Location: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Trincomalle is a natural deep port on the north-east of Sri Lanka. The town is pretty much just business, without even a shopping district (gasp!), so it serves as access to more touristy things in the center of the island. Because of this there was no “bus around town” tour, so I signed up to visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla.

After a two hour ride, we arrived at the cave temples of Dambulla. Unusual things:

1. At the farmer’s market along the street, they were selling individual aquarium fish – I have never seen a pet store in a farmer’s market
2. We visited a hotel restroom before heading to the site, and I found the tile work interesting. Yes, I’m including a picture of bathroom tile…

On the way up to the caves we passed a snake charmer. Our local guide said the cobra had their fangs pulled, but I decided to not chance it.

As we climbed our guide had advice – wear a hat, drink water and DO NOT CARRY FRUIT. Seems the local purple-faced monkeys will totally mug you.

I’m used to removing my shoes to enter holy sites, but this was the first time we had to stay un-shoed for the entire exterior as well. The sites were a series of nearby caves; over time buildings were built to protect the cave entrances, and then paving stones were added to the outside of the buildings. The main outdoor focus was a shrine with Buddhist flags.

There were flowers floating in an outside basin. I’ve seen similar decoration thruout south Asia.

The cave complex began with a Stupa, which houses relics of past monks.

The caves are full of Buddha statues, some carved directly out of the wall of the granite caves.

While other statues were brought into the caves.

Typical offerings to the statues are flowers, with reflect the Buddhist idea of the impermanence of life.

In addition of the flowers and statues were amazing wall and ceiling paintings.

As we exited the caves there was a small pond, occupied by an attention getting lotus.

After walking down from the caves, we drove to the Golden Temple.

I have no idea when they have a giant Gold Buddha on top of what looks like a carnival fun-house.

To the right side there was a line of monk statues.

They did have a lovely assortment of flowers.

Things as we drove back to the ship:

• We saw three wild Asian elephants in the field – unfortunately they were in tall grass and then entered into woods, so no pictures
• We passed a part of the road lined with orange banners – our guide said a local high priest had died recently, thus the orange “saffron” color of the banners

• I noticed that the street signs were in three languages: Sinhalese, Tamil and English

A very hot (almost 100 degF) but enjoyable day. You can be forgiven for forgetting that only 10 years ago there was a violent civil war. There is a lot of historical sites I will not have time to visit, but in two days I will dock in Colombo and get more chances.