Sad to say goodbye to
Nuwara Eliya – we really liked our stopover there but no time to put down roots on this journey and
we’ve booked a large air conditioned cab for our onward journey to Kandy, which
is about 100 km away via a downhill run on good roads.
The views were spectacular along the whole route as we drop
down to sea level. Mostly tea
plantations and factories processing the crop but, as we descended further,
market gardens start to appear, fresh fruit and vegetable stalls are dotted
along the roadside and we pass through picturesque villages…
The road was winding and acutely angled with sharp hairpin
bends.
Potted plants ready to go
Kandy is the second largest
city in Sri Lanka has several modern and well-managed hotels in the hills
outside of town, of which probably the best is the Cinnamon Citadel, which
overlooks the River Mahawali - the longest river in Sri lanka.
The gardens were in full bloom and offered access to a
walkway along the water’s edge
Giant stands of bamboo were everywhere
Time for a Siesta!!
River cruise by motorboat - the hotel would organize picnics and days out on the river if guests wanted.
Candle lit dinners on the terrace overlooking the river
City Centre
In Kandy’s City Centre and immediately opposite the famous ‘Temple of the Tooth’, the most revered Bhuddist location in the world, stands the Queen’s Hotel.
Over 180 years
old and still looking good. The massive
reception area, lit by ancient chandeliers leads to long corridors and large
open rooms that remain largely unaltered since colonial days with relics of
life from that era.
One cabinet contains
pre-war menus showing typically English dishes such as Chicken Mulligatawny, Pressed Ox Tongue,
Steak & Kidney pie and for dinner on 13th September 1936
they enjoyed Roast Pheasant, Manchester Pudding and Cheese on Toast !!
More to follow.............................
More to follow.............................
