Trains and temples.

We've left the hill country and headed north, into the cultural triangle area of Sri Lanka, along the way we've traveled by train (our favorite), taxi and tuk tuk. We've seen several Buddhist temples, one enormous rock (that we had to climb), and found our way to Habarana, a small village smack dab in the center of many cultural sites.  It's also elephant territory and we will be taking a short safari tomorrow to try to spot some Asian elephants. Here are some pictures from our travels the last few days. 

Our beautiful train ride from Ella to Hatton (where we stayed two nights to climb Sri Pada). 

Tea plantations, as far as the eye can see. 

Small villages dot the horizon. 

Women workers in rice fields. 

Carrying vegetables, alongside the train. 

Snacks on the train, roasted peanuts with chili salt and mint leaves. Yummy!!

Women tea pickers. 

And now the temples. 

Cave temples near Kandy. The flower smell in here was so strong. People bring petals and lay them in front of the Buddha. The ceilings are covered in beautiful paintings. 

Buddhist monk statues. These were actually very cool. 

Where we are headed to climb, Pindurangala Rock. This sits 1km away from the much more famous Sigiriya Rock, but that costs $30 each to climb, and this one cost about 36 cents. Less people and no staircase winding around the edge, we were sold as soon as we heard about it. 

Headed up to Pidurangala Temple on top of the rock.  The steps give way to a trail, then to large boulders to scramble up/over/down. Nothing too technical, but fun.  

The reclining Buddha on the way up. 

The views from the top were amazing. Out of the hill country, it is flatter here. 

We found a dog on top, of course. She posed for a picture with us. The more famous Sigiriya rock is in the background. You can't see it but there are a solid stream of people winding around the outside staircase. There were about 6 people on this rock and plenty of room to sit down in solitude and enjoy the breeze and the view. 

Tom trying his hand at tuk tuk driving. Thank you, Sarath. 

And Tom buying some cold beer at the "liquor store". He's in the back, the only blonde in sight.