The beautiful rolling hillsides of Sri Lanka, slightly cooler than the coast, a crispness in the air. How can one not want to be out here in nature?
Day 3
After quite a long drive with a few stops along the way, we made it to Ella after dark. The following morning we woke up to a breathtaking view from our hotel The Tenth, making the long drive worth it. Ella is beautiful! Our fairly new hotel, (with only the first two levels finished at the time we visited), was a perfect choice with good service and amazing views, this was ultimately what we wanted.
Ella rock
We woke up early morning to climb Ella rock before the midday sun would get too hot. Our driver dropped us at a spot near the railway track, and gave some instruction on where to go by saying “walk until you passed a bridge” and “you will see where everyone goes”. As directed we followed the path, a peaceful walk along the tracks, while all around people were starting their daily routines, or on their way to work and school. As we got a bit higher and on a bridge; this must be “the bridge”; we noticed a train making its way up very slowly. We and a few other explorers found a place to sit to view this beautiful machine climbing slowly up the mountain.
We followed down the path were we saw others already making their way back from Ella rock. Here we started on a route that was a bit tougher and I realised my shoes were letting me down, no grip, very slippery. We did get pretty far but decided to stop and found a relaxing spot to sit with a waterfall and view of Ella down below. I was slightly disappointed in myself for not bringing proper walking shoes.
Nine Arch Bridge
Before lunch, we still had time for tea before heading off to The nine arch bridge. Hiking again we negotiated our way down a very steep slope to get to the bridge. From a safe distance away we sat and watched the 1 pm train come pass. This one was much faster than the one climbing up the mountain earlier. Before making our way back to the top, we had to make a stop at a cafe and to enjoy the panoramic view of the bridge while sipping on Wood apple juice. Never heard of it before. It was very different but I quite enjoyed it.
One thing I noticed is the number of waterfalls, especially being in an area with all these stunning mountains. By far the best stop of the day for me was the beautiful Rawana waterfall. One of Sri Lanka numerous waterfalls. Just look at it…
Final exploration of the day was in and around the very small town of Ella itself. Not too much to see but definitely found some good food and lassi.
Day 4
Okay, our ‘crazy’ travelling day of which we spent most of our time in a car.
Oh, why oh why did we ask to do it like this (we were advised that it will be rushed and a lot of time would be spent travelling, so our own fault for not taking advise). Looking back we would have prefered to have spent the day in Nuwara Eliya than to try to rush through to Kandy.
We got up so, so early, 4.30am! That is way to early for me.
We set off to Nuwara Eliya, on the way there we passed by many stalls selling fresh veggies. These veggies are from stall keepers fields we where told. We asked our driver to stop at one and we got some fresh snacks for the road. Delicious!
The road to Nuwara Elliya is beautiful, but at one point there were so many sharp U-turns I started feeling queasy, and I don’t get car sick, so be prepared.
Nuwara Elliya is known to be the highest point in Sri Lanka as well as the post office, so of cause, we had to send a postcard. I love sending postcards. Where ever I travel I will try to send a postcard from that destination to my mother and sister.
Driving through the tea plantations, I wished we had more time. Would have loved to have stopped a few more times. We visited one plantation briefly and got an idea of the tea process and to enjoyed a quick cup.
From there another few hours of driving took us to Kandy. We only had about an hour to spend in Kandy before heading to the airport. In my opinion, we should have skipped the trip to Kandy and spend more time at Nuwara Elliya and the tea plantations. We ended up spending most of the afternoon on the road instead of exploring.
*Lesson learned: Well, in my opinion, we needed more time in Sri Lanka than just a long weekend for everything we wanted to explore. Our next trip will be planned better, (maybe listen to advise too) spend more time in one area and take note that travelling from one area to another might take some time. There is so much to see, all so different, that you need enough time at each. Plus we will add a train trip for the experience and breathtaking sights while it all slowly passes by.
Travel plan:
- Accommodation: The Tenth Hotel in Ella
- Accommodation style: Budget
- Price range: $
- Mode of transport: Hired car with driver
- Interesting finds/souvenirs: Tea (flavour tea like chocolate)
- Tip for next time: Good walking shoes and better planning
*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own
