Stepping up the culture

Untill today it's been all about the animals and nature, now we are getting into Sri Lanka's culture. We are in Dambulla at a lovely homestay run by the nicest old lady, her garden is full of butterflies and birds.

Dawn saw us heading off to Sigiriya hoping to beat the crowds and the heat. We didn't! Lion Rock, the ancient fortress and palace surrounded by jungle, is truly breathtaking. We brought tickets and proceeded to climb all 1200 steps to the top. Now, I was already red from the sun beforehand but after the climb I achieved a unique kind of neon red, but it was worth it - the view was out of this world!

We climbed down, which was far worse in now some ways - dose of vertigo anyone? - and headed back to our room to recover for a bit.

At around 3.30 we felt sufficiently recovered to catch another tuktuk to the famous cave temples. These were absolutely stunning and a mere 365 steps up. For a while I followed a French group who had an English speaking guide they couldn't understand so I translated his Singlish them when he wasn't watching!

On the way down we enjoyed a king coconut - so silky! - and visited the giant golden Buddha. An early dinner was lovely at Sapura, watching the sun set, turning the clouds all pink above the paddy fields.Read more