Sri Lanka

Right after we have booked the trip to Sri Lanka the government started the attack against the Tamil Tigers. Owing to our smart guide and good driver we had no troubles at the military checkpoints. In Colombo, soldiers were abundant everywhere while the UNHCR trucks reminded of the many casualties of the conflict. Outside the capital, however, almost any sign of war was gone since the fights were confined to a small area in the north of the country. Driving on Sri Lankan roads together with pedestrians walking on the road, rickshaws, motorbikes and busses was quite an adventure. As seen by our own eyes, the narrow winding mountain roads also claimed their victims.

Habarana and vicinity

The northern central province was the seat of several capitals of the ancient kingdoms of the first and early second millenium: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. After their distruction by wars the cities vanished in the jungle until they have been rediscovered by British scientists in the 19th century. Today, the rock fortress of Sigiriya is regarded as the 8th wonder of the world.

Kandy and vicinity

Kandy is nestled on the cool moutain slopes of central Sri Lanka. From here numerous tea plantations stretch all the way up to the high plains of Nuwara Eliya at 2000 m (6000 ft) altitude.