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Published: June 26th 2017
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Geo: 7.39317, 80.7239
CATCH UP: We are now based for 3 nights is a tented eco lodge set high and remote in The Knuckle Ranges amongst a tea planation some 30km from the Colonial Hill Station of Kandy.
By tented, I mean the fabric of the room is in "theory" canvass but in practice, it is a luxury villa with full facilities and open balcony. An adventurous 2 minutes walk from The Central Lodge finds a superb "white hatted" chef, team of friendly flunkies offering silver service and a colonial "Raj" atmosphere.
CLIENTELE UPDATE: Average age 26 - French/Euro. Female: Blond and poker faced. Male: Bearded, new man, submissive and sandal wearing. They are however Euro chic well healed and savvy. We are sadly the old fogies by comparison. However, these are not the partying type but are content with looking longingly into their iPads researching their next eco getaway from their Paris apartments before settling down. To be frank, I expected the place to be stuffed with retired Geography teachers from East Grinstead.
During the odd break in the mists and clouds, you catch sight of jungle clad peaks some 20 or 20 miles away. The light soon dwindles and we are enveloped by
a rich cacophony of night sounds ........frogs, toads and other nocturnal animals "burp and chirrup" away as we sip on our ever dwindling supply of Bombay Sapphire and Red Label Whisky.
This is not real camping but is designed for soft shoed Westerners. Who cares!
Another dream filled night awaits us and this time, the exotic spices have really taken hold. Cathy is as you are well aware the personal shopping assistant to Victoria Beckham........!!
0600HRS: Up and "tent flaps" back. Still raining but you can make out distant peaks and a far lake way off on the horizon. It could clear up!
We are treated to a breakfast of eggs and fresh fruit all washed down by slightly anaemic coffee.
By the time our little red Tuktuk has deposited us at the village some 4km below, the rain has cleared. Our guide and driver Lala is looking somewhat "crumpled" after having spent the night at the local drivers "rest house" some 10 minutes down the road. I spot the establishment and say nothing..............
After about 45 minutes we enter the outskirts of Kandy, a faded Colonial style city with a rich heritage and pleasant relaxed atmosphere. We head for the Botanical Gardens set
up in the 1850's by some British botanist. I stifle a yawn but it is actually very good. Over 40 species of Bazooka Tree and the worlds largest collection of tropical grasses.........
HIGHLIGHT: "The Temple of the The Tooth"
To be frank, I have been privileged to have had the opportunity of visiting a few world sights..... The Taj Mahal, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House and Ewell Station to name but a few......I have heard much about this place and the build up has been big.......
A little background.....
As legend goes, Mr "B" who was based in Northern India at the time, had sussed out the meaning of life and the Universe. Sadly, he keels over and his best mates (realising the future tourist potential) nab a tooth and send it to Sri Lanka (where else) where it is locked away in 7 caskets only to make an appearance once every 4 years so as to summon the Monsoon (which has clearly been successful). Sadly today, the tooth was hidden away behind a "mahhosive" shrine.......all good stuff and we are dutifully impressed..........
We head back as the rains start once again.......
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