Anuradhapura
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Up in the area of the ancient cities now and specifically staying at Anuradhapura, which was the capital of the country for over 1000 years.
It was near here that Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka, carried across the India ocean by monks levitating. Well no aeroplanes you see, so levitation was the only way to travel. They landed on a rock in Mihintale and you can still scramble to the top for a birds eye view of the ancient ruins spread out below.
Before passing on the secrets of Buddhism, to the king, the monks gave him a IQ test. Luckily he passed, or they might just have hovered back to India. Intelligence is no longer a requirement for e royal family.
In the city itself is the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba, a massive pure white stupor that towers over the site. It's full of pilgrims, chanting monks and aggressive monkeys. Don't carry an food is the advice. I remember being mugged by a monkey in Thailand, so didn't take any chances.
You can also visit the Sacred Bo-Tree, a seedling for the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. This spin off is over 2000 years old and still looking good. As someone who can't keep a Begonia more than a couple of months, I was seriously impressed.
Staying at a dear little hotel right on the lake. It's very hot here but the hotel has a wonderful pool.
It was near here that Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka, carried across the India ocean by monks levitating. Well no aeroplanes you see, so levitation was the only way to travel. They landed on a rock in Mihintale and you can still scramble to the top for a birds eye view of the ancient ruins spread out below.
Before passing on the secrets of Buddhism, to the king, the monks gave him a IQ test. Luckily he passed, or they might just have hovered back to India. Intelligence is no longer a requirement for e royal family.
In the city itself is the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba, a massive pure white stupor that towers over the site. It's full of pilgrims, chanting monks and aggressive monkeys. Don't carry an food is the advice. I remember being mugged by a monkey in Thailand, so didn't take any chances.
You can also visit the Sacred Bo-Tree, a seedling for the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. This spin off is over 2000 years old and still looking good. As someone who can't keep a Begonia more than a couple of months, I was seriously impressed.
Staying at a dear little hotel right on the lake. It's very hot here but the hotel has a wonderful pool.
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