I had done a lot of reading about different hikes that you could do while in Sri Lanka. Initially – Adam’s Peak had been a part of our itinerary. However, this hike looked like a lot of work – and most people started it around 2 AM so they could be at the top by sunrise. Nothing about that screamed vacation to us – so we opted for the less strenuous version. Little Adam’s Peak – just outside of Ella.

We had a quick bite to eat before venturing out. We have learned that although Google Maps is extremely reliable in the USA – it is not in Sri Lanka. Thankfully, the path was well marked with signs for LIttle Adam’s Peak.

(We did not zipline down – we chose to hike it. Although it was tempting!) .

We wanted to get an early start because it’s been so hot in Sri Lanka. The path wasn’t very busy at this time. Just small children and some of their parents trying to sell us cold coconuts. We made it to the top relatively quickly – and got to take in the view and see Ravana Falls in the distance. (Which we were planning on going to after we finished the hike).

After finishing the hike we decided to decline the cold coconuts and track down some iced coffee. After relaxing for a little bit, we found a tuk tuk that would take us out to Ravana Falls. There were monkeys everywhere on this stretch of road!

(No monkeys – but this is how crazy the tuk tuk drivers drove. All over the road!)

We got to the falls and took a few pictures.

When all of a sudden a very naughty monkey dropped out of a tree and stole a woman’s freshly cut mango right out of her hands. What was left she threw at him to try to get rid of it so he wouldn’t come back.

(The naughty monkey with a full mouth).

We also saw a guy that was wearing a Stillwater, Minnesota shirt. I tapped him on the arm and asked him if he was from there. That was a firm no – we eventually realized he was from Kandy. Not sure how the shirt got there – but still a funny moment.

We had lunch and then ventured out to the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory. Our waiter from the day before had shared that they still had tours – but they were only explanation tours. (No production on Sundays). We were actually pretty grateful that there was no production, because it was pretty warm the way that it was. With all of the heavy equipment moving it would have only made things hotter (and louder). It must have been a slow day for them – because our guide only took the two of us out on the tour.

(The view from the tea factory).

It was very interesting to see how tea is made versus coffee, beer, whiskey, etc. After the tour was over, we got to sample four different types of tea. (Of course there was no cream or sugar to make it tastier for me!) It was all rather good. Sri Lanka still might make a tea drinker out of me yet!

After the tea factory tour we went back to our hotel and relaxed. We are just over halfway through our trip so I started to rearrange my suitcase. I’m still not entirely convinced that rolling your clothes is better than packing them flat. (Who is with me?)

We went to dinner at a restaurant that had a blend of Sri Lankan, Asian fusion, and Western food. We had a real treat at the end – we had a banana rotti with honey. It was so good!

It had been a long day – and we had done a ton of walking so we turned in early.

Up Next:

• Drive to Galle (4.5 hour drive)
• Explore the Fort
• Swimming
• High tea at one of the 5 star hotels in the Fort