A colourful beetle at Mihintale

We wake up late ... after 1030 and as breakfast is included in the price here it would be rude not to so by the time we're ready to do anything it's well after 11. We decide to stay an extra night and do Anuradhapurna tomorrow and instead head to Mihintale by tuk tuk.  Mihintale is the supposed birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and is one of the few ancient sites where they don't rip you off. It's really interesting but it's very hot and it does involve climbing lots of steps, some quite steep. It's worth it though as there are some great views but we realise why we slept so late ... we are still recovering from our hike up Adam's peak! There are loads of these beautiful beetles around and we've also added an extra pic showing the site.

In the early evening we take bikes from the guest house and go to the ancient sacred bodhi tree ... said to be over 23 centuries old. It's pretty impressive and is quite a magical place as the sun comes down.

Indian curry for dinner at Mango Mango which is nice but Andy is desperate for a beer for some reason and they don't sell it at the restaurant. Oh well, back to the guest house where we can get one ... or not as the case may be! The owner was a bit tipsy this afternoon after having been to a wedding celebration and has crashed out early with the key to the beer fridge in his pocket ... It's not often Andy gets a thirst on for beer so he's not a happy bunny ... he makes do with a ginger beer instead ... not quite the same as Fred beats him at backgammon once again.