๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri Lanka

    Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - UNESCO World Heritage Site #3 on our Day Tour of North-Central Sri Lanka

    The third and final UNESCO Heritage site we visited on our day trip to North-Central Sri Lanka was to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom in, and capital of, Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Trade and agriculture were key here, leading to the building of an intricate irrigation system that still used today to supply the water necessary for the paddy cultivation in the eastern part of the country. This was probably our favorite part of the tour, especially since we love exploring ancient ruins. -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐThere are many ruins scattered throughout the site. Auto-generated description: Ancient stone ruins feature weathered walls and steps, surrounded by lush greenery.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone walls and pathways are surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a historical park or garden.Auto-generated description: An ancient stone structure, surrounded by lush greenery, features a series of vertical pillars on a raised platform.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone carvings adorn a tiered, weathered wall surrounded by lush greenery.Here is a ladder leaned up against a ruin wall to show the scale of some of these ruins.Auto-generated description: A tall ladder leans against the moss-covered brick wall of a dilapidated structure.There are many statues scattered throughout the site, sometimes framed by things like doorways.Auto-generated description: An ancient stone statue stands amidst historical ruins and greenery.Auto-generated description: Stone ruins with a statue framed by multiple door-like structures.These two jokersโ€ฆ.Auto-generated description: An intricately carved ancient stone statue depicts a figure holding a staff or club and a conch shell, standing in an ornate archway.Auto-generated description: A stone carving depicts a standing figure in an elaborate, traditional attire with intricate details, flanked by smaller figures.โ€จโ€ฆwere guarding the stairways to see this guy.Auto-generated description: A seated stone statue of a serene figure is set against a backdrop of ancient, moss-covered brickwork and greenery.Auto-generated description: A seated Buddha statue is surrounded by intricate stone carvings and flanked by ancient, weathered pillars on a raised platform.Peek-a-Boo.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars with intricate carvings stand in front of a seated statue amid a lush green backdrop.Nope, he was actually the centerpiece in this ruin.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars and steps lead to a statue standing within a historic ruin surrounded by lush greenery.The ruins have quite a bit of detail still visible.Auto-generated description: An ancient, weathered stone wall features intricate carvings and layered architectural details, partially covered in moss.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars with intricate carvings stand amidst lush greenery under a cloudy sky.Auto-generated description: A stone statue stands in front of ancient ruins surrounded by greenery.Didnโ€™t I already tell you there was no more monkeying around?!Auto-generated description: A monkey is walking along a stone ledge surrounded by greenery.There are many temples to see.Auto-generated description: A weathered, ancient brick structure overgrown with moss stands surrounded by greenery.And Buddhas sitting, standing, and laying around.Auto-generated description: A large stone carving of a seated Buddha is embedded in a rocky cliff with offerings placed on a table in the foreground. Auto-generated description: A large stone sculpture of Buddha stands next to a reclining Buddha statue carved into a rock face under a protective shelter. Auto-generated description: A large stone depicts a reclining Buddha, accompanied by a standing figure, set within a historical archaeological site surrounded by lush greenery.

    Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress - UNESCO World Heritage Site #2

    The second UNESCO World Heritage Site we saw during our day trip from Colombo was the Sigiriya ancient rock fortress, dominated by the massive column of granite. In the 5th Century, King Kashyapa selected the rock and surrounding area for his new capital. On the top of the rock are archeological ruins, but we didnโ€™t have time to climb up and explore. So we settled for a tuk tuk tour around the area checking out the surrounding ruins. -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Here is the Sigiriya rock:

    No monkeying around - there are many ruins to see:

    The Ruins:

    Cairns in a circle:

    Many ruins have this bright green moss on them:

    I said quit monkeying around:

    Oh, the weird Buddha with the Cobra behind him will definitely scare the monkeys away:

    During the tuk tuk ride, we noticed many of the roads contain these fences - itโ€™s to keep the wild elephants from getting to close to homes and tourists (just like deer fences in the US):

    Dambulla Cave Temple - Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Site #1

    While in Sri Lanka, we did a day tour from Colombo to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the first of which was Dambulla Cave Temple - the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The complex dates from the second and third centuries BC. The main site is spread over 5 caves and contains paintings and statues relating to Gautama Buddha, Sri Lankan kings, and gods and goddesses. -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Here is what the Temple looks like from the outside:

    The cave ceilings are adorn with vivid paintings from centuries ago:

    The caves themselves have many statutes of various numbers and sizes: Auto-generated description: A large, reclining Buddha statue is displayed indoors, surrounded by intricately painted walls and a decorated ceiling.

    Colombo National Museum and Independence Square

    Sri Lanka has a National Museum that was built and opened in 1877. It focuses on the various Sri Lankan Kingdoms that existed before the Dutch took over in 1658, and the subsequent British rule (1796-1948). Interestingly, the museum now holds 6 artifacts that the Dutch took in approximately 1765, that were only returned to Sri Lanka in 2023. -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Wow-look at those feet!

    We also visited Independence Square, dedicated to the independence gained from the British in 1948 (the museum there was closed when we went).

    More highlights from Yala National Park

    If you haven’t seen our first post about our leopard sighting already, go check it out.

    Auto-generated description: A leopard standing in a grassy area with dense foliage in the background.

    A langur monkey with baby Auto-generated description: A langur monkey is sitting on a tree branch with its baby in a forested area.

    An Asian green bee-eater out for a stroll Auto-generated description: A vibrantly colored bird with green, blue, and brown plumage is perched on a branch.

    These painted storks give off some flamingo vibes Auto-generated description: A large bird with a long orange beak and pinkish-white plumage stands in a grassy area.

    “Which way did he go George, which way did he go?” I could have posted an entire album of these two looking in various directions, both of their heads swiveling back and forth surveying the landscape. It was quite comical. Auto-generated description: Two monkeys are sitting on a tree branch in a forested area.

    Asian elephants are different than African ones; here you can easily see how much smaller their ears are. Auto-generated description: An elephant stands on a grassy area surrounded by lush greenery.

    Man, I just really wanted to give this guy some lotion. Look at all those wrinkles! Very wrinkly old elephant

    When you just wait for lunch to magically arrive in your mouth Auto-generated description: A crocodile lies on a grassy bank next to water, holding a branch in its mouth.

    We haven’t seen nearly as many reptiles as I had expected on this trip, but we ran across a whole bunch of monitors here Auto-generated description: A large monitor lizard is walking through a grassy and leafy area.

    These are spotted deer, and they seem like a perfect snack for a leopard, as we nearly witnessed. Auto-generated description: A spotted deer with antlers grazes in a grassy area surrounded by greenery. Auto-generated description: Two spotted deer are grazing in a lush, green field.

    Licking its chops, perhaps starting to get a bit hungry Leopard sticking its tongue out

    Getting a bit more interested… Auto-generated description: A leopard is camouflaged in the dense foliage at the edge of a grassy area.

    But it seemed like the leopard wasn’t willing to work too hard for dinner, at least this early in the evening. Auto-generated description: A leopard stands on a grassy area with dense foliage in the background.

    This little guy seems like a crotchety old character Auto-generated description: A vibrant green bee-eater with a long black beak is perched on a bare, thorny branch against a blurred green background.

    One thing I don’t get about peacocks is how colorful they are…but only from the waist up. It’s like they went over budget during development and had to skimp on the lower half. Auto-generated description: A peacock with vibrant blue and green plumage is standing on the ground surrounded by branches and grass.

    How close does the wildlife get on a safari? Well, sometimes they have to walk around the vehicles. Auto-generated description: An elephant walks along a dirt road in front of a safari vehicle as people take photos.

    Awww shit, that’s the end of the safari photos! (sorry, but we’ve had to see this far too often the last several weeks, so now you get to see it once, too ๐Ÿ˜).

    Auto-generated description: An elephant is defecating while standing amidst lush greenery.

    -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Cheers to 100!!

    Cheers to country number 100 for Jen!!!! Sri Lanka was the lucky country and we ended up having the best leopard experience there.

    It has definitely been a journey to get here, and it hasnโ€™t always been the easiest ride. But that is what travel is all about and Iโ€™m lucky enough to have a husband who loves it all just as much as I do โค๏ธ

    To honor the occasion, Scott and I found a bottle of Proseccoโ€”which my dear friend Helen always loved. Helen was the person who started me on this quest when I met her back in 2013. While she isnโ€™t with us today to celebrate, I know she would have been ecstatic for me and would have raised a glass too. Cheers, my dear friend. I will never forget you โ˜‚๏ธ๐Ÿทโ™พ๏ธ -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Itโ€™s always interesting seeing what American fast food companies sell overseas. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    The highlight of Yala Natl Parkโ€”perhaps the top wildlife experience of our whole tripโ€”was seeing a Sri Lankan leopard! We followed it for a long time, tracking it thru four areas of dense vegetation.

    But this last portion was the best: we watched it (unsuccessfully) go after a spotted deer! -S๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    The Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo

    One of the first places we saw in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo (completed in the late 19th Century).

    It had some interesting โ€œguardsโ€ out front.

    It had many Buddhist figures and other interesting artifacts displayed through out the museum.

    But it also had a bunch of โ€œstuffโ€ (the best I can describe is stuff from your weird grandparentsโ€™ estate sale). Notice the Atlanta Braves bobble head in the third picture. (Apparently these are โ€œofferingsโ€ to the temple)

    Last but not least, Scott took a short video of a very interesting room.

    Monkeys just never follow the rules. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Today was all about Sri Lankan history and culture. Over the course of a 16-hour private day tour, we visited 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and Sigiriya (the Lion Rock Fortress). More photos of each coming this weekend -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Speaking of elephants, we saw several along the road as we drove thru Minneriya National Parkโ€”our first in Asia. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Donโ€™t be a douchenozzle and pay to ride an elephant. Just donโ€™t. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Iโ€™ve noticed some of these โ€œforeigners onlyโ€ toilet facilities here in Sri Lanka.

    They seem to be around touristy areas, where foreigners pay a higher fee. The (controversial) idea is that Western visitors might have higher expectations of hygiene than what is often found in public toilets. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    A men's restroom entrance is shown with a sign indicating it is for foreigners only and a donation box nearby.

    There was a live band at our hotel bar last night, which is always fun to enjoy while overseas. There are usually plenty of American songs being played, but the lyrics sometimes come out as sounds rather than actual words. I find it so endearing. This group did much better than most. -S ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    Sri Lankan art? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    The view from our hotel window in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is of the Lotus Towerโ€”South Asiaโ€™s tallest self-supported structure (1,168 feet). During the day the Lotus flower is purple. But at night, it changes color! -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

    We arrived in Sri Lanka today in the early morning hours following an overnight flight. After a refreshing nap, we headed to an Irish Pub (per our quest to visit one in 32 different countries) for our requisite Guinness and also to grab lunch. This is an Irish Pub in our 18th country! -J ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ