It was my first trip to Sri Lanka. I was assigned for an onboarding visit in Colombo, March 2004. Hectic days. Jakarta, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Colombo, back to Jakarta... However, it was such a great trip around Lanka. The country is very beautiful. After 2 days of onboarding in Colombo, I decided to extend my stay to 2 days and covered the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Sigirya, Pollonaruwa. Really wanted to catch Kandy, but there was no time... Well, I am saving Kandy for the future then...Sri Lanka is like a pearl at the tip of India subcontinent. This Buddhist country has been torn by years of war between Buddhist Sinhaleses and Hindu Tamils, especially in the northern area around Jaffna. Sri Lankans are mostly gentle, friendly and helpful. Sri Lanka or Ceylon is famous for its beaches and tea. Ceylon tea is amongst favorites for tea lovers from all over the world.
Colombo : I explored the ex Portuguese City of Colombo by three-wheeler. It was fast, efficient and affordable. 3-4 hours of strolling across the town gave enough feeling of this old colonial town which was passed from Portuguese to Dutch to British hands.
Anuradhapura : One of the 3 ancient capitals of Lanka (the other 2 were Kandy and Pollonaruwa) forming the UNESCO Cultural Triangle World Heritage site. Anuradhapura today is just ruins. In the past it was a burstling metropolis and one of the center for Buddhism studies, inviting Buddhist pilgrimage from all over Asia.
Sigiriya : My ancient town tour actually started in the 1500 years old Sigiriya Rock fortress located on top of Sigiriya Rock Hill. Sigiriya is located near the ancient town of Habarana. The Lion Terrace, the view from the top, the ancient murals, and the exhausting climbing all added to the joy of this visit. 
Pollonaruwa : 2 hours from Anuradhapura is Pollonaruwa, the second great capital of Lanka, between 11th and 13th century. Here one can find ruins of the Royal Palace, royal bath, citadel, council chamber, and many more stupas.
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