Tue 18th August. We flew to Colombo on Air Lanka. As soon as we arrived we were 'captured' by a taxi driver who subsequently took us on the tour of Sri Lanka.

Wed 19^th. In Colombo. Walked round the Fort and went to the Mount Lavinia Hotel for dinner.

The colonial-style Cargill's department store in central Colombo.	Chatham Street in the centre of Colombo.

Thur 20^th. We drove up the west coast, stopping at Negombo fish market. Went to Anuradhapura, saw the sacred Bo tree and Isurumuniya temple. Stayed at Tissawera Guest House.

Fish!

Fri 21^st. Drove round Anuradhapura visiting all the temples - saw Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Thaparama Dagoba, Lankaru Dagoba, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds) and Jetavanarama.  Then drovew on to Polonnaruwa and visited the palace, council chamber, baths, quadrangle and north end.

	The fascinating temples at Anuradhapura - Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba (top left), close-up of the elephants (above) and Thuparama Dagoba (left).
Polonnaruwa - the steps up to one of the temples.	Polonnaruwa - the huge stone buddhas.

Sat 22^nd. We went to Sigiriya and climbed to the top. Also visited the Dambulla caves and Nalanda gedige.

	The amazing rock of Sigiriya - (Top left)  An aerial view - yes, we climbed right to the top!  (Above)  A section of the ascent - not an easy walk! (Left)  Part of the view from the top when you get there.

	Around Kandy - (Top left)  A huge old tree in the Botanical Gardens. (Above)  Bats on a tree branch overhanging the river near Mahaweli Reach. (Left)  The tranquil lake in Kandy.

Mon 24^th.  We looked round Kandy - the market, shops, and Queens hotel....

	(Above and left)  Some of the interesting shops around Kandy market.
The nice old-fashioned Queens Hotel in the centre of Kandy.	Departure board at Kandy railway station.
	An optimistic lorry... fully insured? Let's hope so.

Tue 25^th. Visited Horton Plains and World's End.

Having a cream tea at the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya.	Writing letters and postcards in the library at the Hill Club.
	Meanwhile, out in the market, there are still vegetables for sale.

Thur 27^th. Went back to Colombo.

Relaxing on a tropical island - at the Laguna Beach Resort	A typical coral island - Wadhoo Island in the Maldives.

Sat 29^th. Visited Malé, the capital, on its own separate island.

	(Above and left)  A selection of old, new and unusual minarets in the town of Malé, capital of the Maldives.
Unloading the fish in the fishing harbour at Malé.....
A barrow-load of fish on its way somewhere from the fishing harbour.	Dinner on its way home!
	A marching band in full uniform outside the presidential palace in Malé.

Sun 30^th to Tue 1^st Sept. At the Laguna resort, Jamie and Sheila scuba diving.

Thur 3^rd. Got the train to Galle, stayed at the New Oriental Hotel and had a fantastic meal at the Closenberg Hotel restaurant.

	(Top left).  The old gateway into the fortified city of Galle. (Above)  The old colonial-style 'New Oriental' Hotel in Galle. (Left)  The fishing port at Galle, seen from the city wall.

Fri 4^th. Went to Matara at the southern tip of the island.

The huge, modern buddha at Matara..........
Yet another vegetable stall! This one's in Matara.	Stilt fishermen on the south coast, on the way to Matara.

Sat 5^th. Returned to Colombo. Had lobster thermidor at Mount Lavinia Hotel.

If you would like to read about our other travels, please click here .....