Dambullah Cave Temples

This is one of 5 caves halfway up a hillside which house the most incredibly well preserved Buddhist statues and ceiling paintings, many dating from the 4th C AD.

As well as us tourists, a steady stream of locals made their way up to offer thanks for new born babies or offer prayers for recovery from illness, or in the hope of becoming pregnant, preferably a boy child. We were fascinated to watch an elderly lady offer a coconut with a lit candle in it as she made her prayer before smashing the nut with impressive force on a sacred rock.

The rest of the day consisted of having body massages at a spice plantation, a graceful display of local dance and invigorating drum music and other touristy things. In Kandy for two nights.

Thanks again for stars and comments and for sticking with me despite my lack of reciprocation.