A ride on Sri Lanka's largest animal

Yesterday we fulfilled a dream we shared for a long time - to visit an elephant orphanage. Memories of that visit will last a long time.

Today, we did something we never imagined we would ever do. We rode an elephant.

Our day actually began in the mountain city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, where we toured a batik factory and a gem museum and factory. Both happened to be close to our hotel.

In tourist places like this, it is clear that these are skillful marketing devices to hook the visitor by offering solid, interesting information. However, we found it quite fascinating to see how batik is developed from a blank cloth to a wrap, top, cushion cover or wall hanging. And at the end of it we did buy a couple of pieces.

Next we stopped at a gem shop where we were ushered to a media room to view a video on how gems are mined. It was most educational.

Then we looked at how a row of artisans were at various stages of creating jewelry with exquisite gems of every type and color.

Not surprisingly, we were finally shown to the floor with a vast array of gem articles. We resisted the urge to buy anything.

Then we were off to see a historic mountain and ride a gentle beast.

Along the way, we stopped to photograph a Hindu temple in a small town and the The Golden Temple Buddha, a World Heritage Site in Dambulla.

We finally made it to Sigiriya, the location of the Sigiriya rock fortress. This mountain is a historical and archeological wonder that has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King Kasyapa (around 400 CE) built a palace atop this column of rock some 200 m high.

In same village is the site where elephant rides are sold.

Cintra climbed the steps first and was helped to a platform on the elephant's back. Then I made my way to the seat and we were off.

There was a guide who spoke to the elephant and guided him with a long rod. We handed our camera to one of the workers and he followed along snapping this memorable occasion. And he did a fine job, as you can see here.

Now we know this was nothing like the real thing. Real elephant riders do not need stairs or a seat with cushions on the animal's back. But this was good enough for us.

I got a bonus as I was offered the opportunity to ride on his neck. I did so for awhile, and chose to go back to the tourist position in the interest of safety.

It was exciting to interact with elephants in a controlled situation. And then on our way to our stop for the night, we saw our first wild elephant by the roadside.

At the end of an exhausting and hot day, we welcomed the opportunity to rest in a lovely and comfortable Hotel Mahanuge in the town of Bendiwewa, Polonnaruwa.

As exciting and historic as this was, we have a few more interesting stops to make before returning to Colombo in a few days.

Please come back.