Author: Cindy

Friday, March 30, 2018 Early morning start on our hike up to Taktsang Monastery aka Tiger’s Nest. High altitude made hiking challenging as did the steep, rocky trail. Amazing views made it all worthwhile. Monastery itself is iconic, perched on

Thursday, March 29, 2018 Skipped lunch to go straight to the Paro Tshechu (a Buddist religious festival) as it was supposed to end at 3pm. Festival was not what we were expecting. Lots of colourful costumes and all the spectators

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 Great free walking tour of Kathmandu with Shiva from Himkala Adventure. Started at the Garden of Dreams then wandered through Thamel visiting several temples and shrines around Thahity. After visiting Katheswoyambhu and Bangemudha, we headed for

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Flew to Delhi on Monday afternoon no problem but when we arrived at the transit desk, found out our flight to Kathmandu was cancelled. After much waiting and negotiating, managed to get on a late night

Sunday, March 25, 2018 Lazy day on the beach swimming, reading and watching the turtles. In to Unawatuna for a fabulous dinner at Bedspace Kitchen restaurant. Headed for the airport in the morning. Transiting through Delhi, India to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Saturday, March 24, 2018 Took a tuk tuk to visit the colonial city of Galle about 6 km north of our hotel on Wijaya beach. The Fort was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Later it was occupied

Friday, March 23, 2018 A long day’s drive from Ella to Unawatuna on the southwest coast. After a very tasty breakfast, stopped at Ravana Falls just south of Ella then continued on through Ella Gap to Wellawaya. Seven amazing stone

Thursday, March 22, 2018 Spent a lazy morning lounging around our hotel. After a late lunch hiked to the Nine Arches Bridge, built by the British in 1921, just outside town.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Fate conspired against us. We were trying to take the train all the way from Kandy to Ella but it broke down near Colombo. Fortunately we had another option. Our driver drove us part of the

Monday, March 19, 2018 In the evening, checked out Kandy Lake then visted Kandy’s most famous and revered site. The temple houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – the tooth of Buddha. Wandered through various Halls and Museums including

Monday, March 19, 2018 Early morning start on our drive on the A9 to Kandy. First stop south of Dambulla at the Nalanda Gedige, a south Indian style temple built from 8th to 11th century. Then a tour of a

Sunday, March 18, 2018 Early morning climb up the famous Lion Rock in Sigiriya. Started the climb at 7am to avoid the heat and the enormous crowds. Sooo many stairs ….quite exhausting but well worth the effort. Beautiful frescoes halfway

Sunday, March 18, 2018 Afternoon excursion to the 2000 year old Buddhist statues and murals in the cave complex of Dambulla. Quite stunning but incredibly hot and humid inside each of the 5 caves.

Saturday, March 17, 2018 Daytrip to Polonnaruwa to visit the ancient capital (11th to 13th century ). Famous for its elaborate carvings, sculpture and temples.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Tasty breakfast, a rainy walk thru crazy traffic and sidewalks, a closed museum necessitating a long tea break and wait, then a lengthy but fun train ride northeast to Anuradhapura.

Friday, March 16, 2018 Fabulous place to stay in Habanara. Great food, awesome decor, friendly helpful owners and a marvelous spa with Ayurvedic massages. Note tree growing in our bathroom!

Friday, March 16, 2018 Very enjoyable elephant safari in Kaudulla National Park northeast of Habanara. Saw hundreds of elephants and a few monkeys and sea eagles as well.

Thursday, March 15, 2018 Slept in a treehouse just outside Habanara and waited for elephants to come visit. No such luck but did see one on our night safari and oodles more on our day safari the next day.