Anuradhapura

Traveling solo before my volunteer project I decided to book a group tour with Intrepid Travel because it would be the easiest way to get around the country. Plus its a fun way to meet new people. I happened to be the only American, majority were British and Australian. I found transportation rather slow and difficult otherwise. Train service is available but trains do not go to the eastern coast which is very underdeveloped. Hiring a driver is another option besides local bus routes.

Our tour started with a visit to the sacred city of Anuradhapura where I visited the Avukana Buddha Statue. The 40ft tall Buddha was carved from the granite wall face in the 5th century. Afterwards we went to the Bodhi Tree Temple which is the second most sacred place in Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth being first. The Bodhi Tree is allegedly a cutting from the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, and has been continuously guarded for over 2000 years, making it the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The sapling was brought from India to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. The temple complex is surrounded by walls, and is quite busy with monks and worshipers. Note, most temples in Sri Lanka require you to cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes. 

Clockwise: A Dagoba (Buddhist monument) and praying monk. Sitting on
the steps of the Bodhi Tree Temple. Avukana Buddha statue.