A Journey to Kandy: Temples, Markets (almost), and Mountain Vistas
On the bus by 8:00 a.m., bags packed, bills settled, and hearts brimming with anticipation. Today’s destination? The enchanting city of Kandy, a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Each morning, our cheerful Sri Lankan bus driver Jamera, warmly greets us with a heartfelt "Ayubowan" and a delicate flower, a beautiful gesture that embodies the island's spirit of hospitality and kindness. It’s a simple yet touching ritual that sets the tone for our days, filling us with gratitude and a sense of connection to this enchanting land.
Our first stop was the awe-inspiring Rangiri Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that effortlessly blends history, spirituality, and natural grandeur. While a few of us opted to sit out the climb (including Glenn and myself), those who ventured up were rewarded with a sight that words can scarcely do justice. Perched atop a towering granite outcrop, the temple complex is a labyrinth of five sacred caves, each a treasure trove of ancient artistry.
Inside, over 150 golden Buddha statues radiate serenity, while the walls come alive with vibrant frescoes depicting the life of the Buddha and pivotal moments in Sri Lanka’s religious history. Even from afar, the temple’s majesty is undeniable, and we appreciate the photos snapped by our fellow travellers and uploaded to our Whats App Group.
Since we didn't manage to capture a photo of Glenn's tuk-tuk ride a few days ago, we decided to recreate the moment with a re-enactment.
Next, we made our way to the Regent Herbal Plantation, where the air was fragrant with the scent of healing herbs. Here, we were treated to an enlightening tour of the various herbal remedies crafted on-site.
During our visit, we attended a talk led by a doctor specializing in herbal medicine. His confident and authoritative delivery made it clear he was accustomed to captivating an audience, likely honed from years of teaching students. It felt like stepping into a classroom where his expertise and passion for the subject shone through, leaving us both informed and intrigued by the world of natural remedies.
From balms, oils, and "doctor in the house" remedies, the plantation offered a natural solution for every ailment. It’s no surprise that many of us left with a little something from the herbal pharmacy to sooth our ailments.
As we continued our journey, we drove through a bustling local street, alive with the energy of market day. This was the real Sri Lanka—a hive of activity where vendors displayed colourful arrays of fresh produce, spices, and household goods. Locals bartered with animated enthusiasm, their voices rising above the hum of the crowd. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, and I couldn’t help but think this was where we should have done our shopping.
We passed the serene Sri Mathumariamm Temple, its intricate architecture a fleeting glimpse of the island’s spiritual diversity, before finally making our way to Kandy. While some of the group opted for a Sri Lankan cultural show, Glenn and I decided to retreat to our hotel for some much-needed rest.
Ah, the hotel. Perched at the summit of a mountain, it promised unparalleled views—but getting there was an adventure in itself. The bus couldn’t navigate the steep, narrow road, so we were transferred to a smaller vehicle. The drive up was a white-knuckle experience, with our driver expertly navigating a single-lane road while dodging cars and tuk-tuks. I held my breath, silently praying we wouldn’t meet another bus coming down. Thankfully, we made it unscathed.
And oh, the view! From our hotel, the world stretched out in a tapestry of rolling hills and misty valleys. After a brief rest, Glenn and I headed to the rooftop bar, where we sipped on refreshing drinks as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Dinner was a quiet and reflective affair. The previous day, Glenn had handed Ally some tablets, now Wei took her turn distributing medications, ensuring everyone was taken care of—Jacqui needed cold and flu tablets to ease her symptoms. By the end of the meal, we were all ready to retire early, completely exhausted but deeply content after a day brimming with discovery and wonder. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.
Tomorrow promises more adventures, but for now, the mountains of Kandy cradle us in their serene embrace. Goodnight, world. 🌙✨
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