Moonstone - Lahugala, Sri Lanka

The moonstone at the Lahugala temple is unique as it is the only moonstone in the country that has a human figure included in the carving. The human figures can be seen on the backs of 4 of the  elephants. The people of this area were supposed to have been known to tame elephants and it is said to be in recognition of this that the human figure was included. This is just a folk tale as far as I am aware.

Veherakanda - Kotte, Sri Lanka

The Veherakanda archeological site consists of a rectangular platform with two buildings shaped like stupas. These are said to be the tombs of Parakramabahu IV and his wife. However, there isn't much information on the site and this could be wrong. The base of the platform, the base of the bigger tomb/stupa and the smaller tomb/stupa are built out of laterite. The ruins are about a 20 minute drive form Colombo.

Jama Masjid - New Delhi, India

The Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jenhand between 1650 and 1656, is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque can accommodate around 25,000 worshippers and is still in use today. We visited on a rainy morning and I'm sure that reduced the number of tourists at the site making it a bit easier to photograph. The bazars of Old Delhi are to the left of this frame and definitely worth exploring.

Lankatilaka Temple - Hiyarapitiya, Sri Lanka

The Lankatilaka temple is said to have been constructed by King Bhuvenekabahu IV in 1344. It is relatively close to the Embekke and Gadaladeniya temples. Its probably best to visit the temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon as it is built on a rock which heats up during the day. 

Abhayagiriya Complex - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

A section of the Abhayagiriya monastery which once housed over 5000 monks. The monastery complex has a number of interesting sites including the "buth oruwa", the Elephant's pond, a moonstone and the Samadhi Buddha statue. It is spread out over a large extent of land and quite often, you have the place to yourself. 

Ras Vehera - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

The reclining buddha statue at the Ras Vehera complex in Anuradhapura. This was another ancient temple that we were fortunate to be able to explore on our own. It was about an hours drive from Anuradhapura and we found our way there thanks to GPS coordinates that I found in a book. It was well worth the drive!

Kaludiya Pokuna - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Most travellers tend to go up to the main Mihintale temple but don't bother visiting the other ruins in the complex. The Kaludiya pokuna is definitely worth a visit as it contains a small stupa and the ruins of an ancient monastery. Pictured above is a cave dwelling near the pond. Monks still meditate in the jungles surrounding this area.

The Citadel - Machu Picchu, Peru

A gruelling 4 day hike brought us from the banks of the Urubamba river to the citadel at Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise from the sun gate. Although the hike is only around 50km in distance, it is at altitude. We spent a few days acclimatising but the first two days on the hike were tough. particularly climbing up to dead woman's pass. Overall it was an amazing experience and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

A morning spent at Medirigiriya - Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

The watadage complex at Medirigiriya in Polonnaruwa is an architectural marvel and is one of seven such stupa houses that remain in Sri Lanka. Brahmi characters have been found in engraved in bricks and in stone carvings which indicate a rich history dating back to the pre-christian era. I spent a morning photographing the temple with a deer and a troupe of macaques for company.