On the Monday morning after breakfast, the driver picked us up and we headed down the hair pin bends of the road to Kandy. We stopped at the Labookellie Tea Factory, to taste some of the finest tea in Sri Lanka and also to stock up with presents for the folks back home.
We were then given a guided tour of the working tea factory and the various stages of the production process explained in great detail.
Following which we adjourned to the tea rooms for a cuppa and purchase great Ceylon Tea to be drunk back home.
This was only one of several hundred tea estates that produce tea in Sri Lanka.
The rest of the journey was uneventful and we finally reached Kandy City. Getting through the traffic took some time and as we entered the old part of the city with its narrow streets and the Tuk Tuks, the going got slower, until at last we reached the Queens Hotel where we to stay for a couple of nights. The welcome was one that we had not experienced before and lighting the lamp was one that we both took part in with relish. Then it was up to our room in the antiquated elevator.
The Queens Hotel Lotus Flower and Lamp Lighting Ceremony
After a rest and a shower we headed into town to see the sights. The streets were crowded and navigating between drains and traffic was an interesting experience. We then stopped at a tea café near the Queens Hotel and had a light lunch. I later decided to go for a swim in the hotel pool and enjoyed the cool water, while Ken talked to some other guests at the hotel. The beer was warm but refreshing. As the hotel was having a BBQ dinner that night we decided to join the other guests beside the swimming pool for the usual Sri Lankan feast.
View to the Kandy Lake and the Dinner by the Swimming Pool at the Queens Hotel, Kandy
One of the reasons for stopping in Kandy was to visit my Great-Grand- Father’s grave in Matale, a town some 30 km from Kandy, St Paul’s Church, the Mahayana Cemetery and also visit a wood carving and Batic factory that the town is famous for and also a Jeweller of good repute.
Queens Hotel, Kandy
We then visited St Paul’s Church, Kandy that was situated near to the hotel. As this was my Grand-Grand-Uncle’s family church, it was good to see the church and surroundings.
St Paul’s Church, Kandy
It was interesting to discover that the Colours of the Ceylon Mounted Rifles Regiment that my Grand-Father and his brother joined in the late 1800’s were given to St Paul’s Kandy, when the regiment was disbanded. There were also plaques to commemorate the participation in the Boer War in South Africa. A plaque of Remembrance to those gentlemen who were instrumental in the building of this church that included the name of Lieut: Henry Bird who my Great-Great-Grand Father would have know in his time in the army was also interesting.
Ken at Breakfast
My next task was to find the grave of my Grand-Uncle Charles Benjamin Rowlands at the Mahayana Cemetery in Kandy. Again this was easier said than done. The driver knew where the cemetery was but had not idea as to how to get there. With some help from passers by we got to what was more than one cemetery. I tried the first that turned out to be the Roman Catholic Cemetery and then the Buddhist Cemetery and finally was directed to the Anglican Cemetery. As luck would have it, I found the grave stone quite easily and took pictures for my records.
With the help of the Caretaker, the face of the gravestone was cleaned with some grass to reveal the names of the persons buried in the grave.
I thanked the people and we made our way back to the hotel.
That night we enjoyed the dinner provided by the hotel and after dinner decided to got for a walk around Kandy Lake. If Ken had known the distance he had to cover, he may not have taken up the offer.
The driver also took us on a tour of Kandy and showed us the Batic Factory where the women made and coloured the fabrics, the Wood Carving Factory and a Jeweller where Ken and I bought some jewellery for the ladies in the family.
Elephant carved from one piece of timber
And Manufacture of Batic Clothing in Kandy
The next morning we said good bye to the Queens Hotel, Kandy and headed for Colombo.
Once again, no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without a stop over at the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawella.
Factory where paper is made from Elephant Droppings
It was fascinating to see the enterprise shown by the local women is making the paper from the fibres in elephant droppings. Also, watching the elephants bathing in the river was an unforgettable experience.
While we watched the elephants we took the opportunity to have lunch at the hotel.
Pinnawella Hotel
After lunch it was on the road again, this time destination a spice garden stop on the way.
Ken being given a talk on the various natural herbs and spices in Sri Lanka
We finally reach Colombo and it’s traffic jambs and “tuk tuk’s” sometime that afternoon and the driver dropped us off at the Cinnamon Red Hotel in the heart of Colombo.
Interesting sights on the road to Colombo.
Timber Transport and Elephant Transport
We now had a further two days of rest and recreation before we left for Australia.
Views from Cinnamon Red Hotel of Colombo
On the Thursday, we visited my Aunt Christobel, whose house was around the corner from the hotel. My cousin Christopher Don Carolis and his wife Priyani met at my aunt’s house and we had some interesting discussions about Christianity in Sri Lanka and before we left Ken prayed for Aunty Christobel who was in constant pain. This was to be last time that I would see her alive.
I was also keen to meet Kito Dias and his family with whom my son Christopher I stayed with in 2004. I knew the house was near our hotel, but on several occasions of walking around could not find it. But I did find the church that I used to attend before I left for Australia.
I also found the Girl’s Friendly Society Hall where as a St Thomas’ College drama student we took part in a Julius Caesar play, where I played the part of Brutus. I finally, did find Kito Dias’ house after getting directions from my cousin Christopher and did pay them a visit before we left.
As is the usual custom, when ever I come to Sri Lanka it is tradition that the old boy’s who went to College with me have to have a reunion. This was arranged for the Wednesday night and took place at the Colombo Cricket Club. It was great to meet the guys and their wives, who do not seem to change, as we all get older. Ken I am sure was glad to meet them and I am sure enjoyed the company and discussions over food and drink
.
All goods things must end sometime, so after some hours of reminiscing and gentle banter it was farewells, till we meet again and back to the hotel.
The next day we went to the HSBC Bank by “tuk tuk” and asked the driver to pick us up in about half an hour. After visiting the bank we waited out side for his return, but as he did not show up after 15minutes, caught another “tuk tuk” back to the hotel.
On the last night in Sri Lanka, my cousin David Janze invited us to a Chinese Dinner at a restaurant that they frequent. We were picked up by David, his wife, son and sister-in-law in his SUV. An enjoyable dinner was had and we were dropped off at the hotel.
Dutch Burgher Union Club House
As we were to have a late check out on the Friday and not looking forward to a sleepless night on the flight to Singapore and then Melbourne, we decided that it would be prudent to have good rest.
The driver picked us up about 6.00pm and we made our way to the airport. After several hours of sitting around we booked in our bags and were on our way home.
The 2016-2017 visit to Sri Lanka was over and it was “show me the way to go home”.
Sri Lanka Tour 30th December 2016 to 13th January 2017.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ0218 – Depart Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne, 1.05am. Arrive Changi International Airport, Singapore, 5.45am.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ0466 – Depart Changi International Airport, Singapore Airport, 9.00am. Arrive Bandaranayake International Airport, Sri Lanka, 10.20am.
Arrival transfer to Colombo by air-conditioned Jetwing hybrid car with the service of an English speaking driver.
Accommodation
30 and 31 Dec and 1st Jan - Friday/Saturday/Sunday (3 Nights)
Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo – Deluxe Twin Room on B and B basis
New Years Eve at the Galle Face Hotel.
New Year’s morning service at St Paul’s Church (next to Grand Hotel)
Shopping and sight seeing in Colombo.
2 and 3 Jan - Monday/Tuesday (2 Nights)
Galle Heritage Villa, Galle – Deluxe Twin Room on B and B basis. (129km to Galle).
During stay in Galle visit all attractions in the Fort, etc, dinner at Ramparts Hotel, sightseeing of Hikkaduwa, etc.
On the way from Galle to Bandarawela, take a break for lunch as this will be a 4 to 5 hour journey.
Visit Udawalawe Wild Life Sanctuary and hire a jeep to see the elephants and other wild life.
4 and 5 Jan - Wednesday/Thursday (2 Nights)
Bandarawela Hotel, Bandarawela – Standard Twin Room on B and B basis. (216km to Bandarawella)
During the first day in Bandarawela visit St Mark’s Church, Badulla and also Bandarawela town.
6 and 7 and 8 Jan - Friday/Saturday/Sunday (3 Nights)
Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya – Deluxe Twin Room on B and B basis. (44km to Nuwara Eliya)
En-route visit St Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa. Evening City tour of NE town, Lake Gregory, Golf Club, etc. Dinner at Golf Club, attend Holy Trinity Church for Sunday service, etc.
9 and 10 Jan - Monday/Tuesday (2 Nights)
Queens Hotel, Kandy – Standard Twin Room on B and B basis. (79km to Kandy)
Visit Christ Church, Matale and Cemetery, etc.
En-route Labukalle Tea Factory. Visit Kandy Town, etc.
11 and 12 - Wednesday/Thursday (2 Nights)
Cinnamon Red, Colombo – Standard Twin Room on B and B basis. (115km to Colombo)
En-route visit Pinnawela Elephants (entry cost included), lunch at Pinnawela Restaurant,
13 Jan – Friday - Free day, shopping, etc.
Total - 14 Nights (15 Days)
13 Jan 2017 - Friday – Guaranteed late check-out until 6.00pm. Departure transfer by air-conditioned Jetwing car with the service of an English speaking driver to Bandaranayake International Airport,
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ0467 – Depart Bandaranayake International Airport, 10.15pm.
14 Jan 2017 - Saturday - Arrive Changi International Airport, Singapore, 4.40am.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ0217 – Depart Changi International Airport, Singapore Airport, 10.45am. Arrive Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne, 9.10pm.
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