Started this morning by finishing our visit to some sights in Anuradhapura that we missed yesterday. First stop was the Sacred Bodhi (Bo) Tree – home of an offspring of the tree where Buddha found enlightenment. This was bought from India by Sangamitta, the daughter of the great Indian emperor, Ashoka, who had sent his son Mahinda (who we learnt about yesterday when visiting Mihintale) to spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the country and we saw many during our visit. Most are dressed in white clothing which is a sign of equality. It is believed that all people are equal when dressed this way.

Got introduced to the national flower- blue water lily - and presented with one today so we could make an offering at the shrines surrounding the tree. There were some beautiful sights around the tree and a feeling of tranquility across the whole site.

We then moved on to see the Ruvanmali Maha Stupa which was built in 140 BC and is considered one of the important ones in the area. It is certainly a magnificent sight as you walk up the walkway to it . Again we saw many people dressed in white paying homage and bearing gifts for Buddha. Also this area was full of monkeys playing in the trees which we were advised to avoid due to the risk of rabies!!

As we farwelled Anuradhapura I thought about all that we had seen and how much there was that could still be seen if one had several days or even a week to work their way around this ancient city. 197 kings have ruled in Sri Lanka over the centuries so there is so much of historical significance that I feel we only got a tiny glimpse of the area.

Headed through beautiful rural countryside all lush and green towards our next stop – Giritale a small rural village set on the banks of the Giritale Reservoir that was built in the 7th century.Giritale has a large water tank created artificially by the ancient rulers to collect water, to be used later for irrigation. Giritale tank is surrounded by forest area which is marked as National forests in Sri Lanka. These forests are home to elephants, leopards and a wide variety of animals, birds and plants.

Here we got on bikes and cycled through some of the villages surrounding the Dambalawewa Lake. Have to say I couldn't see much as I had to spend my time concentrating on keeping the bike upright. As I feared it did not come easily to me – am assured by my fellow travellers that the quality of the bike did not help!!!! The roads/paths were dirt, potholed with the added danger of motorbikes rushing past. Finally we reached our destination – a small village where we were invited to have lunch with a local family. Sat outside, enjoyed a nice cold beer, then proceeded to eat a freshly cooked meal of local delights….well delightful for those who enjoy hot, spicy food!!!!

Some of my fellow travelers were adventurous enough to cycle back towards Giritale where we are staying tonight. Personally I took the easy option and got a lift back to the main road in the back of a jeep. Not sure which was harder- the bike or the jeep but both were back-jarring rides and we took comfort when we reached our bus!!

After a physically exhausting 2 days I am resting on my bed writing this blog. Not sure if I will even bother with dinner tonight. Managed to hobble outside to watch the glorious sunset but can feel the muscles starting to cramp up……might see if they have a massage available.

Bye for now and lets see what tomorrow brings. Xx