January/February 2017
Sri Lanka
We had been told how beautiful and welcoming Sri Lanka is; it is no exaggeration.We were fortunate to spend two marvelous weeks exploring the Southern corner of this amazing Indian Ocean Island.
It is the variety of things to see and do, as well as the ease of travelling around, the friendly people and delicious food that makes Sri Lanka a special place.
It is obvious why this ancient land full of South Asian traditions and lightly brushed with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences is a mecca for the pleasure seeking, adventurous or simply curious tourist.
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| Dutch style Church |
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| British Ceylon style architecture |
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| Muslim influence. |
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| Chinese influence (built with Chinese aid). |
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| Colombo is not immune from the lure of high rise. (Interesting design!!)
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| Colombo to Galle via the coastal railway. Rebuilt after the 2004 Tsunami
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| Lucky to see two Leopards on our first safari. |
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| Our guide suggested these were juveniles. |
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| Friendly water buffalo |
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| Painted stork |
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| Not so sure how friendly these crocodiles are?? |
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| Juvenile waiting for photo opportunity with passing cars |
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| What a boar! |
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| Showing off. |
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| Not showing off |
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| Keeping an eye on the tourists |
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| We saw an amazing number of bats during the day. |
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| Eventually they decided to sleep. |
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| Elephant orphanage |
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| Bath time......... |
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| They did enjoy their "free time". |
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| Some a little "freer" than others. |
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| Ubiquitous spotted dear. |
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| Sri Lankan Hornbill |
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| Why did the elephant cross the road? |
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| Another railway journey near Ella. |
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| Only 3rd class for this section of our journey. |
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| At least we had a "window" seat! |
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| Famous nine arches bridge - Ella |
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| Some beautiful highland areas |
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| Top of the World (Note the tea plants in the foreground) |
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| A positive of the rain - waterfalls :-) |
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| Chance for a swim in Yalla National Park. (Keeping an eye for the crocodiles). |
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| Celebrating not being eaten by a croc. |
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| First test match - Australian Tourist vs Sri Lankan Safari Guides; Kataragama (The Australian lost :-( ) |
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| More remnants of the European influence. |
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| King George would be proud . |
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| The main road into Ella. |
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| Sigiriya - Fortress in the Sky (Amazing 1600 year old settlement on the top of this rock, including elaborate water storage, moats, ramparts and temples.) |
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| A long way down if you forgot to lock the door! |
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| Giant Lions Feet |
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| Time to cut the toe nails. |
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| The only permanent inhabitants on the rock now. |
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| View from the King's bedroom window. |
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| Water supply. |
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| Remnants of the elaborate structures that were built on top of the rock. |
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| Golden Buddha |
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| Venerated frescoes and statues in a cave between Kandy and Sigiriya. |
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| A very spiritual island There are frequent examples of the many accepted religions |
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| Hindu Temple |
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| Orchids on display in the popular botanical gardens - Kandy |
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| The gardens were spacious a map was useful. |
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| One of the many sacred rivers - usefull water supply. |
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| One of the many cups of tea and curries we enjoyed. |
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| Colouful local market near Badulla |
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| Would not be "Ceylon" without the tea pickers. |
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| Sunset in Negombo |
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| Fresh coconut for our breakfast |
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| My lovely lifeguard :-) |
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| Witnessing this tranquil beach scene it was difficult to imagine the devastation of the 2004 Boxing day tsunami. Hopefully the inundation of tourists will be constructive. |
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| Au Revoir Sri Lanka. So much more still to experience; we will return. |
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| Even a farewell band at the airport. |
