An early start and we were
keen to visit the very famous Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock). The rock stands
proudly, 200 metres high, in the historic palace grounds with 2 moats
protecting all. The ruins are impressive in size and the rock is very
impressive from the bottom. There are 1200 steps to the top and the boys,
Mike and I were up for the challenge. There were some scary
sections with tiny spiral staircases and platforms that felt very unsafe but we
stuck together and powered on. Mum and Carol weren't too keen on the
climb - or maybe it was the descent, so they stayed close to the ground and
chatted with some locals and tourists and stayed clear of the numerous
dogs........
Half way up the rock there
is a gallery of rock paintings that were super impressive. Restoring them
is difficult as the techniques used were so different to today and I am sad to
say that I don't think the paintings will last the years ahead. Moving on
and we made it to the mid-base where the lions feet are and we stopped for a
quick photo, then onwards and upwards.
The last 100 or so steps
were steep and tough work but we made it and the view as spectacular.
Hard to believe that they built a full palace on top of this amazing
rock. We wandered around looking at the rooms, throne, pools, and that
amazing view and then it was time to descend........ I think that may
have been as scary as some of the steep climbs !! So happy we made the
effort to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site - a must see if you ever get to
Sri Lanka.
After we finished here, we
were driving along trying to cool down from our long morning, and we saw
an elephant being taken down to the river for a wash. We asked the driver
if he thought we could jump in and help with the 'washing' ? So he asked
the mahout, and Carol and Mum got their 'elephant washing gear' on and in they
went. Scrubbing an elephant with half a coconut was quite the highlight!!
This was on the list of 'things to do' whilst they were here, but we
weren't sure if it was going to happen. I am so happy they got the chance
as it is such an amazing experience. Scrubbing away like they were
cleaning the floor while the mahout calmly watched on. Once the mahout said
'enough' the girls shot out of the water and up the bank in record time.
He was a BIG elephant and they weren't hanging around to see if he enjoyed
playing tag after his bath !
Moving on and we made our
way south towards Kandy - next stop was a Spice Garden in Matale. This
wasn't high on everyones list of things to do in Sri Lanka, but it ended up
being really interesting and informative. We walked around looking at all
the different spices and nuts used in traditional cooking and healing in Sri Lanka.
At the end we received a complimentary massage - yes, all of us, which
was fabulous after a couple of days of bouncing around in the van. Max
and Jack thoroughly enjoyed their 'first' massage and are trying to book in at
home now ! Lunch was traditional Sri Lankan food which was surprisingly
quite different to Indian but very nice.
Climbing further up and up
into the mountains we arrived in Kandy and the rain came down - HEAVILY !!
We wound our way high and higher to our hotel a top the Kandy mountains
as the storms rolled in. The boys were desperate for a swim, so we got
them sorted and jumped in to, until the first bolt of lightening........ then I
was gone! To the bar !!
With such amazing views,
the hotel we stayed in was very popular for wedding photos, so the couple of
weddings we saw were a real treat. Such beautiful brides and gorgeous
little kids dressed for the special event.
Stay tuned for part III of
our Sri Lankan adventure.
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