Saturday 8th
We took the eight hour 'tourist train' this morning to Ella, which stands 1000m above sea level. It's a lengthy journey that wends it's way around hills and tea plantations 🌳🚂.
Once a British colony (until 1948), we built the Sri Lankan Railway. Many of the original stations, infrastructure and quirky signage remain to this day.
The Ella bound train is famous for Instagrammers who love hanging out of open doors to take selfies. I don't think GWR will allow the same for our commuters! Selfie lovers need to watch out for approaching trains when posing for shots. I'll post a video of that on my social media.
We're staying high above Ella town in a super B&B called Okeed Ella. Costing £23 a night, it's excellent value for money. It also boasts an amazing view from our balcony - especially at sunrise 🌅.
Monkeys pose a problem for the owners as they try stealing Jackfruit from their trees. The owner's father (looks about 80 but as fit as a fiddle) retaliates by firing rocks at them with his catapult.
Sunday 9th
We embarked on a morning walk down the hill to Ella (which was a stupid idea as its too far), but luckily were saved by a local bus heading down. The 15 minute journey (accompanied by music) jiggled the life out of us at a cost 20p each. But that wasn't the cheapest transport of the day.
We took a return train to a local station that cost 10p in total in 3rd class. As you'll see from the photo the carriage walls look like they've never been cleaned 😦.
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