On top of the world-Well Sigiriya
We started the day with a visit to Sigiriya, the famous Lion Rock, and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the kind of place that photos just don’t do justice .Seeing it rise up out of the jungle is an incredible sight.
The climb to the top is around 1,200 steps, but it’s very manageable if you set off early before the heat builds. The route winds through ancient stairways and narrow metal walkways, with several chances to stop and take in the views — or admire the Sigiriya frescoes.
Reaching the top really did feel like an achievement. The ruins of the old fortress palace are scattered across the summit, but it’s the 360-degree views that take your breath away It’s easily one of those “wow” travel moments that stays with you long after you’ve left.
After our climb, we headed back to the hotel for a well-earned late breakfast and a chance to cool off and relax before the next leg of the journey.
Our next stop was the Dambulla Cave Temples, another highlight and a completely different experience. Perched on a small hill, this complex is home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple network in Sri Lanka. Inside the five main caves are hundreds of statues and wall paintings of Lord Buddha.The 200-step climb up is gentle enough, with lovely views across the countryside, and once you reach the top, the atmosphere is calm and spiritual. Just remember to cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering — it all adds to the authenticity and sense of respect the site deserves, I didn't and as you will see from the photos i wear a lovely sarong.... I have received plenty of David Beckham 1998 comments
By late afternoon we were on the road to Kandy, and after checking in, we made our way to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country. The temple is said to house a tooth of the Buddha himself, and it’s believed that whoever holds the relic holds the power to rule the nation.
We arrived just in time for the evening offering ceremony, which was an unforgettable experience. Hundreds of locals dressed in white attend to make their offerings. And then, just as we left the temple, the skies opened — and oh, how it rained! It was our first rain of the trip, and when it comes down in Sri Lanka, it really comes down. The streets were quickly flooded and we all looked for cover, and we ended up laughing our way back to the van completely drenched but loving every second of it.
Finally, we checked into the Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, the perfect place to unwind after such a full day. Our room on the 12th floor looked out across the river and the hills surrounding Kandy a peaceful, scenic view and the ideal spot to reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and a little tropical adventure courtesy of that unforgettable downpour.