Hantana, Amaya Hills, & Peradeniya University
30 August 2008
The month of August is a school holiday in Sri Lanka. However, for our ten Wattegama girls who are studying for their pending O-Level and A-Level exams, even though there was no school, they spent their "holiday" studying, receiving tutoring, and attending extra classes. We wanted to reward them with at least one fun day out during their holiday, and at the same time inspire their academic aspirations. We accomplished both!
Hantana
Just outside of Kandy is an abrupt "mountain" called Hantana, visible from miles around. We hired a van and drove to the village of Bowalawatta, high on the mountainside. There, we enjoyed a breakfast of fruit, fruit-juices, and pastries. We then set off for the 1.5-hour climb through enchanting tea plantations to the top of Hantana, where we enjoyed the fresh air and wonderful views, and a sudden downpour! But we were very happy anyway, and had much fun and laughter slipping and sliding our way back down the mountain side.
Lunch at Amaya Hills
Exhausted after our long hike, we refreshed ourselves and rested and changed into dry clothes, and then went to nearby Amaya Hills Hotel for the best lunch we ever had! -in beautiful surroundings! We started with a salad-bar, then a full lunch buffet, and then a huge dessert bar; we were so confused! Afterwards, we wandered around the hotel, enjoying the views and the lovely environment.
Peradeniya University
Finally, we boarded our van and headed back down the hill to our final activity of the day, -a walking tour of Peradeniya University. It's a lovely campus environment with lots of ancient trees and walking paths scattered between the various faculties. But for our girls, it was very inspirational to wander the campus and imagine being a student here one day!
