Gal Vihara
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 35 °C
This rock temple, dated back to the 12th century, is a marvel of stone-carved Buddhist statues and serene surroundings.
The Gal Vihara, also known as the “Rock Temple,” is one of the mostRead more
Tivanka Image House
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
This was our final site of the ruins.
The building famous for its 12th century frescoes depicting Buddha in his past lives.
Lunch
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 34 °C
We had a lovely Sri Lankan lunch today at Alimankada Restaurant.
Avukana Buddha
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 33 °C
This Buddha is located Giritale Wewa Lake on our way back to our Hotel.
Sigiriya Lake
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 32 °C
We stopped by the Lake for a photo shoot, it was very windy, but the view was pretty.
Police
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 31 °C
Our driver Shanuka was pulled over by police again, this time for crossing double lines. However, he managed to talk his way out of a fine.
Elephant
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 31 °C
Nearly at our Hotel and we come across an elephant walking along the side of the road. This area is also known for its National Park.
Amaya Lake
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 30 °C
Arrived at Amaya Lake Hotel, it is lovely. Amaya is home for the next 2 days.
Our Room
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 30 °C
Around the Resort
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌬 30 °C
The hotel grounds and rooms spread over a large area. Each room is its own Villa. Not sure how many rooms but we are 50 and the rooms keep going up the hill near us.
Resort Transport
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Due to the expansive area there are golf carts and drivers around the Resort.
Dinner
August 21 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Dinner had so much choice that it was very hard to make a decision. I went with soup, spaghetti and dessert. John had mixed meat, salad and dessert. It was delicious.
Sigiriya Rock
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Sigiriya, “Lion Rock” is today's adventure and is an ancient rock fortress, rising about 180 m above the plains. It is one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites and a primeRead more
Early Start
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
4.15 am start this morning and the temperature is 25. It is also very dark. We are on our way to Lion Rock.
Sigiriya Lion Rock Water Gardens
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
The gardens of Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
The Climb Starts
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Sigiriya, often referred to as the Lion Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic historical sites. Rising 200 meters and roughly 1200 steps above the surrounding landscape, this ancient rockRead more
The Lion's Paws Gate
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
The stone paws carved at the base of the final staircase gave the rock its name. At one time a gigantic lion sat at the end of the rock with the stairway that lead to the top passing between theRead more
Let's Climb
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
When we were half way up
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
The Summit
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Whilst the climb was a tad hard it was a lot easier than Tigers Nest in Bhutan.
Sunrise
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
We thought the sunrise would have been more spectacular due to the walk.
The Fortfied Palace Ruins
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
The 360 degree view is pretty spectacular looking across the plains and forest.
The palace ruins include the pool, kings throne and foundations.
The Descent
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Starting our climb down, it is very windy.
Asana Cave
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Asana Cave, with a drip-ledge, takes the name from the seat (asana) inside, carved out of the living rock. This has been made for the use of meditating monks when Sigiriya was a monastery. Layers ofRead more
Cobra Formation
August 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Cobra hood cave, also known as the “Parumaka Naguliya Lena”, is a natural geological formation projected as a cobra hood located within the boulder garden of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.