We were staying at Ella Nature View Inn – a friendly, simple, cheap place, but with a view you’d happily pay a premium for.  Each room commands a sweeping vista of the mountains and valleys, and the first thing we did upon checking in was to brew a cup of tea (for Neil) and coffee (for Veronica) and sit on the massive balcony and just take in the spectacular view.  You don’t get this in Ella town 10 minutes away down the hill.  We spent some time here just taking it all in, watching the monkeys crawling on the balconies of the other bungalows, the birds in the trees, a train trundling by on the old railway line below and beyond.

We walked through a train rail track and it was a lovely peaceful walk in the fresh mountain air.  To think only a few hours ago we were in a hot, dry, national park with elephants, crocodiles and leopards, and the day before that on a glorious beach from which you could go whale and dolphin watching.  Sri Lanka’s diversity is fascinating for such a small island.

We found a lovely hotel overlooking Ella rock, a lovely lawn, tables and chairs.  Friendly staff.  We were the only ones there and a  wild ruddy moongose that was part of the show while we were relaxing and drinking tea, with little teeth crunching away at chicken bones, reddish eyes watering with happiness. He seemed oblivious to us standing there watching him.

 We enjoyed a pot of tea, served by a waiter dressed impeccably in a white suit, and the view of Ella Rock as darkness fell was magnificent.