The title of this blog should have been "Escape from the cyclone Ditwah" That is what we felt like after landing in Mumbai. The previous night itself looked very ominous as I looked out of my hotel window.
Not being able to view the Lotus tower at close quarters and heading straight to the airport was a blessing in disguise, as it helped in reachiing the airport well in time to catch our flight.
We took a halt on the beach road near Galle Face Hotel. The palm leaves will give you a general idea of the wind speed.
Not far from the Taj Samudra Hotel I got to see some birds who were busy fishing in the sluice spillover point. Managed to capture a painted stork in flight as I was clicking the Lotus tower.
Got another one with the painted stork in the forefront.
You can see the other birds in the video.
Notice the silver feet of this crane?
When some time was alloted for shopping, we headed for the grocery stores. Wifey was tempted with some fresh vegetables and took the help of a regular lady in the store to select the right vegetables
while I was tempted by the coconuts. The colour and texture and size said that they were good ones, but the addition of weights to the luggage dissuaded me.
Two days before our departure, we visited a nonprofit Sea Turtle conservation centre. Got to see an Albino turtle for the first time.
We don't realise the extent of damage that we cause with the plastic that we create and carelessly discard.
The video speaks for itself and the guide over there was knowledgeable and had a good voice.
By The way I hope the authorities keep clearing the donation box more frequently, or make it deeper than an arm's length because when I put in my hand to drop my note, I could feel and touch the other notes inside. (why to tempt anti social elements)
Our first stop was for breakfast at Vivanta Colombo, airport garden. What caught my attention was the presence of massive prop roots hanging from a Banyan tree near the entrance. The only picture I could click was from the bus on the way out.
When I spoke to the manager of the property, he said that the previous owner from whom they had purchased the land about 40 years ago had a condition that no trees should be cut in the property. Good to see that the promise was kept.
For once I was happy to see Elephants in captivity with no chains on their feet. Some of them were having problems but they were well taken care of.
This sign kept at strategic places in Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary speaks a lot about eradicating bribery and corruption.
Our guide had told us that there was a pair of twins amidst them and right enough we spotted them.
While I was concentrating on the elephants, this yellow billed babbler was trying his best to catch my attention.
The app Merlin bird helped me identify the bird. It also shows a Kingfisher being present but I couldn't locate it.
The cultural show put up by the Kandian Cultural Centre was remarkable. A glimpse of it is in the video. All were impressed by the "walk on fire" and "spitting fire".
Visited the sacred tooth relic at Kandy and before entering the premises I saw this elderly man sitting outside the shrine selling lottery tickets. The donation box wasn't far off.
The drummers kept their tempo and were in sync. The sound echoed well in the confined place and could be heard well in the upper floors too.
While exiting I saw a family praying and couldn't resist clicking. Faith keeps us going.
