Day 4 To Girithale, a cycle though country villages and lunch with a farming family

As we left our hotel we passed a lone bull elephant walking along the roadside

Stopped for a quick photo of a statue of Buddha, covered in scaffolding, unfortunately 

and a shrine

After 1 hour 30 minutes we arrived at our next hotel which had some beautiful flowers in reception

An inviting swimming pool (for later on!)

and a fantastic view over the reservoir from the lobby area

We drove another few minutes and picked up our cycles. Three of the group followed behind in tuk tuks. Cycling alongside a river for around 6 miles there were plenty of birds a couple of lizards to photograph. 

The track/road was fairly level but very bumpy in places. We also had to negotiate some roadworks. The support truck and the tuk tuks had to make a detour!

 Houses had their own or shared a bridge across the river.

Rice being dried on the road

,,

With a coconut milk stop and tuition on how to blow bubbles with a leaf that's used these days for making bio oil

And then on to the farmers house for lunch. We were welcomed warmly by the whole family and sat down at a long table in the shade of the banyan tree

After a cold drink we were shown how Sri Lankan curries are made

Back on the bikes for another 2 miles to catch the bus back to our hotel. An evening drink with a beautiful sunset

and wedding as well