The trail to Rawana Falls is actually the train track and is used by the locals as one of the few level walkways in this steep country. It sounds more dangerous than it is as the trains are slow, noisy and infrequent. We slipped down a few shaded lanes to avoid the hot afternoon sun, but the way always led back to the tracks.
Our goal lay across the valley. We were following the rail line to the top of the falls
Traversing a railroad bridge across a deep gully. I jumped up and down a few times to test the structural integrity.
Sun turned to rain in a blink and we strolled the tracks with our bumbershoots unfurled, enjoying the cooled but still sultry air and the fragrances of the wet hillsides.
We acquired a Ferguson at the turnoff to the falls. Not to be deterred he proved to be a capable guide and led us across the falls and up towards Ella Rock.
Ferguson in the lead, we scaled the hill above the falls through tea bushes and head high grass. Frequent leech checks are part of any hike here as the little blood suckers are everywhere. I found one getting ready to feast on my ankle but interrupted his lunch before he could settle in.
The falls from the shoulder of Ella Rock.
Our little blue train of yesterday passing below us. The bridge was where we had crossed earlier on our hike up.
100 rupees to our Ferguson, we set out back down the tracks towards Ella and dinner. These tracks would appear abandoned in the US, but this is the main line through the hill country, vegetation notwithstanding.
Our friend here doesn't seem to care about the trains and is almost as fast.
The grocery train making a delivery in the middle of nowhere.
We ambled back to town and destroyed two platters of roti and chapati with curry, washed down with mint lemonade and lime soda. Footsore and happy, today was indeed a very good day. Tomorrow we will leave Ella and head west by train, looking for our next adventure in Horton Plains national park and its famous Worlds End. This is one of the few parks in Sri Lanka where unaccompanied hiking is allowed.
From Ella, Sri Lanka, Ciao for Now.
Looks like you are on another wonderful adventure! Thanks for sharing your travel tales!
ReplyDeleteIs "Ferguson" your own neologism for "guide?"
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great reports and photos. Thanks. Keep 'em coming.
Just to clarify: Ferguson is the name I use for any self-appointed guide. I stole it form Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad" , one of the great travel books of all time and one I heartily recommend.
ReplyDelete