Leaving Tengale, I was a bit disappointed I missed the elephant safari. However, it was so outrageously expensive, I didn’t want to feel taken advantage of. So I put the thought away and headed up to Ella.
Once in Ella, I learned that it was pretty simple to go on the safari from here. Unfortunately, I had already purchased a train ticket. Flexible guy I am, I went back to change it and was given what I was told was the last seat on the train in 3rd class.
My new friends and I set off the next morning early by bus. In 2 1/2 hours, we were in the village next to Udawalawe park staying at Eagle Safari Family Bungalows. What a great place and experience. Nickoli and Hope headed off on the afternoon safari and I went shopping for an adapter.
That night, the family offered a typical Sri Lankan meal for $500 LKR, $2.75 US. Awesome meal! My friends had a great experience on the safari and I was jazzed to have my experience the next morning. Morning is time when there are more birds active which I wanted.
Up early, we left at 5:10. However, there was a ticket machine problem so we had to sit and wait for until after 7:00 on the road. To their credit, once the machine was fixed, they only let a few jeeps through at one time. We didn’t feel all that crowded. And it was amazing.
One surprise experience, watching a deer jump into the lake to escape a group of Golden Dingo’s chasing it! If you look carefully, you can see the deer in the lake and dingo on the shore waiting!
Here are some photo’s from that experience!
I took the bus back to Ella, had some good food and packed to leave the next morning by train. During the night, I had the idea to change tickets. Even though they were sold out, I checked with the ticket office around 7:00 am. They had a 2nd class ticket available. After getting on the train two hours later, I wondered if they ONLY sell 2nd class tickets the day of the train? My car was mostly empty but, I was more comfortable than had I stayed with my 3rd class seat. I had to buy a new ticket that cost me $3.30! Good thing it was only a 7 hour train ride or it could have been expensive!
What a great trip! I strained my neck by looking from one side of the train to the other, back and forth, changing seats from one side to the other side. Amazing views! It is listed at one of the most scenic train rides in the world. I agree.
Below are a few images from that experience. In addition to the colors, tea plantations and villages, I was impressed by the soil they use for their vegetables.
Now, I am in Kandy. Today, I went to the botanical garden with my new friend Ysaline from Belgium. It was great! We spent the day there, down town, had a great lunch for about $4 for both of us. My laundry came back so I unpacked and repacked my pack for travel tomorrow.
Here are some great views from a morning in the botanical garden. Flying foxes, monkeys, orchids, crew hand digging a trench, view from where I’m staying and such. Great day!
In the morning, I’ll get on a but for the “Golden Triangle” area. Here is a link to information about that area.
https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/sri-lanka/cultural-triangle/
It wasn’t until this afternoon I was clear on where to go next. I’ve decided to go to Dambula to explore the paintings on the cave walls. From there I’ll head to Sigiriya and explore around that area.
One shift in my trip, I’ve slowed down and am taking my time visiting and exploring areas. Initially, I thought I’d head all the way North but that started me feeling like I needed to race through the country…but I’m not doing that.
So tomorrow morning, I have a two hour bus ride to the next village. Awesome!