Kandy to Ella

We took the long trip from Kandy to Ella. We started off with a three hour bus ride. We did stop half way at Glenloch tea plantation. 

We had a tour of the factory and they explained how the tea is made from the different leafs. We walked along the machinery used to dry and press the leafs and then we had a lovely tea tasting. 

We made it to Nanu Oya train station in plenty of time. We were told he train would be crowded so we had a plan to head in and stand by the door. I managed to get a prime spot so we were able to take it in turns to sit and look out of the open door. 

The journey was only 60km however it took around three hours as the maximum speed limit is 10km/per hour. We stopped quite a few times for more people to cram in. 

We got chatting to a lovely young guy on the train whom has only recently turned 18 and is backpacking for 8 months. He was very shy but he had such a good outlook on life. 

We finally arrived in a chilly Ella and it was time to hop back on bus briefly to then walk to the Nine Arch bridge. This is a very well photographed bridge and the walk to it was a little tough but totally worth it. 

There was a poor young girl who was crying as she was so worried about everyone walking on the train tracks. I explained to her that the train won’t pass for another hour (I asked our tour guide when the next train is) so we were all safe. Her family really seemed to appreciate me reassuring her. 

It was getting pretty late so it was time to head to our hotel. We are staying at Amba Estste for two nights. This is another G Adventures supported place. They helped the local tea plantation to create lodging so the guests can stay and learn about the tea plantation. 

We had to get a tuk tuk to the estate as it was such small roads but we were greeted by lovely torch lanterns and the cutest rooms ever. 

After a quite bag drop and WiFi check, it was time for dinner. Amba Estate offers only vegetarian meals. At first I was a little apprehensive however the food was so yummy. We were all exhausted so I was in bed by 9:00pm. 

We had a nice lay in and a great breakfast before heading out to hike Ella Rock. Cham told us it was 4km - he lied. My Fitbit said the walk in total was over 11km. 

We started off the walk and a couple of dogs decided to tag along. We were warned about leaches and I kept looking down to check. I felt something on my ankle and one was sucking my blood. I screamed so loud the guide came rushing to my aid, when he realised it was a leach he laughed. For the rest of the hike, everyone was teasing me and saying they were on me. 

We stopped off half way at Rawana Ella Forest Monastery. We had the opportunity to sit and talk with a Monk. He was explaining to us about Buddhism and how the mind and the body work together but are separate. I really enjoyed leading this and I really would like to explore the concept of Buddhism further. 

The views along the hike were breathtaking. It made the blood (from the leaches), sweat (from everywhere on my body) and tears (mainly those laughing at what a big baby I am) worth it. 

When we got to the peak of Ella Rock, it was incredible. The views were so wonderful. I was surprised how busy it was but I was still able to take a moment to look out at the view and be truly thankful for my life. 

The hike down was pretty challenging. It was very steep and lots of loose rocks. The whole way we walked, we were escorted by dogs. There was usually two dogs with us. I kept feeding them whenever possible. 

When we made it to the bottom, we found the nearest bar for a well deserved beer and coke (I was thirst). I hadn’t put enough sun cream on so I was a little red (understatement).

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at Ravana Ella Falls. This impressive waterfall is 25 meters high. What excited me more than the waterfall was the monkeys roaming around. I had a banana left over from lunch so I gave it to one of the monkeys. 

It’s been an amazing day today. I’ve loved being out in nature and also working out. It’s made me so thankful again for my health and my ability to travel. Listening to the Monk, he helped me refocus my mind to ensure I don’t take life for granted. I’m very guilty of always living in the past or dreaming of the future, I want to live more in the moment so I don’t mind anything. 

I’ve found this beautiful quote that I hope some people will find useful. Be kind to those you don’t want to lose.