My driver from Sigiriya drove me to Kandy, stopping along the way to shop—of course. I got a cute batik beach cover-up and scarf. Part of traveling is supporting the local economy, right? Now, little did I know there was a religious celebration that lasted for a week, and the queue/line was 3 days long. People were sleeping on the street for at least 3 days waiting to get into the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Needless to say, I did not see this temple, nor get anywhere near it. Traffic was still bad, and we did everything we could to avoid it. Good thing I had a knowledgeable driver who knew the back streets. So I was off to see what Kandy was all about.
Very busy with everyday life. Not too exciting. Did a day tour as I couldn't find a food tour. Of course the first stop was a temple: Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya.
My trusted tour guide for the day, top left. We stopped at another temple since we couldn't get to Temple of the tooth. But I don't remember the name.
Then crossed the oldest bridge. He tried his best to get me to walk across, I made it part of the way...
Then a few other random stops: wood carving shop, Ceylon tea factory, and WWII cemetery. On the left is homemade roti and sambal. I helped make the sambal—yummy!
The next day he took me out of town to see the hillside. We visited a lake, golf course, tea plantation and stopped at a small town to have curry and rice for lunch. This really is a beautiful country!
The golf course that was clearly beautiful at one time, but is no longer open due to lack of investment. And other random pictures from the drive...
I really wish I could have played that course. It was so serene. Maybe I'll find another one that inspires me.
Overall, not much is going on in Kandy. People have been great throughout the country, including here. I've read Kandy referred to as "Blandy," and while I can see that, I also enjoyed seeing the area. I even managed to get a massage, and she did an amazing job. But there's no real nightlife here, for anyone wondering. Next up is the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella. It's supposed to be the most beautiful train ride in the world! We'll see...
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