Kandy

And once again we get to know a completely different Sri Lanka. Kandy is one of the larger cities, lots of people, even more traffic, very hilly with steep streets that the tuk tuks can barely climb.

After arriving at our AirBnb, we had to cool down a bit and use the beautiful pool! We were also able to get to know our four-legged roommates: we counted 5 dogs, 3 cats and a pig.

In the evening we decided to do some shopping and maybe grab a bite to eat. The shopping was a bit disappointing, but the food was even better. A small pizzeria with an incredibly great view of the city, better pizza than in Germany and great cocktails - what else do we need? 😀

On the way to the pizzeria we met a special person: Laka. On the way he told us that he was a tour guide and would show us the city for just 2000 rupees (approx. €6). At first we were a bit skeptical as to whether it would really work at this price, but we agreed. The next morning he picked us up at 10am and had planned a route for us. First to the White Buddah Temple (later, according to Laka, the ground would be too hot for our feet, and even at 10 we had to run across the hot rivers), then to the Kandy View Point.

He then showed us a small wood workshop where dad and son work hard and also make their own paints, and then the oldest tea factory in Sri Lanka (around 1940). There we were given a tour of the production sites and gained an insight into how tea is processed from the field to sale. Of course we were allowed to test one of the 10 different varieties (various black, green and white teas). Afterwards we went to the royal botanical garden, from which we had hoped for a little more shade.

Now we were hungry and Laka showed us a restaurant where only the locals eat. Only ingredients fresh from the field are used there and all dishes are vegetarian. Of course, due to the lack of tourists, the food was a little spicier than usual 😅

After a quick stop at our pool, we were picked up just before 5 for a dance show. Kandy is known for its great folk dances. There we were able to marvel at drummers, dancers and acrobats, who were accompanied by a singer, for an hour. The final dance, a celebratory dance, was particularly exciting.

To end the day we headed to the Temple of the Tooth, which - honestly - is more beautiful from the outside than when you're inside. A tooth of Buddha is said to be kept there, which is never shown, which is why this temple is one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. The daily ceremony in honor of Buddah takes place there in the evening, which is why the entire temple was full of pilgrims and tourists. In addition, the ceremony is not particularly quiet, which meant we fled back outside relatively quickly.

A little friendship with Laka definitely developed over the course of the day.

This morning we had to pack our bags again and head to the train, which was surprisingly 45 minutes late. Now we are on the train and enjoy the view of the interior for about 5 hours on a bumpy ride.