We arrived in Negombo, Sri Lanka, and immediately headed for a roti and curry dinner! |
The next morning, we caught a bus 3 hours northeast to Dambulla, our base in the Cultural Triangle. |
We stayed at a lovely guesthouse called Dignity Villa, run a by a former chef. |
There's not much in Dambulla, except the Dambulla Caves on the outskirts of town. This ginormous cheesy Buddha hovers over the entrance. |
The Caves are hewn into the mountain rock, and these very cool statues of monks line the walls. |
You have to pose with elephant statues. You're in Sri Lanka, after all... |
After a long, hot walk, we made it to the Cave entrance. |
Some of the Caves hearken back to antiquity; some are as recent as the 20th century! |
A Reclining Buddha in one of the Caves. |
More Buddha goodness. |
Amazing wall and ceiling paintings, that have survived to modern times. |
A low ceiling in one of the Caves. |
Some of the Caves are for worshipping; this is one of the most sacred interiors. |
More Buddhas. |
...and more |
There were 5 or 6 Caves, each with its own set of Buddhas and imagery. |
One of my favorite Cave statues... |
Taking a break near the Cave ponds. |
The view from atop the Cave entrances. |
Dambulla is much prettier from atop the hill than actually being in Dambulla, if you know what I'm sayin'. |