JAN 19 KATARAGAMA TO ELLA

LAKE BIKE
Gem River has bikes we can use so Mani, Don and Rob rise early and take the bikes on a 2 hour trip to a nearby lake that supplies irrigation to the neighbouring rice fields. We have a little map but the scale is questionable and we need to rely on locals to help find our way. This is as far removed from the tourist circuit as you could find, A delightful bike along a dirt path with peacocks doing their mating dance and lovely views of local fishermen. We return for breakfast, and after have a wonderful tour of the kitchen. Everything is cooked on earthenware pots in traditional Sri Lankan fashion. We have a morning swim in the river, look through bird books to try and identify what we've seen, and pack up to continue our adventures.

A LITTLE LAKE NEAR KATARAGAMA

PEACOCK FAN

A ZEN EXPERIENCE

OUR COOK WITH CARLA OUR PORTUGESE HOST

THE TRADITIONAL SRI LANKAN KITCHEN

A NIFTY COCONUT GRATER

HILL CLIMB TO ELLA
There are two direct buses to Ella a small town in the hills. We get dropped off at the bus stop, buy some goodies from the local street vendors and climb on board for our 3 hour ride to Ella. The bus driver is delighted to have us, shakes our hands and places our luggage on top of the bus motor housing. B The bus has seen better days as it rattles and bounces along the road with a noticeable shuddering. At least it is not crowded in fact we are the first on. The last third of the journey it chugs up the steep hills as we ascend 1000 plus meters to the small hill town of Ella. We catch tuc tucs to our new home stay. We are greeted with a warm smile and tea, and look out over an amazing view. Our one other house guest is Russian. A short afternoon explore to the end of the road (trail) and we are served the most amazing Sri Lankan dinner of 6 dishes of curry and rice. A few days here to veg out and relax.
OUR EXPRESS SERVICE

CHAMODYA HOME STAY - OUR NEW DIGS