It was my first visit to Sri Lanka and I really didn't expect much from this routine official trip. But I was into a pleasant surprise and totally charmed by the beauty of this island nation as soon as I landed at Colombo. The 3 hr road journey from Colombo to Kandy is a real joy ride in its own way. Its totally amazing and leaves one awed at the green lush scenic beauty of this 'Nature's own country.' I was overwhelmed actually..
There are added charms along the route like the patches of canework handicrafts, pottery specialities and ofcourse, the cashewnut dealers. So you get to take nice little breaks in between and refresh yourself while also making a note of what things you could be shopping on your return journey the same route. Once you reach up to the Gannoruwa pass along the winding roads, you start to see the urban limits of Kandy city.
Kandy is one of those laid back cities which is an ideal spot to take a nice vacation. The weather is perfect and very pleasant. I visited in December which is mid-rainy season there and believe me I could touch the clouds everyday. I am sure there must be plenty poets in this part of the world, I really feel that even the most unromantic fellow could break into poetry and sonnets by just being in this city. The natural beauty simply captures you and leaves you breathless. Its mountainous terrain and green, green and more green everywhere. Unlike Colombo, you enjoy the climate and weather conditions here too. People are also very contrasting as you see things move in their own pace, absolutely no hussle-bussle or any kinda hurrying at all. In fact I felt the time moves very slowly in Kandy.
Some places of interests around the city are the Buddha Tooth Relic temple on the banks beautiful lake, the big Buddha statue on the hillock, the Central market, the royal botanical gardens, the big river etc. I even had a chance to visit the Hakkagala gardens, one of the biggest botanical gardens of Asia which is some distance from Kandy city and on a Hill top.. in fact, we were in the clouds when we visited this place.. and its a wonderful feeling!! Also, I visited the Tea estates of neighbouring province - Nuwara Illiya.. absolutely stunning. No words to describe and yes, you get to buy the best of the world famous Ceylon Tea. And yes, the Sita temple, the place where mighty king Ravana held her captive, is one of the hindu holy places to visit.
The SriLankans are very warm friendly lot and make you feel totally at home. You enjoy their hospitality, food, culture, tradition and their love for Indian movies and music. There are lot many things which you can buy for souvenirs ranging from Tea, silk, clay & cane handicrafts, cashewnuts etc.
All in all, Sri Lanka visit will be one of the most cherished memories of my duty travels and yes, I shall look forward to going back on a holiday next time.
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