Sri Lanka 2 - Kandy

We just used the tourist office at the Fort Station to book a train ride to Kandy and a three night car and driver excursion through the Cultural Triangle. They only take cash payments' so go prepared. Pre-booking a seat in the air-conditioned carriage means it's a very civilized journey. It's a pleasant three hours up into Kandy, with beautiful mountain scenery once you get out of the Colombo city limits. Kandy Station is a step back in time; just like being in an old movie. Our driver was waiting to take us to our guesthouse. Guest houses are generally very local with good clean en-suite rooms with air-conditioning. We like them because you do get a glimpse of normal life; not being stuck away in some elite or bland tourist hotel . That said, if you do want to upgrade, try the historic Queens Hotel for a bit of old colonial charm. Kandy is set around a man-made lake, which makes for a great stroll into town, past the Hotel Suisse, where Mountbatten had his Asian headquarters during World War 2. The main attraction is the very holy "Temple of the Tooth", housing a tooth relic of the Buddah. The door onto the room housing the relic is only opened during pujas; held three times a day. People bring offerings and hold prayers at the open door.Tourists pack in to get a passing glimpse of the large gold container housing the tooth. Shoulders and knees must be covered; hats and shoes off when entering any temple area. We spent time wandering through the Market area; looking at saris and buying spices. People are so friendly and always interested in Neil's arm decorations. There aren't many restaurants and practically the only bar in town is called The Pub; a grimy upstairs place with a nice balcony and a few tourists drinking the local Lion beer. All alone, in a cavernous, dingy back room with a dodgy air-conditioner; we watched Super 15 rugby. Don't come to Kandy for the nightlife.