Next day we have another 2 hour drive but on the way we stop at Dambulla to visit the impressive Cave Temples. There are in fact 5 caves with beautiful icons and murals covering the walls and ceilings. To get to the caves one has to walk up a steep hill and finally 150 steps. But well worth the climb. We had to remove our shoes, but were allowed to wear socks so it was not too bad.
This picture shows the king cobra who is supposed to protect the Buddah.
After lunch and a comfort stop, we continue and call in at a Spice Garden where we are shown all the different trees growing that produce spices - cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, coca, etc. We then had a talk about all the different ways to use the spices by an Ayuvedic doctor. We also each had a 10 minute massage - 24 of us and 24 young men doing the massage. You just had to say where you would like them to massage. I chose my wrist which has RSI. It felt wonderful. The whole presentation was very interesting and illuminating and we were all anxious to buy the products which are supposed to help us slim, soothe muscle pains and cure almost everything.
We then carried on to the Chaaya Citadel Hotel in Kandy. The hotel was OK, but more of a town place than the lovely Cinnamon Lodge we had just left. The first night we just had time for a quick swim to cool off before we had to be ready to get back in the coach as we were going to an evening cultural entertainment. This was a very interesting dance display followed by fire walking. Health and safety wouldn't like it in this country - amazing. The whole audience were invited to come closer to the front of the stage where a bed of hot coals was carried in and laid on the floor. Sparks flying everywhere. The participants first gave a display of fire eating which looked ridiculous and impossible, then they walked across the coals. Between each man walking across someone fanned the coals to bring them back to life - spraying hot ashes amongst the audience!
When we got outside it was pouring with rain! The only rain of the holiday.
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