Ancient Sri Lankan Stuff!

Trip Start Dec 23, 2007

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Trip End Ongoing

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Where I stayed

Milano Tourist Rest Anuradhapura

Flag of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Thursday, February 4, 2010

Having arrived in Sri Lanka at 6:30am, I met my driver Mahinda, and immediately drove out to Anuradhpura. Along the drive I crashed a bit and found Sri Lanka to be very similar to the Philippines - lush, tropical, tiny roads, motorbikes and dogs all over those roads, and friendly locals. Anyway, four hours later we found a guesthouse and were off to see the sights.

Anuradhpura was founded settled around 900 BC and was the site of the kingdom until about 1100 AD. Temples and shrines in this area tend to be almost 3000 years old, with one of the more interesting ones being the Bodhi tree. This tree was cut from the original Tree
of Enlightenment, where the Buddha gained enlightenment, and has been continuously guarded for over 2000 years, apparently making it the oldest known tree in the world.

Several other temples/ruins of note:

Lovamahapaya - site of a 9 storey monastery home to 1000 monks who guarded the Bodhi tree

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Ruwanwelisaya - the largest stupa in the area with an incredibly tranquil and peaceful                 atmosphere, very much like the atmosphere in McLeod Ganj, India (Dalai Lama's home).

Jetavana - the 3rd tallest structure in the ancient world after the Pyramids (400ft).

Moonstones - The only remaining one in Sri Lanka. These were entranceways that represented movement from the secular to sacred worlds by following the path of enlightenment.

A very interesting, old place with lots of spirituality.

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