We'd splashed out and booked ourselves first class seats on the train from Ella to Kandy. It cost us about £3 each and we had comfy seats, actual air con (not just open windows) and even a tv showing an array of American films. I've literally never seen backpackers so excited - everyone was buzzing around, moving seats and taking photos from every angle. Until we hit a couple of stops on and a Sri Lankan family of about 10 adults and 7 kids came on and had what seemed like their yearly reunion. They were pretty loud and all the other backpackers (except us) moved into the next carriage over to escape the noise.
The journey from Ella to Kandy is a famous one, due to the amazing views over the mountains. We were on the train for 7 hours, but it went relatively quick and we got to Kandy just as the sun was setting.
Once we got to Kandy station, a tuk tuk driver asked where we were going and quoted 800 rupees (about £4) for the journey. We agreed and as we were walking out and pointed out 3 random English boys and told them to come with us in a taxi, as it would be cheaper. He then quoted 1000 rupees for all of us, so we all quickly agreed and jumped in his mini bus. He dropped the lads off first and then tried to find our place. As we got there I gave him 1000 rupees and all of a sudden, he claimed he quoted 1500. I questioned him and then he just said okay and off he was on his non-scamming way.
We were shattered at this point after travelling all day, but the owner of the guesthouse we were staying at was totally up for having a chat about our trip. We'd only planned to stay in Kandy one night, but we told him what we had wanted to see and do from then onwards - he explained it would be best just to take day trips. We organised for him to take us in his car to Pinnawala & the Royal Botanical Gardens for £20. It worked out pretty well, so we got some sleep ready for the early morning start.
Pav & Jake
xxx
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