Day 91: Above the clouds

Day 91: Above the clouds.

Another early morning hike took us to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak where we found ourselves alone and above the clouds.

Day 90: Ella rock

Day 90: Ella rock.

We woke up early and headed out on a morning hike, determined to reach the mountain summit before the mid day clouds rolled in. Setting off on the train tracks we had rolled in on yesterday, we reached a wild looking waterfall before proceeding through tea plantations as we made our way directly up the mountain. As you can see, we made it just in time to admire the stunning scenery before the mist rolled into the hills.

Day 89: The tropical train journey

Day 89: The tropical train journey.

Seeking sunshine, we took a train across the length of Sri Lanka’s hill country, arriving in the quaint alpine village of Ella. Passing Tamil tea pickers, gushing waterfalls and endless rainforest we enjoyed the views from our cozy ‘observation carriage’, though we sometimes couldn’t resist the urge to hang out the open door for an even better view.

Day 88: Singing in the Rain.

Day 88: Singing in the Rain.

At Kira’s insistence, we set out for a day of “culture” in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle (much to Matt’s dismay as this was at the expense of another day’s white water rafting). Unfortunately, today’s culture came in the wet variety! Thankfully, Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Caves are spectacular sights, which somewhat made up for our sodden clothes. The two hour trek up to a 2000 year old monastery was still well worth it (despite finding ourselves square within the clouds!) and Dambulla’s many Buddhas were tucked away in the dry!

Day 87: The temple of the sacred tooth

Day 87: The temple of the sacred tooth.

We touched down in Sri Lanka and ventured immediately into the cultural heart of the country, Kandy – home to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the one and only Buddha himself. Sri Lanka being predominately a Buddhist society, it’s impossible to escape the religion and everywhere you go, you’re never far from devout monks dressed in their trademark vibrant orange robes.

Day 86: Sri Lanka bound

Day 86: Sri Lanka bound.

Sad to see India go but excited for the next leg of the journey. Sri Lanka here we come!

Day 85: The last (Indian) supper

Day 85: The last (Indian) supper.

One last sunset and sundowner (in the coconut) before we depart India and head for Sri Lanka. Bring on subcontinental adventure 3.0!

Day 84: Beach hopping

Day 84: Beach hopping.

Leaving the backpacker hotspot of Varkala, we headed further south to Kovalam – Kerala’s original beach resort and the final stop on our Indian itinerary.

Day 83: Spotted in Varkala

Day 83: Spotted in Varkala.

For the first time in 83 days, Matt and I spent the morning apart. I hit the yoga studio, while he hit the waves. The paparazzi have been informed that they are not allowed to post photos of their subject getting “barrelled”.

Day 82: Catching up on the news

Day 82: Catching up on the news.

Some routines are important to keep even whilst on holiday. What’s this…snow in Canada! In November!?