SY Hullu Poro – Page 15 – Boating & Biking Adventures

Ella under the sun…

On January 17, 2025

5:45am, I put the alarm on snooze, the sun will be late, oh no, the tower clocks in this country are spot on. 15min later I was on the track to explore Little Adam‘s Peak. Despite facing a bit of a crowd up there on this nowadays rare clear morning, I managed to keep them out of my photos to capture another proof of this beautiful country. Wonder of Asia.

My short lunch walk took me to another tourist attraction here in Ella – the Nine Arches Bridge. Two trains passed through during my short visit requesting the crowd to give way and step a bit aside. The bridge only got completed in 1919 during the early years of British occupation, but surprisingly it’s build from stone rather than steel at that time.

Handpicking any of the delicious bananas will definitely result in a stay at the local hospital, after the steep fall.

Fair winds…

Nuwara Eliya 🚴‍♂️ Ella

By Bernd

On January 16, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

After another Rain & Relax Day I finally left Nuwara Eliya in the early morning hours under still wet conditions. Alex and his boys made our stay as comfortable as possible and the international hiker & biker community had a lot of time for exchange! These hostels are great socialising melting points me pushing the average age up!

At some stretches during today’s ride you can feel how beautiful the scenery here shall be, if the weather plays a bit more with you. 🙏 tomorrow.

Ella is very touristy, compared to what I have seen so far. 50% tourists on the streets, I would guess.

Fair winds…

Rain & Relax

By Bernd

On January 14, 2025

In Sri Lanka

My second rain day since arrival in Sri Lanka allowed for a walk exploring the town while keeping the umbrella ready at any time. It did also allow for some good rest on the sofa keeping the outside world at a safe distance while observing the scenic view from behind the window.

Our next scheduled ride is two days away.

Fair winds…

Ramboda 🚴‍♂️ Nuwara Eliya

By Bernd

On January 13, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

It kept pouring all night but stopped finally before the Muezzin started the call for the morning prayer! No rain, no excuse for me not to tackle the pass into Nuwara Eliya today, the second stage destination on this trip. My strength is not at its peak at the moment and I will keep taking it easy.

I started to get a glance of the beauty of this area, all known for its tea plantations. Hopefully the weather over the next few days will reveal more of “Sri Lanka‘s Wonders of Asia“.

Fair winds…

Kandy 🚴‍♂️ Ramboda

By Bernd

On January 12, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

This part of Sri Lanka should have the “less rainy season” from January to April, at least that was the base of my planning and got confirmed by Mandrahe, the owner of the Funk Bunk Hostel. Climate has always changed. 🤔

It was pouring at 6am and I turned around after checking the weather forecast. It should clear later in the morning. It did to the contrary…🌧️…and I only learned that after having left.

Mountain Biker Mandrahe is right. After 30 minutes in the rain it doesn‘t matter anymore.

Fair winds…

Royal Garden & Ceylon Tea

By Bernd

On January 11, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

The final weather forecast for today prompted me for another day in Kandy and I am glad it did. Totally impressed by the Royal Botanical Garden and its entrance fee for foreigners, I also enjoyed the privat educational session in the Ceylon Tea Museum. Both venues are highly recommended.

Returning back to the hostel became my first ride in Sri Lanka under wet conditions, not pouring but drizzling and enough to increase the chaos on the roads as expected.

The majority of the rain shall be over by tomorrow morning but asking the locals, who knows?!? I shall give it another try. Still wiggling a bit between train and tarmac.

Funk Bunk is a great hostel not only because it’s owner is a Mountain Biker.

Fair winds…

Kandy – World Heritage

By Bernd

On January 10, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

It was nice strolling around through Kandy, one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

On the central market I enjoyed a lesson and tasting session on some of the 29 banana varieties indigenous to the country. The price variation is at 100% among the different types!

There is plenty to do in and around Kandy and it seems to be a hotspot for backpackers. I might move on though tomorrow, depending on the weather.

Fair winds…

Silver Temple 🚴‍♂️ Kandy

By Bernd

On January 9, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

I was at 6am at the monks office to receive final blessings and say good-bye. Heading for the city of Kandy, which is not only a world heritage city under the UNESCO but also my first stage destination. With the altitude and cloud coverage both increasing, temperature slowly starts to drop.

Fair winds…

Kurunegala 🚴‍♂️ Silver Temple

By Bernd

On January 8, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

Mr. Mangala insisted on a farewell photo, which now forms part of his very extensive guestbook and photo library. We are happy to be part of both.

Living alone makes him living for his guests and the level of warmth and attention was outstanding. Thank you!

A short ride took us back to the Silver Temple to absorb more of the Buddhist culture. Vijitha and Mama are taking care of me based on the approval granted by the chief monk for my overnight stay.

Enjoying the sunset from the top of the temple cave was one of the highlights of the day. It is an area under development and the chief monk joined us during this evening ceremony. It offers a 360° circular view.

A unique experience in a place of pure serenity! More than 2000 years old.

Fair winds…

Rideeviharaya – Silver Temple

By Bernd

On January 7, 2025

In B(H)iking, Sri Lanka

Today is a planned rest day. Breakfast at 9:30am. Initially I wanted to set off at 6am for a visit to a nearby Buddha temple in walking distance but the combination out of heat, exercise and gravity did not support me on that. I slept 11 hours and just made it in time for the breakfast!

I took up Mr. Mangala’s offer to organise a tuktuk for me to explore the Silver Temple, 16km out of Kurunegala town. Could be done on the bike but, a rest day shall be a rest day.

I did not get disappointed. This temple (actually 27 temples all together) dates back to the days before Christi, is embedded in and around a huge rock formation and developed over the eight kingdoms of the Sinhalese monarchy. What an incredible heritage.

Over a cup of herbal tea and ginger cookies, I met the chief monk and he invited me to stay in one of their guest units, which I happily confirmed immediately and without a second thought. Slight change in travel plans but shall be interesting. Go with the flow and see how destiny plays out. 🤔

On the way back, I got my hair cut at 500LKR before the monks get onto it. 😂

Fair winds…