By Pallavi Verma 
Awakening to Serenity:
The day began with the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the trees, bathing Ella in a gentle light. From the balcony of our homestay, we gazed out at the picturesque rice fields, surrounded by coconut and mango trees. Birds were chirping melodiously, filling the air with life. In the distance, we could see the locals heading to work and children walking to school, a daily rhythm that felt so peaceful and connected to nature.
A Traditional Sri Lankan Breakfast:
At 8 a.m., our gracious host, Di, arrived with a delicious traditional Sri Lankan breakfast. The meal was a delightful spread: coconut roti, fresh banana and papaya, sandwiches filled with spicy potato, and of course, tea. The simplicity and flavor of the food brought a sense of warmth, making it one of those memorable breakfasts that stays with you long after the journey ends. We savored every bite while gazing out at the soothing view from our balcony.
A Walk Through Tea Gardens:
After breakfast, we freshened up and decided to head to Ella railway station to sort out the refund for our disrupted train journey. The walk from our homestay was beautiful, taking us through lush tea gardens that stretched over the hillsides. The serenity of the landscape was mesmerizing, with tea pickers going about their work, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
Ella Railway Station and Market Stroll:
Once we arrived at the station and inquired about our refund, we were told that they didn’t have the funds at that time and asked us to return in the afternoon. Instead of feeling discouraged, we decided to enjoy a walk around the local market. The market was vibrant, buzzing with activity, and full of inviting smells. We treated ourselves to some hoppers, a beloved Sri Lankan dish that never disappoints. Feeling refreshed, we walked back to our stay to relax.
Relaxing Afternoon and Conversations with Our Host:
Back at the homestay, we enjoyed hot tea with snacks, followed by a refreshing bath as the humidity of the day started to settle in. Later, we had a lovely conversation with our host about dinner. After mentioning that our dinner the previous night wasn’t very satisfying, she smiled warmly and asked for our preferences, ensuring she would prepare a more delicious meal.
A Dinner to Remember:
That evening, Di prepared a mouthwatering dinner that exceeded all expectations. The spread was a mix of local flavors and creativity, including jackfruit curry, pumpkin curry, spicy potatoes, ladyfinger masala, rice, and coconut chutney. The flavors were rich, vibrant, and perfectly spiced, making the meal one of the best we’d had in a long time. It was a fulfilling, satisfying dinner that left us grateful for the care and effort our host had put into it.
Stargazing Under the Clear Sky:
After dinner, we spent time stargazing from the balcony, enjoying the stillness of the night. The sky was dotted with bright stars, and we found ourselves pointing them out, using maps to identify constellations. It was a perfect way to wind down, letting our minds wander amidst the vastness of the universe.
Drifting Off in Peace:
Content and relaxed, we eventually went to bed, ready to explore the beauty of Ella the next day. The memories of the day, from the charming breakfast to the magnificent dinner and the peaceful surroundings, stayed with us as we drifted off into a restful sleep.
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