We left our hotel in Kandy and drove towards our first stop for the day, the World Heritage City of Sigiriya. There was a map at the western gate which explained the layout and the places to see. We crossed the outer moat into one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
A central pathway led straight to the rock, which we could see in the distance. It was a nice walk along the gardens, which remain very well-maintained even today.
We started the climb on stone steps, navigating through boulders, and then ascended a metal staircase that led to an enclosure as we went further up.
We passed by the Sigiriya Mirror Wall. Originally polished to a high sheen using a blend of honey, beeswax, and egg whites, it allowed the ancient king to see his reflection.
We then reached a terrace featuring the Lion’s Staircase. The stone staircase passed between two enormous lion’s paws and led to metal staircases bolted to the cliff face to take us the rest of the way up. Looking back down, we realized just how steep the climb was. We could also spot the Dambulla Cave Temple, where we would be heading later.
The summit held the ruins of an ancient palace spread across the top. A large rectangular pool cut into the stone, Sigiriya Wewa, still held water. Looking away from the peak, we enjoyed vast views of the flat plains and a tall mountain.
After climbing back down, our driver took us to a buffet restaurant, which was more tourist-oriented than local. On the way, we also made a nice photo stop to capture Sigiriya Rock from another angle. Our next stop was the Dambulla Cave Temple. The approach to the cave complex features a golden Buddha seated atop a building, and the entrance is designed like the mouth of a demon.
Climbing to the top, we explored five cave temples carved directly into the face of a massive granite outcrop. The ceilings and walls were covered in murals, and the caves housed Buddha statues dating back over two thousand years.
Looking back, we could see Sigiriya Rock in the distance. On our return journey, we stopped by a spice garden and somehow ended up buying some medicated oil and balm to help with my migraines; to date, I have not used it even once—in fact, I don’t even know where it is now.
After that, we drove back to Kandy. Having been out since the morning and completing two major climbs, the hotel pool felt incredibly refreshing in the evening to wrap up the day.
