Blogs from Hatton , Central Province, Sri Lanka, Asia

Today was a huge 14 hr day, somewhat unplanned. We started in high spirits in anticipation of the iconic slow train journey to Hatton in the highlands. Rising early we departed Kandy railway station not in a wooden carriage but in a rocking & rolling old diesel. Initial views were typical city businesses leading to smaller villages between dense vegetation & introduced pine & gum trees. Halfway through the trip, at a small village, the train made an emergency stop & we were soon to learn that 2 of 4 teenagers had been on the line & were caught unawares & were tragically struck & killed. We were preparing to abandon our plans for the day expecting a lengthy investigation but after 45 minutes the train started again but with passengers in a more sombre mood. ... read more

Up, davended, last breakfast at Weir House and into the van ready to go to the train station where we were to catch the train to Hatton. We were booked into 3rd-class reserved seats. We drove to Paradeniya Junction to get onto the train which actually went to Kandy and then back via Paradeniya to Hatton. The train came and I literally fell into the train at the feet of the officious ticket collector. Rather than help this poor old lady he yelled "reserved only" and disappeared. Don helped me up and ushered me into our seats. I was not hurt physically, just my pride. Hating the use of public holes in the ground I had not had much coffee for breakfast, so I was not in the best of moods - caffeine withdrawal. The loos ... read more

Lonely Planet： “Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, killer surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea, flavourful food - need I go on? ” My answer is YESSSSS!This's my first time to sri lanka. Sri Lanka also called Ceylon, is no exaggeration to say that she is a pearl in the Indian Ocean. She next to India, so many customs and eating habits are very similar with India; while also close to the Maldives, a lot of backpackers, will stay in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka abounds sapphire, she has the world's largest sapphire. They also abounds Topaz, hardness is weak, but very cheap, very beautiful, like crystal. Sri Lanka has two of the most beautiful train line, which is a section of the coast, is said to be "Spirited Away" sea train prototype;Another ... read more

24th Feb – You might be wondering why we got up at 2am!? It was because we were going to climb Adam’s Peak. It was so busy because everybody wanted to see the sunrise. Also they think Buddha came down to earth from there, You aren’t a Buddhist if you haven’t climbed the mountain. We got halfway up and it took 5-hours so we decided to go back. There was a problem because people were coming up. It took about 2-hours to get back. It was so slow and you felt so squished. People were pushing you and standing on your feet. Five facts about Adam’s Peak; 1. There are 5200 steps to the top 2. It is a 7km climb up all the way 3. There are shops all the way up 4. People think ... read more

Craving for real camping by a waterfall - Try Aberdeen 3 of us got our back pack ready with extra 3 crew tent and got in to Colombo - Hatton public bus. Just 150 rupees per person we got down from the Ginigathhena town. We loitered around the town to grab some amenities including kerosoin oil and some wood available at the local market. With all things ready we got in to a Tuk Tuk and asked him to drop us at the path entrance to Aberdeen village. Guy drop us for just 350 rupees. We start climbing down the staircase that lead to the village and took a left turn to the jungle path. Some common dogs guided us the way but not the leaches. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leech) however through the jungle path we crossed a small ... read more