Day off cycling.

Kithulgala Heritage Rest House

Certainly not a luxury stay but, hey, had a ceiling fan and some of us hot water.  Location spectacular right on the banks of the river.

No, you won’t get wet.

Despite best intentions Linda, was persuaded to white water raft.

Raftless in the river

The rafting was huge fun, very exhilerating and yes, we were drenched but in 30 degree weather who cares?

Lunch, same as breakfast and supper.

Experiencing a delicious variety of curries.  Had spotted a small lorry with half a dozen huge tuna sticking out the back;  a favourite dish here often is tuna curry.

Acupuncturist’s car collection

Had lunch at the restaurant of some famous acupuncturist who bequeathed his extensive quirky collection of Rolls Royces and classic cars to his employees. And his house. Maybe Paul should retrain.

Who pays the ferryman?

Big yellow bamboo

Obviously not the variety of bamboo to plant in our shrubbery in Winchester.

Virgin rainforest.

Afternoon spent avoiding leeches in a bit of the last remaining virgin rainforest. Sadly failed on the leech front, but worth the sticky heat to see loads of plants and how villagers live. Needed a ferry to get over to it.

Leeches move so quickly, like slinkies, but more blood.

See separate page for flora /fauna.

First hotel, with pick up chance outside.

Fabulous first buffet with a vast selection of spicy curries – a particularly lovely dish of roasted banana flowers.  Hotel sat on the shore of the Indian Ocean. Windy, stormy night kept Paul awake (allegedly) whilst Linda slept soundly.

Buddha by boat

Monet would be very happy to paint here.

40 foot high Buddha.

Sri Lankan post box. Colonial influence?

Under construction

Road conditions generally good but not on this stretch.  Welcome rain shower cooled us off a bit – 36.8 degrees in the sun and very humid.

Kingfisher on a post.

Are there crocs?

Second hotel in Kitulgala.  Bit more basic and the river’s a great breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Can you spot the kingfisher?  Also spotted the rarer pied kingfisher.  Lots of egrets in the paddy fields and sitting on the cows.

Bit traumatised by the number of broken legged dogs on the sides of the road but they do appear to sleep in the road waiting to be run over.  Glad we’re up to date with our rabies jabs as some definitely friendlier than others..