Courtesy of Intrepid, our travelling arrangements for this visit!
Great bikes, helmets and following support vehicle, what is not to like.
First stop, now THIS is a bath for applying medicines, perhaps not your first thought!
-and the first sight of the Stupa, which is of course to house relics, and seen on a significant day, hence the crowds.
-and this is just small view of the ancient site, which is vast, and dates as far back as 2,200 years.
-more later but first the approach to the Stupa–
and inside—-
-ancient water tank, water collection and distribution system had been very sophisticated–
slightly more prosaic, but stunning design, table and chairs outside monks’ accommodation———-
volcanic of course!
Then as we walked round the stupa this vast length of cloth symbolising a robe, was being wound round the stupa by monks-
then we were back out to a more ancient part of the site–
-relics were contained right at the top-and the Buddhist flag, of which there were hundreds–
and another tank, with details, and visitor facilities!
and a famous statue of Buddha, said to have different expressions depending on which side you saw him from——-
-and more of the vast number of building relics-
-we had lunch by the elephant pool-
tho I can’t say why it was called that, is it the size?
wonderful picnic lunch, but too busy eating for photos!
Then on to some architectural detail, tiny amount of the whole-
I am not qualified to explain, you need to do your own research, but here is the view back to remind us of the modern stupa on site–
home for tea!
Before I even start, this is especially for Brian, who alerted me to the profusion of orchids in Sri Lanka, of which more later! This was one of several in a container tied to a tree in the town, so they know about orchids!
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Thirst for experience. 