This morning, we explored the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which has similarities to Angkhor Wat in Cambodia, having been overgrown by jungle for many centuries. It is a tranquil place with the sound of birdsong and a few monkeys to add atmosphere. Occasionally the head of a Buddha has been removed by invaders over the years as it contained jewels such as sapphires. By lunchtime it is really hot even in the shade and plenty of water is the order of the day. This a...

Sri Lanka is getting back on its feet after a brutal civil war between the mainly Tamil population of the North and the Sinhalese run governments in the capital Colombo. It lasted for twenty eight years and only came to an end in 2009. The main road to Jaffna in the north was closed for nearly three decades but now slowly but surely the ballot box is winning over from violence and the grievances of the Tamil people are being addressed. Today was a day for Buddha ...

This morning, we explored the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura - UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well preserved ancient ruins. One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, it was founded about 500 BC. We also visited one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists in the whole of Asia - a replanted branch from the original tree where Buddha gained enlightenment. The afternoon we climbed up to the mountain peak at Mihintale, reputed to be the p...

The first port of call this morning was the famous fish market in Negombo. It's a really interesting local experience as the fishermen bring the days catch to market. The fish are then sorted into different varieties and sold to traders or local people. You can even have your enormous tuna filleted and placed into small pieces for your journey home! Some of the fish is left to dry on the beach and will be transported to more remote parts of the country. After fis...

I arrived yesterday in Sri Lanka and am staying at the coastal resort of Negombo on the Indian Ocean. The duty free area at the airport was one of the most unusual I have experienced - ovens, washing machines and fridges for sale and many people are seen at the taxi rank with huge fridge freezers in their trollies! The ocean is benign and the sunset truly spectacular but only ten years ago this country was badly affected by the Boxing Day tsunami. Fifty thousand ...