Itinerary Information

Day By Day Highlights and Hotel (links for contact)

 

Sept. 11 Wednesday   Depart Toronto  9:40pm Emirates EK242

Sept. 12 Thursday      Arrive Dubai     6:35pm
                                   Depart Dubai   10:10pm  Emirates EK512
Sept. 13 Friday           Arrive Delhi    02:45am   (day free)
                                    Imperial Hotel
Sept. 14 Saturday        Imperial Hotel, Delhi - Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, Chandri Chowk, Raj Ghat, Chor Bizarre, New Delhi, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar    Photos of the Day

Sept. 15 Sunday          ITC Mungai,  Agra (5hr drive) - Agra Fort, sunset Taj Mahal
                             All Photos of the Day

Sept. 16 Monday         ITC Rajputana Jaipur - sunrise Taj Mahal, (6hr drive) Fatehpu Sikri
                            All Photos of the Day

Sept. 17 Tuesday         ITC Rajputana Jaipur - Spice Market, Amber Fort, Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), City Palace, Jantar Mantar       All Photos of the Day

Sept. 18 Wednesday    ITC Rajputana Jaiput - Amber Fort (elephant ride), (Hot Air Balloon), (Birla Temple)                        Photos of the Day

Sept. 19 Thursday       (6hr drive) Depart Delhi 6:50pm UL 196
                                     Arrive Columbo 10:25pm
                                     Jetwing Lagoon Negombo Hotel    Photos of the Day

Sept. 20 Friday            Jetwing Lagoon Negombo Hotel (day free - group arrive 1:35/hotel ~3pm )
                                     7pm Outdoor Welcome Dinner

Sept. 21 Saturday         Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana
                                    All Photos of the Day

Sept. 22 Sunday            Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana - Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi, Brazen Palace, Ruwanweli Seya, Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya rock temple, Kuttam Pokuna, Thuparama, Ratnaprasada, Mahasena's Palace, Mihintale     All Photos of the Day

Sept. 23 Monday           Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana - Sigiriya: Rock Fortress, Water Gardens, Frescos of Maidens, Mirror Wall, Lion Platform, Lion Rock, Royal Citadel; Polonnaruwa (1hr20min): medieval kingdom, lying Buddha, National Museum     All Photos of the Day

Sept. 24 Tuesday           Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana - Ritigala Monastery, Elephant Transit home, Padikaramaduwa Vijaya Maha Vidyalaya rural school, Patikara Maduwa ancient rural village
                                       

Sept. 25 Wednesday       Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy - Dambulla Cave Temples, Matale/Spice Garden,

Sept. 26 Thursday          Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya - tour Kandy, Buddha tooth relic, Royal Botanical Gardens/Orchids

Sept. 27 Friday               Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains National Park: World's End, Baker's Falls, (hiking); Option: Nuwara Eliya town tour

Sept. 28 Saturday           Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle - Pedro Tea Factory & Plantaton, St. Clair & Devon Falls (Br. on the River Kwai), Galle

Sept. 29 Sunday             Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle - Galle tour: Dutch Church, Gov. House, Spice Warehouses, Court Square, Kachcheri, Lighthouses, Ramparts, Marin Wickremasinghe Museum, Galle Fort; Handugugda Estate, Farewell Dinner Party

Sept. 30 Monday            Cinnamon Lakeside, Columbo -  (morning free) (2hr drive), (free time)

Oct. 01 Tuesday             Cinnamon Lakeside, Columbo - city tour, National Museum, Pettah local bazaar, Temples, Wolfendhal Church, Cinnamon Gardens, Sapumal Foundation

Oct. 02 Wednesday        Depart Columbo 10:50am Emirates EK651
                                       Arrive Dubai         1:25pm
                                       Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai (free time)
Oct. 03 Thursday           Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai - Merchant City tour: Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah
Road, Mercado, Royal Family Palace, Dubai Creek, Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Fort Museum; Gold Souq, Spice Souq, Textile Souq

Oct. 04 Friday                Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai - (free or optional) Falconry or Beach

Oct. 05 Saturday            Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai - (free or optional) Snorkling at Fujairah

Oct. 06 Sunday              Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai - (free day) even Dune Dinner in desert

Oct. 07 Monday             Depart Dubai     9:55am Emirates EK 241
                                       Arrive Toronto  3:45pm

Wednesday/Thursday 12 September - Enroute

We were ready in plenty of time and watched a violent hailstorm out our back door while we waited. The limo was a bit early and as we drove to the airport the radio was all abuzz with storm warnings and flight delays. However, our flight was on time. We walked right up to a baggage check counter, but the security line was endless. Still, we had time for a light meal and waited awhile in the departure lounge. The airplane is massive (10 seats across, 2 levels) but nearly every seat was filled. When you’re travelling in economy, nearly all flights are the same. We did get cute little kits with eyeshades, toothbrushes and socks. At midnight we had dinner, and at the halfway point of the flight, sandwiches. Very early in the morning Toronto time we had breakfast. All OK as airline food goes. There were several children and babies near us but for the most part they were quiet. We both slept, or at least dozed, for much of the flight, and arrived in pretty good shape in Dubai shortly after 6pm local time, just as the sun set abruptly.

[Larry adds] I wondered: will someone really be here in Delhi to meet us.  Sure was, and had garlands put over our necks at 3am.  Hotel is a wonderful old luxurious British colonial style.  Everything is perfect.  Internet is good and fast but awkward signon required and these days at $20/day is an atrocious affront to modern travel.

Friday 13 September New Delhi

Saturday 14 September - New Delhi

We both were awake around 3:30, so read until about 6:15 and went for breakfast.  What a great array of good things!  We tried to keep it light but so much temptation.
Our guide for the day, Amit Sharma, and our driver for the week, Sukhdev, picked us up at 9 for an amazing day of exploration and history.  We visited the sites in chronological order, beginning with Qutub Minar, an amazing stone tower,
 also the site of tombs and an iron pillar that has stood 1600 years without rusting or decomposing.  

While we were wandering through this complex, 2 different families asked if they could have their picturres taken with us.  Of course we complied. 

Next at Humayan's tomb, a red stone monument that was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, we climbed steep steps to admire the views of gardens and the intricate designs on the structures.  It was so hot and humid that we were moving quite slowly.

A drive along the Rajpath gave us good views of the India Gate (memorial to 90,000 Indians who gave their lives in WW1)

 at one end and the Parliament/Secretariat, and the Presidential Palace.

Lunch was at Chor Bizarre whee Amit explained the various Indian dishes.  I am finding the food very spicy and my appetite very small, which is ok except it causes concern to servers and others [ Larry makes up for it ].
At the Masjid-I-Jahan-Numa, India's largest mosque, we had to leave our shoes outside, with no confidence they would still be there when we came out. 

 It is a huge place, and can accomodate something like 25,000 worshipers.  Today there were very few.  We could see the Red Fort but didn't visit it [as we were tired and would see a larger version in Agra].  The area in this part of Old Delhi is crowded, dirty and poor.  We got into terrible traffic jam - totally unbelievable by Canadian standards.  Sukhdev is unflappable, squeezing into and through tiny gaps between other cars, bikes, tuk-tuks and vendors stalls, to say nothing of pedestrians [ all with Amit hanging out the window calling out the micro-clearances].
We ended at Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.  It is a pilgrimage site and we watched many people file past.

After a cool bath and rest, we were back in the car to go to the Lodi Gard Restaurant for dinner.  It was lovely to sit in the flickering candlelight under the trees and enjoying a good dinner.  We were tired and glad that service was fairly quick so we couled get back to the hotel and relax [ Larry is a bit under the weather with the travelers disease ]. 

Sunday September 15 - Delhi to Agra (missed entry)

Again we awoke early, but feeling a bit more rested. The hotel is lovely and we hate to leave. Sukhdev picked us up promptly at 9 and we left the city for Agra. We were soon on an expressway travelling through the large city of Noia where many huge apartment buildings and offices are under construction. Then out into countryside that resembles Southern Ontario if you don't look too closely at the vegetation. The air everywhere is very hazy. Thank goodness for this very comfortable, roomy, air-conditioned Toyota van! There is only light traffic, but lots of motorbikes carrying whole families. Usually the driver wears a helmet, but none of the passengers do. We passed an accident scene and saw several motorbikes stopped. Sukhdev said that the bike drivers weave in and out of traffic so he's not surprised. To our Canadian eyes all the traffic is chaotic, but it seems accidents are rare. As we approached Agra, the traffic became much more dense and chaotic, with all kinds of vehicles, motor- , animal- , and human-powered, as well as animals and people wandering or even lying on the streets. Sukhdev is skillful and threaded through all of it calmly and efficiently. The hotel, while not as luxurious as The Imperial, is very nice. The grounds are extensive and lush. We saw a large pool, but didn't use it. Our local rep met us, got us through the check-in process and made sure we had what we needed. Late in the afternoon, our guide, Guru, arrived and we had a sunset tour of Agra Fort. It is red sandstone but within the vast fort is a residential section with a harem area, audience areas and so on, all in white marble with beautiful inlays of semi-precious stones. 

There are wonderful views of the Taj Mahal. We also saw processions of singing & dancing crowds, celebrating the Festival of Ganesh, the Elephant god. Very colourful and joyous. Although our restaurant for dinner was just across from the hotel, Sukhdev insisted on driving us -- with good reason -- because the traffic is so heavy and the streets so crowded it would not be safe on foot. The meal at A Pinch of Spice was the most enjoyable we've had in India. It was mildly spiced with about 6 or 7 delicious dishes. 

It's a family restaurant so we enjoyed seeing kids having fun. We were ready to turn in as soon as we got back to the hotel, managing to fight off sleep only until about 10pm. 

All Photos of the Day

 

 

Monday 15 & 16 September Agra (Taj Mahal) & Jaipur

We were up and on our way to the Taj Mahal by 5:45am in order to enter at sunrise.  Like everywhere security is tight.  We're getting very accustomed to being patted down and having the car scanned by sensors everywhere.  
At the Taj, we had to park a long distance away and take a small tram to the site, where we had another walk to the Taj itself. It really is as astonishing as we had heard -- more beautiful than any building we've ever seen.  We chose not to have our photo taken on "Diana's bench" but our guide kindly shot pictures of us several other places.  He said some people want to sit where she was photographed, but most people prefer not too because she was an unhappy unlucky lady.
The Taj Mahal has been photographed and described very well so many times, I won't even try, but it is indeed breath-taking.

Back at the hotel at 7:30 we had an excellent breakfast, then packed up and met Guru and Sukhdev for the trip to Fatehpur Sikri.  This is another Mughal fort, an hour or so from Agra. Along the way we saw busy markets, more crazy traffic, sometimes tuk-tuks carrying 8 people; we found it crowded with 2 in Delhi.  The fort is a vast red sandstone structure with beautiful carvings.  The king had 3 wives: Muslim, Hindu and Christian.  Each wife had her own residence in the fort.  

Attached to the fort is a lovely mosque which we saw from a distance but did not visit.
Leaving the fort, we dropped Guru (guide) off to catch local transportation back to Agra, and proceeded on our way to Jaipur on a very good highway though similar agricultural country side with occasional villages and markets.
Coming into Jaipur was once again to be plunged into chaos, but Sukhdev is familiar with the city and navigated to the hotel easily.  Security is not so tight here, with a check of the car at the gate, a detector and scanner at the door, but no pat-down. [of course just down the hall from our room 2 soldiers with rifles sit opposite each other.  I waved last night and they jumped to their feet and saluted]
As usual, we were greeted by a very pleasant local rep who outlined our stay and saw us through the check-in.
The room here is far nicer than the one in Agra, with a desk for the computer, chairs and a nice view of the pool area.  Sukhdev picked us up at 7 to drive us to the very grand hotel for dinner. It was a very very nice dining experience with attentive staff and a conversation with the charming chef.  There were dancers performing outside in the garden and we had a good view from our table.  Unfortunately, by the time we got back to our own hotel Janice was hit with the dread traveller's illness.  We hope that, like Larry, she recovers quickly.  At least the timing was good. 
All Photos of the Day

Tuesday 17 September - Jaipur

I stayed at the hotel while Larry visited the museum and other sites; he has written it up him self below
[  We met our guide, Mahendra, together but Janice was not up to the morning tour.  We first had a photo-op at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds.  It was built as a viewing place for the sequestered ladies of the court to view the excitement of the city.

We then went on to the Jantar Mantar, an unbelievably large assortment of astronomical/astrological instruments which on a sundial basis allows calculation of planet movements, time of day down to seconds, latitude and longitude etc.  Marvelous collection but on a scale that defies imagination.

Then off to the City Palace, still the home of the royal family,  but now a museum of 19th century men's and ladies gowns and military weapons.

We visited an artist exhibit as well and with great resistance I sat for an explanation of the artist's techniques with natural dyes and a single hair brush.  He did a free sketch for Janice and I but unfortunately I was led to buy an excellent elephant painting and because I was the first customer of the day he threw in a second free drawing of an elephant on genuine 19th century rice paper legal documents which he bought in bulk at auction (really!)

Back to the hotel to see Janice. Skipped the lunch at the Spice Court Restaurant but Janice is feeling a bit better so we hope to make it back to the Rambagh Palace for dinner.
In the afternoon the hotel staff brought Janice 2 dozen roses to make her feel better.  I think it worked as we will make dinner tonight ]
In the evening we returned to the Rambaugh Palace for dinner, and again it was just great.  I didn't eat much, but what I had was delicious.  This time we sat outside on the terrace where we had an excellent of the dancers.
All Photos of the Day

Wednesday 18 September - Jaipur

We met Mahendra, our guide, and Sukhdev early for the trip to the Amber Fort.  As we got close, we stopped for a photo op with a young elephant, then joined the lineup for the elephant ride up the hill to the fort.  There were many vendors but they are not insistent or rude, so not a problem.  Eventually it was our turn and we sat on the seat on the elephant's back.  It was difficult to get balanced, and also to keep our feet from banging into the walls.  Not a comfortable ride, but an interesting experience. 

Once up the hill we climbed further into the fort and discovered a wow-wow-wow residential area, with beautiful carvings, mirrored mosaics, frescoes and architecture.  So beautiful!

From the fort we drove to a jewellery manufactory where we saw the process of cutting and polishing gems and their setting into silver, then many beautiful pieces of jewelery.  We resisted but it was hard.
From there, we continued to a textile operation.  I had fun block printing a piece of cloth and then we SHOPPED.
We didn't have the same resistance here and its clear we a capacity problem with our luggage.  What to do?  [Janice got a cotton/silk table cloth,  and Larry succumbed to the lure of 6 custom tailored shirts]

 

Our evening meal was in a private home, Sankotra Haveli, where we were hosted by the patriarch and his son and daughter-in-law.  They explained that their fore-fathers were feudal lords under a maharaja until that system was mostly done away with after the independence of India in 1948.  They retained this 200 year old large house in Jaipur and some acres in their home village, which they still have.  24 members of the extended family live together.

We were greeted with red dots on our foreheads and flower garlands around our necks.  the meal was varied and delicious, though once again I ate very little.  It was our first time eating goat, and we quite enjoyed it.  This couple's 9-year old son  is away at boarding school and apparently just starting to do better in most subjects except English.

After the meal we returned to our hotel where the tailor was patiently waiting with Larry's new shirts. 

Photos of the Day

Friday 20 September - Negombo Sri Lanka

We opened one of the blinds so we could lie in bed and watch the activity around the vast swimming pool.  [ Remember that all the photos in the blog can be clicked for a larger view]

Several brilliantly-dressed young ladies carrying large bouquets went by (one in white, others coloured dresses - wedding coming..? ), and so did a few tourists and several staff.  The sky was a bit cloudy, a relief after so much sunshine in India. 
Finally we dragged ourselves out and wandered to the breakfast area where we enjoyed breakfast and the lagoon view.  At breakfast there was a sudden rain squall.  It had lessened somewhat by the time we returned to the room, but we regretted not taking the umbrella which was provided in our room.
Unfortunately breakfast sat poorly and I was soon back in bed.  More sleep, then the realization that I need to start taking the antibiotics.  We decided not to go to the restaurant for lunch under the circumstances.  [ and also because our program didn't include it today. Soooo a suitcase lunch ]
In the early afternoon we wandered to the shady side of the enormous swimming pool and made ourselves comfortable.  Larry went for a swim and then we relaxed and read until we spotted Maria-Angelica, Sally-Jo and Cathy arriving from the airport.  They joined us poolside then everyone came to our room for wine & cheese (which Larry had catered from room service).  Larry greeted everyone wearing his new

Dhoti Kurta, which was quite a hit.

Eventually we adjourned to the lawn beside the lagoon for a sumptuous seafood dinner by moonlight.  Nuwan, our very fine guide, pointed out that where we see a 'man-in-the-moon', Sri Lankans see a rabbit (have a look, its really there').

Saturday 21 September - Habarana

We were up and out of the hotel before 8, all of us sorry to leave such a comfortable, interesting place.  There was a photography session around the pool for a large and beautiful wedding, so shot a few photos ourselves.

First stop of the day was the Negombo sea food market.  We picked our way between mats covered with drying salted fish 

and into the hustle and bustle of the very busy market.  Around the outside were other vendors with many kinds of fruit and veggies and some permanent set-ups with convenience-store type items.
At Pinnawela we visited an elephant sanctuary where Maria-Angelica, Lar and I watched Cathy and Sally-Jo enjoy a ride on one of the elephants, and other people helping with the elephant baths. 

The lunch we were served at the owner's home was delicious.
At Sigiriya, only Larry thought the climb to the top [1000 steps] had any appeal.  Sally-Jo and I decided to go part way, while Cathy and Maria-Angelica went for a photo of the site from another vantage point and to have a tea.
When Sal and I reached our limit, Lar decided to turn back too. [now off the hook for the 1000 steps]. 

We had seen so much already - water gardens, grottoes used by monks for living and meditation, wall frescoes, 2 defensive moats ( with a few surviving crocodiles that we didn't see) and a huge bathing pool.  It's a vast and intriguing complex dating from 1600 years ago.
We made a roadside stop to eat mangoes and plantains from the market visit, then on to the very lovely Cinnamon Lodge at Habarana.  Another fabulous place to stay.  We all stopped for a bit, some taking baths or showers before we headed to the dining room for an excellent buffet.  Then it was early to bed.      All Photos of the Day

Sunday 22 September - Habarana

We were slow starting today and delayed our departure until 8:45.  Our first stop was Minitale, where we climbed a long staircase before removing our shoes and hats to enter the shrine area.  None of us chose to climb to the place from which Buddhism was first presented to the king, a high steep area.

Then off to Anuradhapura, first capital of the island (5th century BC to 9th century AD).  This is a vast complex of shrines and ruins with many beautiful dagabas (relic chambers) and Buddha sculptures.  To enter shrine area we had to remove shoes and hats and leave parasols folded.  Some of us have very "tender tootsies" and found walking on the hot pavement excruciating.  

We examined a very well preserved moonstone - the first step leading into a temple - and Nuwan explained how it represented the human condition.  The vendors were quite persistent at a few places if we showed any interest at all, but generally we had no trouble.
There were snake charmers at various places, but we chose not to pay to see their acts.  
We had another big lunch at the Palm Garden Garden Village hotel, then drove back toward our own hotel.  Nuwan knew of a spa nearby that he and his wife really like, so we stopped for a look.  Cathy, Sally-Jo, Maria-Angelica and I all decided to go for the "full treatment" while Larry went back to the hotel to wait for us [and manage the photos]. 
We started with a head, neck and shoulder massage using herbal oils--so much for the fancy coiffures!  Then a full-body massage, including special attention to areas of injury or pain --- we all found this the most "full-body" we'd ever experienced.  Then a sauna session, followed by a heat table -- lying on a wooden slatted platform covered leaves with a heat source below, and a large curved cover over top, with only our heads out -- for about 10 minutes, then a strange ( as if the rest was totally familiar! ) time lying on our backs with our eyes covered and oil ( or something ) dripping from a container and running across our foreheads.  Then shower and shampoo, followed by facial scrub and massage with cream.  We were all very relaxed afterward.
Back at the hotel we picked up Larry and went for dinner and then off to bed. 
All Photos of the Day

Monday 23 September - Habarana

On the way to breakfast we saw a large group of monkeys cavorting along the paths and across the grass. As we walked past, one reached out and tried to grab Larry's leg but soon thought better of it.  The others saw a band of monkeys destroying the roof of one of the units by tossing off the tiles.
We were late starting once again, but eventually were on our way to Polonnaruwa.  This was the second capital of Sri Lanka (C10-C12 AD) and features artificial reservoirs, with sophisticated systems of sluices.  We visited sites of several large buildings and the museum. Most impressive was the Gal Vihare Complex with 4 massive Buddha images carved into the cliff side from one slab of granite. 

Lunch was with a local family, and was delicious - probably my favourite Sri Lanka meal so far.
Mid-afternoon found us at Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari.  We were pretty crowded and uncomfortable sitting sideways on benches in the back of the small jeep as it travelled over deeply rutted roads for 3 hours.  However we saw many elephants 

and lots of birds. [ we were even "treated" to a couple of elephant charges as jeeps got too close. Of course the jeeps charged away and the elephants gave up.  Our guide said that at times the elephant wins and on one of his excursions the elephant trashed the front-end of a new jeep.  There are also a mother/daughter elephant couple that charge jeeps on site because they lost a baby on the nearby highway. ]
We were happy to get back to the hotel, where Sally-Jo, Maria-Angelica and I went for a refreshing swim while Cathy and Larry rested up from the day [No, I actually worked on photos for the last 2 days]. After dinner we were ready for bed.     All Photos of the Day

Tuesday 24 September - Habarana

What a great way to start our day -- with a visit to a village school!  We spent time with each of the 4 classes, looking at their work, giving them candy and singing "Head and Shoulders" with them.

There were some students away attending a ceremony so the ones there have a story for them when they come back.  We left our gifts with them -- beautiful CANADA teeshirts for each child from Marie-Angelica, fabulous balls, books and pens from Sally-Jo, some teachers' resources from Cathy and notebooks and skipping ropes and coloured pencils from us.  The teachers were pleased and we had fun with the kids.
From there we travelled to an elephant transit house - a home for orphaned elephants who will be released into the wild after 5 years.  One poor baby had been badly burned from wandering into a brick kiln and must stay isolated to avoid further injury. 

 The others live together in a herd of 5 youngsters.  

There is also a blind deer that lives on the premises.
While we were there I tripped, wrenching my problem hip and for an awful moment both Larry and I thought I'd hurt it all over again.  I quickly realized it was not as bad as when I first injured it, but I've re-activated my limp.  Drat!!
We had another lovely village lunch, and Sally-Jo was brave enough to try chewing betel nut.  It turned her tongue orange but did not discolour her teeth.  Also made her dizzy.
Next stop was a batik operation, then a silk place.  There was shopping.
When we got to the hotel, Marie-Angelica was ready for a rest, Cathy for a drink and the rest for a swim and drinks.
In the evening we enjoyed a really special private bbq on an island in the adjoining lake, where we saw the most spectacular huge moth ever.
Back in our rooms we found beautiful flowers on the bed and a good luck message spelled out on our table.  
A truly great day! 
[Pack up and off to Kandy tomorrow ]
 

Wednesday 25 September - Habarana to Kandy

After checking out of the Habarana Cinnamon Lodge, we proceeded to Dambulla.

 [Monkey family on steps during climb]

It was quite a climb, but well worth it.  It's a 5 cave complex dating from the second century BC up to the 19th century AD with huge and beautiful carvings and wall paintings.  Really awe-inspiring, and feeling very much like a "thin place".

At Matale we had a really interesting lunch of local fare, eaten off large leaves, with drinks from coconut shells, while we looked out over rice paddies.

Then we toured the Ranwali Spice Garden and enjoyed a free foot massage, 

before browsing in the store.
The drive to Kandy was winding and generally uphill.  Road construction slowed us down, but the scenery is spectacular.
Our hotel, another Cinnamon property, is different from all the others, sprawling and very nice.
We unpacked and headed out for a really enjoyable cultural show.  It included drumming, dancing and firewalking.

By that time it was dark and we could see the first star and bats by the hundreds flying overhead.
We continued to the vast Temple of the Tooth.  What an amazing place!  The music that echoed across the complex was deafening up close and we enjoyed seeing the paintings representing the history of The Tooth, and the many rituals being carried out around the complex.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed a late dinner and to bed. 
All Photos of the Day