Sunday 10th November 2019

I have been able to use many superlatives for my time in Sri Lanka, but I’m not sure I can find any to use today that will really do the day justice. Today's Blog is a bit longer than usual, but I hope you will feel it is worth it!

I only had a limited time to see Ella, and I wanted to see as much as I could in one day, so I went for a tuk-tuk tour and it was the most wonderful decision, as I had the best day ever! My tuk-tuk driver (and guide) for the day was Vijay and he was the best I could have asked for! He advised me to start the tour at Halpewatte Tea Factory. The views on the way to the Tea Factory (and at it) were just stunning! Rajha conducted the tour of the Tea Factory and it was fascinating. I learned so much about the production of tea during the initial talk he gave, which then all made sense as he took us round the factory.

Another stop was at the Nine Arches Bridge, which is a great piece of construction in a stunning location. Although I took lots of photographs, they didn’t seem to do it justice, as you need to have a panoramic view of it to really appreciate it. 

Our final visit was to the huge waterfall and Vijay took me on a route that I wouldn’t have found on my own, and, even if I had found it, I wouldn’t have dared walk out to where he took me on the waterfall. I got some amazing views and some pretty good photographs, but at one point I was very scared and felt I was going to slip down the waterfall. I really had visions of me being sent back to the UK in a box, but somehow, I survived! I am pretty sure I wouldn’t do what I did today a second time!

I will certainly return here next year and try to stay for a while longer, as it has been one of the highlights of my time in Sri Lanka so far.

Lots of photos today, with more from the Tea Factory to be shared tomorrow, as this was such an amazing special day for me!

 N.B. If you are reading this Peter Hopwood, you must visit this place when you come to Sri Lanka next year!












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