Shane is in town! Part 4. Kandy

We rode the train from Ella to Kandy, often said to be the most scenic train ride in the world.  The tracks led through lush jungle, neat rows of tea and tidy small plots of vegetables.  It was a very enjoyable six hours.  

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After we took these photos, the train attendant made us shut the doors. Apparently a tourist fell to his death only weeks before

We escaped the busy harried Kandy to our guesthouse which was a little outside the city center.  Our views were amazing and we say parrots and cranes as we had a front row view of the jungle.20180330_122018.jpg

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The sun setting, view from our balcony
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Local eatery that we frequented daily

While Shane did the more adventurous climb on Sirigiya, we visited the Royal Botanical Gardens.  Like Alice in Wonderland, we walked mouths agape at the huge trees and large magical flowers.  The gardens are 147 acres large and cultivate over 4000 species of plants.  Huge winged bats fly around and Purple Faced Langur monkeys swing from tree to tree.  It is a wonderous experience.

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Entry fee is cheap for locals (steep for white folks) and heavily used by families and students
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Cannon Ball Tree

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Giant Java Almond, the base roots are hollow

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Kandy is where Shane and our family parted ways.  It was bittersweet to say goodbye.  He was so enjoyable to be with and we will miss him dearly.  Onward!

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