I bet there can't be a better time to visit Lanka when India is pitted against this cricket crazy country in the finals of T20 World cricket with it culminating in a victory and revenge for the Sri Lankans.
Most of the conversations started with "You from INDIA? ", we go YES, then a big smile engulfs their face, stretching from one ear to the other. One of the conversations with Veena and Nitasha went.. "Yesterday you saw match we beat you..We small country, you big country, very big country, like China and Russia, still we beat you....! " .
Another accused the ladies thus "You two Kohli sisters !!" this was after the ladies started haggling over the price of an item they were about to purchase. This was from a vendor who disliked Kohli, he goes "One day Kohli with Anushka another day with another lady.. Kohli just counting fingers when Dhoni go away so he become captain"
Cricket is every where in this country, from the tuk tuk wala to the chef and the street vendors this formed the Ice breaker. It helped us in being different from the rest of the tourist crowd and to some degree gave us a discount on the otherwise hefty tourist prices. Bollywood also had a big following, although hind was never understood the movies played with Sinhala sub titles and the news paper regularly covered all the scoops. That formed another conversation piece.
Sri Lanka I must say is a truly lovely country, from the green and scenic country side of Nuwara Eliya to the beaches of Gale, we were taken back by the hospitality, humor and the friendly nature of the people. One felt welcome right from the Immigration and through all of our interactions with the common people. It is a lot less crowded compared to India and the tourist are not hounded by Tuk Tuk walas and vendors. They were free to move about un-hindered and that made for a great vacation. During the 5 day trip we used all means of transport Including the local city bus, all in all it was an experience to cherish. We could certainly learn a thing or two from the Lankans on how to treat our guests.
Day 1: Bangalore - Colombo
A direct flight on Srilankan Air put us in Colombo in an hour and half at 5 AM. Spent some time at the airport getting the local currency and resting before heading to our hotel. A sleepless night made for a tired day, we just looked around the city and had food in some of the malls. Rice and Curry seemed to be favorite and we soon realized that it is a safe dish to go with when confronted with a choice.
Day 2: By Rajadhani to Nanuoya
We took the train from Colombo Fort to Nanuoya, the station closest to Nuwara Elia. We departed Colombo fort at 9:45 AM and reached around 4:30 PM. The train and the station along the way was a literally fit to the description from Malgudi days. Winding through mountains, waterfalls, clouds and tea plantations along the way, it is easily one of the most beautiful train rides that I have been on. With wifi availability we caught up on the news, social media, work, sleep, chit chat, the scenic country side, food and a movie along the way. The ride was totally worthwhile with a laid back and relaxing disposition. A big thanks to Vivek's insistence that we take the train, this certainly turned out to be a memorable one.
All the pictures below are taken from the train.
Day 3: The Hill Club - Nuwara Eliya
Day 3 started with a hearty breakfast at the hill, followed by a boat ride in the lake nearby and a visit to Victoria park which is a botanical garden. We were out side just enjoying the views when the manager brought out their dog for some exercise. The kids sure did give it quite a run and it stopped running, what was funny was the dog was tired but the kids were not and were luring it to do chase them. Some pictures speak for themselves.
Day 4: Off to Galle
Not being too well prepared for this leg, we found that the train was full and that left us with the only option of a road trip. After a couple of stops along the way at the Sita temple and the Ravana falls we made it to Galle my about 3 PM. The drive was quite beautiful as well but was no fun for Vivek as his road sickness kicked in on the mountainous stretch. We stayed at the Unawatuna Beach Resort. The first comment that came from the kids were that we always save the best for the last. Their excitement saw no boundaries at the sight of the pool and the beach front.
Day 5: Galle
When you hear of a Turtle farm what comes to your mind? We were disappointed about our visit to this farm and felt like a tourist rip off. Basically the entrance to the place was SLR 500 or about INR 275 per person and it was a small plot of land about 60 ft by 60 ft (about 3600 sq ft) with about 5 tanks containing turtles. We became skeptical of the tourist attractions that we were being taken to and decided to skip them. We found a nice beach in the vicinity of the hotel ans spent the evening there.
Day 6: Galle Fort
By now we had figured out the place, we took a bus to Galle fort at a fraction of the cost the Tuk Tuk wallas would charge us. We spent a good part of the morning walking around the fort and watching the waves splash against its side. There were many scenic outlooks, the kids spotted some crabs and a monster lizard far out in the corals below.
From the fort we walked around the little Dutch town talked more cricket with a guide at an ancient church that was more of a burial ground from around the 1870's time frame.
We then had lunch at the Galle cricket stadium and watched a local match. Myself and the kids headed back to the resort while Vivek, Veena and Nitasha walked around the market and shopped. They had some good stories to share from the experience. All I remember is they returned with a lungi.
Day 7 : Train to Colombo and back
So here we are, last day of our trip. We had booked tickets on the Rajadhani from Galle to Colombo fort. This was the train that ran along the ocean side and was engulfed by the tsunami. There were pockets where the shore line was visible unhindered and we also had a few good views of the sunset. The views of the ocean were intermittently obstructed with dwellings and resorts.
Another event goes by as the years roll.. :)
Most of the conversations started with "You from INDIA? ", we go YES, then a big smile engulfs their face, stretching from one ear to the other. One of the conversations with Veena and Nitasha went.. "Yesterday you saw match we beat you..We small country, you big country, very big country, like China and Russia, still we beat you....! " .
Another accused the ladies thus "You two Kohli sisters !!" this was after the ladies started haggling over the price of an item they were about to purchase. This was from a vendor who disliked Kohli, he goes "One day Kohli with Anushka another day with another lady.. Kohli just counting fingers when Dhoni go away so he become captain"
Cricket is every where in this country, from the tuk tuk wala to the chef and the street vendors this formed the Ice breaker. It helped us in being different from the rest of the tourist crowd and to some degree gave us a discount on the otherwise hefty tourist prices. Bollywood also had a big following, although hind was never understood the movies played with Sinhala sub titles and the news paper regularly covered all the scoops. That formed another conversation piece.
Sri Lanka I must say is a truly lovely country, from the green and scenic country side of Nuwara Eliya to the beaches of Gale, we were taken back by the hospitality, humor and the friendly nature of the people. One felt welcome right from the Immigration and through all of our interactions with the common people. It is a lot less crowded compared to India and the tourist are not hounded by Tuk Tuk walas and vendors. They were free to move about un-hindered and that made for a great vacation. During the 5 day trip we used all means of transport Including the local city bus, all in all it was an experience to cherish. We could certainly learn a thing or two from the Lankans on how to treat our guests.
Day 1: Bangalore - Colombo
A direct flight on Srilankan Air put us in Colombo in an hour and half at 5 AM. Spent some time at the airport getting the local currency and resting before heading to our hotel. A sleepless night made for a tired day, we just looked around the city and had food in some of the malls. Rice and Curry seemed to be favorite and we soon realized that it is a safe dish to go with when confronted with a choice.
Day 2: By Rajadhani to Nanuoya
We took the train from Colombo Fort to Nanuoya, the station closest to Nuwara Elia. We departed Colombo fort at 9:45 AM and reached around 4:30 PM. The train and the station along the way was a literally fit to the description from Malgudi days. Winding through mountains, waterfalls, clouds and tea plantations along the way, it is easily one of the most beautiful train rides that I have been on. With wifi availability we caught up on the news, social media, work, sleep, chit chat, the scenic country side, food and a movie along the way. The ride was totally worthwhile with a laid back and relaxing disposition. A big thanks to Vivek's insistence that we take the train, this certainly turned out to be a memorable one.
All the pictures below are taken from the train.
Day 3: The Hill Club - Nuwara Eliya
Day 3 started with a hearty breakfast at the hill, followed by a boat ride in the lake nearby and a visit to Victoria park which is a botanical garden. We were out side just enjoying the views when the manager brought out their dog for some exercise. The kids sure did give it quite a run and it stopped running, what was funny was the dog was tired but the kids were not and were luring it to do chase them. Some pictures speak for themselves.
Day 4: Off to Galle
Not being too well prepared for this leg, we found that the train was full and that left us with the only option of a road trip. After a couple of stops along the way at the Sita temple and the Ravana falls we made it to Galle my about 3 PM. The drive was quite beautiful as well but was no fun for Vivek as his road sickness kicked in on the mountainous stretch. We stayed at the Unawatuna Beach Resort. The first comment that came from the kids were that we always save the best for the last. Their excitement saw no boundaries at the sight of the pool and the beach front.
Day 5: Galle
When you hear of a Turtle farm what comes to your mind? We were disappointed about our visit to this farm and felt like a tourist rip off. Basically the entrance to the place was SLR 500 or about INR 275 per person and it was a small plot of land about 60 ft by 60 ft (about 3600 sq ft) with about 5 tanks containing turtles. We became skeptical of the tourist attractions that we were being taken to and decided to skip them. We found a nice beach in the vicinity of the hotel ans spent the evening there.
 | ||
| Veena after Nishanth discharged the fire extinguisher on our floor |
Day 6: Galle Fort
By now we had figured out the place, we took a bus to Galle fort at a fraction of the cost the Tuk Tuk wallas would charge us. We spent a good part of the morning walking around the fort and watching the waves splash against its side. There were many scenic outlooks, the kids spotted some crabs and a monster lizard far out in the corals below.
From the fort we walked around the little Dutch town talked more cricket with a guide at an ancient church that was more of a burial ground from around the 1870's time frame.
We then had lunch at the Galle cricket stadium and watched a local match. Myself and the kids headed back to the resort while Vivek, Veena and Nitasha walked around the market and shopped. They had some good stories to share from the experience. All I remember is they returned with a lungi.
Day 7 : Train to Colombo and back
So here we are, last day of our trip. We had booked tickets on the Rajadhani from Galle to Colombo fort. This was the train that ran along the ocean side and was engulfed by the tsunami. There were pockets where the shore line was visible unhindered and we also had a few good views of the sunset. The views of the ocean were intermittently obstructed with dwellings and resorts.
Another event goes by as the years roll.. :)
This is so good Manojetta..beautiful pictures with excellent narration. .I really liked the "Kohli sisters " part :). Enjoyed seeing all the lovely faces. ..thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBisi