24 Days in Sri Lanka

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March 10th 2016

Published: March 10th 2016

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60 degrees north

Kandy

Leaving from Fort Colombo, 2nd class, window 4 for tickets.

Kandy : Ozo Hotel £67 p/n. (£20 for 2 evening meal) Breakfast inc

?Taking the train to Kandy was a good move. We took 2nd class as first was full due to it being Poya (full moon) days. After waiting on the platform we spotted other foreigners so sat with them. Suddenly a deaf man signed to follow him, we had to run up the platform, cut through a standing train and jump onto our train securing a window seat. Other folk we met also had this experience so it may be a thing that he does to earn a few rupees, and well deserved too. The open window provided great views and a fine cool breeze.

?The Ozo was quiet swanky after our Colombo apartment, our room was comfortable and the bed comfy. The clean hot shower was welcome. We booked the cheapest room as the rooftop had a small pool and comfy seating so that was ample for a view and to relax outside. The happy hour cocktails are tasty and strong.

?Hubby ate from the buffet which he loved, I preferred the separate menu and had pasta, spring rolls and chicken burger during our stay,

Kandy

Snoozing at Colombo Fort Station

portions are big.

?The Ozo location is indeed a welcome rest from the busy Kandy streets and constant touting. ?The tuktuk guys in Kandy are quick to get your cash, stay firm and lower the prices, it is way dearer than Colombo. We felt like a walking ATM

?Try a bake house for tea and a bun. We strolled round the lake, went into the Tooth Temple grounds for free and spent a good while with the locals on Poya day. Everyone was friendly, we just smile and wave.

?We got ripped off by a monk in the local Buddhist temple, we were ushered into a room, commanded to sit, he waved a fan about, chanted a while then tied some prayer string onto us. He showed us a book with names and 2000rs donations written in it, he. then presented the fan saying 2000rs... Each! That was really annoying and pissed us off at the time.

?The botanical gardens are lovely, very very hot so go early and get in the shade. We also went to the Forrest walk at Udawattakele which was very beautiful, quiet, cool and jungley.

? Late afternoon we climbed

Kandy

This deaf chap makes a living by helping foreigners onto the right train.

up to the big Buddah on the hill, not very exciting but the view was good.

Tips : Eat at the hotel as it is clean, bargain your prices as they are too high and don't agree to pay anything to monks as they are not allowed to ask. Donate at your leisure.In three days it's impossible to do everything.

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