Hidden Treasures

Whilst you were sleeping, I set off on my next adventure. This time it was tamer than trekking through the jungle. Our road trip to explore the south of Sri Lanka begins at 4:30am. As I’m leaving the hotel, the staff are wondering where I’m off to this time and at this hour. We’re off to explore some lesser known treasures.

When I wake up from my snooze, we’re driving through the town of Matara on the south coast. After a spot of breakfast, we walk down the coast to a tiny island on top of which is a Buddhist temple. As we cross the suspension bridge leading to the temple, I’m shown the original ‘bridge’ that locals formerly used – a line of rocks from the shore into the sea that require more careful footing, especially when water levels are higher, than simply walking across a bridge.

The first thing I learn about going into a Buddhist temple is that women should tie their hair back, as a sign of modesty. The temple is so tranquil, and as we pass through each area of the temple we see statues of Buddha adorned with colorful lotus flowers. There’s a pagoda in the garden, which is symbolic of all Buddhist temples in which gold and other riches are kept. The rear of the temple looks out onto the sea; a gorgeous view next to the elegant statue of Buddha. People pay their respects to the monk seated in the corner of the temple who ties a white thread on everyone as a blessing. Although I’m not religious, he ties one on me as well.

We head out from the temple, back across the bridge and down the coast to our van. We’re on our way to see the Hummanaya blowhole; a natural wonder on the coast of a small village in Dikwella. We walk through this sea village to get to the blowhole. Along the way, villagers are selling varieties of delights from the sea; one of which is dry cured fish. I’m told these fish are very nutritious and a traditional food in this village, but be warned, the smell is quite pungent and impossible to ignore. The end of the village becomes rocky leading up to the coast. Throngs of fellow sightseers line the edge of the coast, patiently waiting for the surge from the sea to rush up into the blowhole.

It’s a spectacular sight as the water erupts out of the blowhole straight up into the air. We try to watch the waves of the sea to predict when the next burst of water will erupt, although I can’t say we’re experts just yet. After plenty of photos, videos and slow-mos, we head down to the beach to take in the views. The sea water is beautiful shades of blue, green and turquoise splashing up over the rocky shore. In the crevices of the rocks, we spot little crabs and spiders finding shelter away from the waves. Sitting on the rocks, it’s a nice place for a moment of calm whilst watching the waves roll in and out. Again, we pile back into the van and make our way up to Tangalle, another southern town where we’re stopping at a friend’s family home for tea and later for dinner.

Winding our way along the coast and through village towns and roads, we arrive at the house, which looks more like a small villa with a lovely front garden. The family are incredibly welcoming and I meet everyone, his mom, wife, son, uncles and aunt. The house is adorned with photos from all ages, portraits of grandparents, great grandparents, and photo ops from meetings with various celebrities, Prince Charles included. After some tea and savory snacks, we’re on our way again, this time to Madunagala.

A lesser known, and for someone unknown, treasure of Sri Lanka, Madunagala is home to a monastery in the southern province. It’s located in an isolated area far from villages, surrounded by dry lands and greenery that spreads for miles around. The monastery itself is nestled up in the mountain of rocks, appropriately tucked away to preserve the tranquility, solitude and discipline practiced by the monks here. We quietly make our way through the monastery, marveling at the relics of Buddha and inscriptions on the rocks and boulders. One of the monks tells us that the location is only known to some and they prefer not to attract tourists, although they have had visitors from around the world who have spent 6 months meditating with the monks in retreat from the outside world. Their stories are inspiring to say the least. At the top of the monastery there is a pagoda and a towering statue of Buddha overlooking the natural landscapes surrounding us. It’s an impressive view from the top, and once again I find myself lost in my thoughts as sit watching the sunset sinking behind the horizon.

It’s time for dinner, and a large spread of traditional Sri Lankan food has been prepared for us; chicken and fish curries, coconut sambol, rice, prawn fritters, there’s so many dishes to try. Bellies full, it’s time to head back to Colombo. The journey is long and we’re all shattered from the busy day. I wake up at 2:00am when our van pulls up at my hotel and I stumble out and up to my room. Another amazing trip, this time a bit out of the ordinary and truly memorable.