show. See pics

 

They were enjoying their bath in the river. There was also an artificial water spray being sprayed over them by their attendants. This is probably for tourist entertainment as everyone seemed to be enjoying the scene merrily. A lot of elephants posed for the camera and also stuck out their trunks towards the cameras. (Caution advised - not to get too close though).

After the show, we spent in some time at the local marketplace shopping for memoirs and lot of articles from elephant poo! The herd of elephants crossed us back to their training area. This was an awesome sight. 

We exchanged currency from a local shop in this market supposedly for the best conversion rates. It was fun moving around and first glimpse of Sri Lankan pearls.

Our entourage then moved toward our next destination Kandy whcih was a 3 hour drive. Along the way we had lunch at a nice looking hotel.

We checked in to Topaz Hotel at Kandy atop a large hill.
The big buses couldn;t get there, so we were picked up by mini-buses from a base camp point leading to the hotel (8 km drive uphill).

Checked in and yes... got the locks picked out at long last. Our bags were now open! It was a long day and lack of sleep had drained most of us. After having a quick dinner, everyone settled in their rooms and dozed off merrily.

The next day was visiting Kandy Town and its featured places.

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