Sunday, March 20, 2016

2016 Grand World Voyage, Day 75, Hambantota, Sri Lanka (Part 1 of 2)

Our Sri Lankan friend, Nomico  arranged a tour for 12 of us which was great since this was a first time port visit.  We started the day off visiting the Thissamaharama Buddhist Temple which is 1200 years old.  Our next stop was the Kataragama Kiriwehera one of the oldest temples in the south of Sri Lanka.  This temple rose vertically up 1000 steps, 1.7 miles and 1.9 miles by dirt road.  Seven of us climbed to the top of the mountain, demanding climb but well worth it as the panoramic view from the summit was quite spectacular.  I must admit it really took everything I had to climb that beast!  We had a delicious Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant with a wide selection of curries.  Next we visited Wadhiti Kanda Temple , Hindu and Buddhist temples.  Walking the 200 meter approach road to the temple gave ample opportunity to see wildlife such as; elephants, monkeys, storks, peacocks, crocodiles and even a cobra snake.  We toured both temples and received a blessing from a Monk at the Buddhist Temple.  On our way back to the van we fed the elephants from the offering we shared with the Buddhist monks.  It turned out to be a really amazing day!  This is part one of two....

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