As I spend plenty of time in Sri Lanka’s traffic-choked capital, I suppose a countryside escape would possibly work nicely – maybe someplace in the mountains – however I’m additionally eager to see part of the nation I’ve not visited earlier than. I resolve to be extra artistic with my prompts, asking for a nature-focused getaway with mountaineering alternatives, views and scrumptious meals. It suggests my least favorite vacation spot, town of Nuwara Eliya, a spot with a chilly local weather the place it rains just about day by day, and is thought by the moniker Little England, as a lot for its climate as for its colonial-style structure. So far, I’m fairly uninspired.
After about an hour of stepping into specifics, telling it the kind of motels I like (intimate locations with out of doors swimming pools and good meals), and the way I’m intrigued by Sri Lanka’s latest mountaineering route, The Pekoe Trail, as nicely asking it to restrict journey instances to 5 hours, it suggests Hanthana, an space I’ve not visited earlier than, simply southwest of Kandy. Known for its distinct peaks, that are dwelling to a wide range of wildlife, together with fishing cats, barking deer and even leopards, it’s additionally the place stage one of many Pekoe Trail begins, winding by emerald tea plantations and picturesque villages. Now, it appears, we’re getting someplace.
For lodging, ChatGPT suggests a number of choices, together with: W15 Hanthana Estate on account of its “outstanding mountain views, elevated service and boutique size”; Aayu Hanthana Boutique Hotel, a spot I’d seemingly have stayed when I was backpacking on a price range in my early 20s; and Hanthana Eco Lodge, which gives nature tourism excursions. I decide on W15 Hanthana Estate, reserving two nights on an all-inclusive foundation because the lodge is nestled in a distant mountain-top location, making getting out for meals somewhat difficult.
The journey to Hanthana
For the journey itself, ChatGPT offers me a few decisions: the Colombo-Kandy Intercity Express departing at 5.45pm or 8pm on Friday, or the 6am prepare on Saturday. It additionally suggests driving, assuming I personal a automotive and the nerve to navigate Sri Lanka’s energetic roads. As I have but to aim driving in Sri Lanka, that is out of the window. Knowing how elusive last-minute prepare tickets might be and reluctant to reach in Kandy (the closest metropolis to my lodge) near 10pm, I resolve to take create my personal schedule. Instead, I head to Colombo’s non-public bus terminal at 9am on Friday morning to take an intercity minibus to Kandy. Minibuses are quick and dependable, and price simply 720 Sri Lankan rupees (round $2). From there, the lodge arranges a personal switch to whisk me up into the hills, with a return journey included as a part of my keep. It’s a considerate contact that ChatGPT overlooks, as an alternative suggesting a expensive cab journey.