We then headed back to the bus and on to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built by King Kasappa in 741AD on the top of a rock (which towers 200 metres over the surrounding plain), as he feared retribution from his family for killing his father. It was a challenging climb to the top (having to scale over 1200 stairs to reach the summit), but was well worth it for the views which greeted us at the top. At the top of the rock there is also the remains of the palace which kin...

Wake up call at 7.00, last night I managed a little more sleep at 7 hours (perhaps by the end of the trip, I may have managed a full night). Breakfast at 7.30, and left the hotel at 8.15. First stop was Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient city built in the 3rd century BC, and regarded as the most important of the ancient cities. It is home to a sacred Bo (or bodhi) tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment, and is the oldest living tree in documented history. ...

Wake up call at 7.00, last night I managed a little more sleep at 7 hours (perhaps by the end of the trip, I may have managed a full night). Breakfast at 7.30, and left the hotel at 8.15. First stop was Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient city built in the 3rd century BC, and regarded as the most important of the ancient cities. It is home to a sacred Bo (or bodhi) tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment, and is the oldest living tree in documented history. ...

Up early today with a 5.30 wake up call, though yet again I had been defeated by jet lag once again. We all met in the lobby for a 6.15am departure and a 2 hour bus ride to Pinnewala elephant orphanage. This orphanage was set up 40 years ago to help look after baby elephants orphaned at a young age, and those affected by landmines. We arrived at 8.45 in time to watch the babies being bottle fed, and then walked down to the riverside to see them being taken down f...

Up early today with a 5.30 wake up call, though yet again I had been defeated by jet lag once again. We all met in the lobby for a 6.15am departure and a 2 hour bus ride to Pinnewala elephant orphanage. This orphanage was set up 40 years ago to help look after baby elephants orphaned at a young age, and those affected by landmines. We arrived at 8.45 in time to watch the babies being bottle fed, and then walked down to the riverside to see them being taken down f...