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Published: January 19th 2015
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Huge Dagoba - Anarhadnpura
Water pool in the foreground So after a relaxing night and a little shopping in Kandy, went down to the local busy station to get a bus to Anuradhapura. Buses leaving all the time and soon found the one I wanted. Ushered on and sat towards the isle with my backpack in the isle. Around midday and not too busy. But winding our way through the hills soon the bus was packed. The conductor soon got tired of squeezing his way past my backpack so took it to the front somewhere... So many people, couldn't even see it.... Slight deja vous. Hoping I will see it again at the other end. Locals assuring me its fine.... So down into the watery plains of the north.... Whizzing along! Spotted my bag at some point and thankfully was there when we arrived 😊 Not the most comfortable journey.... 4 1/2 hrs 190 lkr around 1 pound.
Tuktuk to the hotel for the same price... 5 min ride! Stayed at lake view hostel... No such view but had a wander round the lake.... Horrible amount of mosquitos about even well before dusk... Fully clothed still didn't help!
So next day went to the ancient city.... Hired a
bicycle. Nice and breezy cycling even though it was baking. A bit confusing where to go... Huge Dagobas....no obvious route imbetween. Ended up in the northern part which was actually a lot more interesting, pools and old palaces etc. Cycled through the dagobas on the way back. Took about 5 hrs. Sore behind!
Another night fighting mosquitos, took an early bus to check out Mithintale. Alot nicer with out all my stuff! Again not really any signs... Right at the roundabout and straight! Found out after heading towards the nearest hill, spotted some drink stalls. Always at the entrance to anything interesting!
So the climb begins, 221 steps the first round and then gave up counting. Very similar ruins on the way up but amazing once you get to the top. Nice big Buddha, dagoba and a rocky viewing platform. Breath-taking views over the surrounding plains. Only a few hills protruding.
Back down, bus back and to the bus station for a bus to Polonnaruwa. Bit more clued up as to what to do now... Secured my bag at the front and sat in plain site of it. Just in case.... But really don't think there is
Stone carvings
steps, pillars, floor, walls.... carvings everywhere! any issue at all.... Just what u do. Another 3 hrs arrived in Polonnaruwa, definitely not the most prosperous place, jumped by a load of touts as soon as I got off. Kindly declined and they soon gave up, went and got another veggie rotti for lunch.
Stayed in a pretty basic place in town but so cheap didn't really feel the need to barter. Veggie curry dinner and an early night.... Seems to be a reaccurring theme at the mo. Not a lot going on later on.
Another early start to get the ruins done. After seeing some pics looked pretty samey. Very pleasantly surprised. Signs and tracks everywhere, pretty hard to miss anything I reckon. Also much more impressive ruins, a lot more complete and amazing stone Buddha's to finish. Probably more enjoyable than most of the other ruins. Done in no time, on a bus again by 12pm.
Quick journey to Kaduruwela, was told i could find a bus to Batticaloa outside the train station. No one seemed to know but there was a train in 20 mins so just waited. Was a little delayed but no one on it. A lot more luxurious
Elephant pool
ancient reservoir and only a tad more expensive.
Very similar to bus travel though, excessive speed, bumping u out of your seat at times and screeching to slow down for cows meandering across the tracks. Doesn't matter what u use to travel on... Always exciting!
Tuktuk to town.... Checked into a properly basic /run down place. Cheap so wasn't that bothered. Walk around, bit of local hassle, a lot of wine shops and altogether not much happening. Saw the sand bar where most of the hotels where but met the only other tourists there and there wasn't much there either. But to make up for the lack of anything had some amazing dinner and breakfast at a local place! Best food yet I think! Arak with soda, whiled the night away chatting to the owner about the past and current problems in Sri lanka.
Was tempted just to head back to Colombo as travelling down this side isnt exactly straight forward. But decided travel while I can and took a 3 bus combo further down the East coast to Arugam bay. Well worth the effort, no one about, lovely and chill.... loads of nice beach front places
Water buffalo
.... with the flock of following egrets to stay.... Not much happening over the next few days thats for sure!!!
much love....
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