Anuradhapura

We wanted to be at Anuradhapura well on time to be able to see the ruins on the same day, as again we had only one day to reach there and see the place. Even with an early start, we could only get a 7 Am private bus, as that was the first bus and the first direct government bus was at 9:45. We boarded the private bus and waited - It was going to be a slowwww and long ride. It was barely 120 or so kms and straight roads, but still we reached only by 11. What I liked was, before the journey started, the bus did a parikrama of one of the temples there in Trinchomalee. This was something unusual, first I thought wow the driver is taking us from near the temple, and we got darshan sitting in bus itself. Next moment I realized he was actually doing a parikrama. Nice !

Being a private bus, he just went very slow, waiting every now and then for passengers. We three were squeezed into 2 seats, and it was hot too. Btw bollywood songs were being played. On reaching bus stand, as usual were approached by tuk tuk person. We took the same, and also bought some short eats [chicken burger, chicken bun, veg bun, butter cake, choc bun] from a decent bakery near the bus stand. These all were tasty – should have bought more.

We reached our homestay, and were shown into our room after a welcome drink of pineapple juice. Bed was BIG and there was AC, it was going to be our first comfortable sleep night in Sri Lanka. We requested the homestay staff to negotiate some price for the tuk tuk, the original one quoted some 2500 lankan rupees. The staff came back with 2000 estimate. We went for it, seeing no other choice. We wanted to leave soon, as we didn't want to miss seeing anything just in case it rained.

By 12:15 we were out. The tuk tuk fellow struck a deal with us - 5000 lkr for everything. From what I see, we had to in any case give 3500 per head for tickets and maybe 2000 for tuk tuk. so it seemed fine. Am sure all that money went to his pocket, and maybe we could have bargained more. But in any case it was less than what we had anticipated, so its fine.

Thuparamaya Dagaba - the first Dagaba constructed in Srilanka

It was hot, but still an overall better experience than Polonnaruwa. One it was comparatively less hotter, and second, we didn't have to walk much. Am sure he didn't show us everything. But after 3.5 hours of roaming around, seeing the rings and dagabas we were satisfied & ready to head back.

Ruwanveli seya - one of the largest stupas

On way back we made a stop at food city for much deserved Ice creams. Back in our room we had a huge cuppa of tea. After ishu's Oats, we had dinner in the homestay itself. Some veg fried rice with chicken curry. It was yum. We asked them to pack the same rice for our train journey next day.

Maha Bodhi tree - Sapling of the Shri maha Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment

Our journey here was nearing to an end and I was very satisfied about the whole plan/itinerary, the way it fell through, all the experiences we had, and a good family time we shared travelling together.