Friday, January 11, 2019

Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Sightseeing Spots


Another morning began with our customary hotel buffet breakfast (NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA) before setting off early along winding roads, surrounded by unfolding hilltop vistas and nature on all sides. Our journey took an unexpected pause when we spotted a waterfall, prompting us to request our driver to pull over, much to his initial reluctance due to parking constraints. Undeterred, we insisted and made our way to Rawana Ella Falls, discovering that we had ventured into the Ella district

While most of our group seemed disinterested, myself and a fellow traveler eagerly approached the fence overlooking Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Explore Rawana Ella Falls, Ella Nature, Wadasiti Kataragama Temple, Wadasiti Mountain, and Vedasitikanda Temple.. Standing there, I was captivated by the sight and sound of the 82-foot cascade, known as one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls. Nestled within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, about six kilometers from the Ella Railway Station. The experience offered breathtaking views of the falls and the pristine surroundings of Ella (KANDY SRI LANKA).

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Nuwara Eliya Travel: Sri Lanka

Vibrant flowers at Royal Botanic Gardens
Up at 6 AM, I packed up (RAMBUKKANA & KANDY: SRI LANKA), ensuring nothing was left behind, especially my phone. After breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road by 9 AM (NEGAMBO FISHING VILLAGE). Our driver made an unexpected stop at a two-story retail outlet, giving us an hour for some retail therapy. While I wasn't keen on shopping, others in our group bought sarees, t-shirts, and silver pots. Watching a group of Chinese tourists excitedly trying on sarees was entertaining.
Shopping for sarees in Sri Lanka

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Kandy (Rambukkana/Mawanella/Kandy) - Sri Lanka

Outside Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Rambukkana.
Negombo to Kandy was our route for the day. Two stops were already planned, with the main highlight being the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Rambukkana)- a must-see for most travelers on this route. When we arrived around 11:30am, the place was bustling, even during the off-peak season, with a majority of Western tourists. The orphanage, set in a vast open area, greeted us with flying dust and the blazing Sri Lankan sun. We walked alongside hundreds of visitors, passing by stalls and petty traders, making our way to the riverbank where elephants were bathing and having fun.

The sight was incredible. Harmless, friendly, huge, and small elephants were everywhere. You could take pictures with them, as close as you dared, for a fee. Alternatively, you could just enjoy watching from a distance, though you had to be careful on the slippery surface and avoid getting pushed by the crowd. After about half an hour at the riverbank, we made our way back to the main road, just in time to see the elephant parade. The elephants obediently crossed the road right in front of us, though I couldn’t tell where they were heading.  Orphanage, most probably to the elephant orphanage.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Negombo, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

St. Mary’s Church exterior, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Ready for my adventure to Sri Lanka, I breezed through immigration only to be stopped by a customs officer. He seemed suspicious, maybe because I was traveling alone. After thoroughly checking my luggage, he asked how much money I had. When I said RM700.00, he acted like it was a fortune, grilling me endlessly. 

Despite explaining it was for spending, he wouldn't relent. Finally, with no real reason to hold me, he let me go. I joined a group of five Malaysian Chinese, part of my tour, and thankfully, one of them approached me before we got into the van.

Our first stop was lunch at St. Lachan Hotel, set in a beautiful garden. We were greeted with 'ayubowan,' a Sinhalese greeting similar to Namaste. As we nibbled on crispy snacks and got acquainted, we waited for our food. The 20-minute wait was worth it as we enjoyed an amazing meal, especially the fish curry with veggies and rice.

Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style

Fish head curry lovers, rejoice! Here’s an easy Malaysian-style fish head curry recipe. Why easy, you ask? Because there’s no grinding or po...