We headed to the Ranwali Spice Garden in Matale, where the variety of hand-reared spices was huge. We strolled around its forest-like premises, sniffing, seeing and learning about the various scents, tastes and medicines. The visit ended with some of the people in the group being massaged. Most of us bought medical herb remedies, therapeutic oils and teas for various purposes, from headaches to cholesterol and even beauty treatments.
From there we drove to Kandy, where the next visit was the Dalawa Maligawa, in time to watch the poya ceremony. Known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, its building has undergone several phases of development since the initial building by Vimmalad harmasurya I, the founder of Kandy. Separated from the town by a moat it is highly guarded, as we approached it.
Flocks of black birds unexpectedly covered the sky, adding a certain touch of "witchcraft" tothe whole scenario. Upon entering the gardens which give access to the main entrance we were thoroughly checked and those not adequately dressed (mostly, if not exclusively foreigners) sent back.
From the stone stairways entrance we were led through an ornate tunnel, which opened into a huge courtyard (the drummers'courtyard) with a fine sculpted temple with wood carvings and painted ceilings, where a significant number of devotees were already gathered around.
(to be continued)
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