MONDAY
Today we were challenged with the climb of our lifetime! Sigiriya Rock Fortress! Just google it for lots of photos !
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. Sigiriya is a fortress-alace which was built atop a towering rock in the 5th century, and a mythical past of feuding dynasties enhances Sigiriya's striking setting. Legend has it that King Kasyapa murdered his father, Dhatusena, and claimed the throne for himself, despite the fact that he was not the direct heir - his mother was one of Dhatusena's concubines. After killing the king, Kasyapa was fearful that his half-brother, Prince Moggallana, would return from exile in India and rightfully claim his crown. This fear drove him to build the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, protected not only the the rock's height and sheer sides, but also by stone barracks filled with soldiers and a crocodile-infested moat. He also developed an extensive, incredibly advanced system which allowed water to move between the top and the bottom of the rock, not only to ensure that he and his family had water to drink, but also to fill the beautiful water gardens which he created at the foot of the rock.
Above is Siginira Rock from a distance.
Below is the view down to the path we took into the park from the parking lot.
Moggallana did return, as Kasyapa had feared, to find Sigiriya in its full-glory and Kasyapa's army waiting for him. However, despite building what he thought to be an imprenetrable stronghold, Kasyapa was defeated in battle and, abandoned by his army, he killed himself and left his half-brother to reign from his fortress-palace paradise. What remains today are the ruins of the palace - including the giant paws of a great lion statue which once marked the entrance-evidence of the water garden and barracks, stairs carved from the rock and beautiful cave paintings. Worthy of being called the '8th Wonder of the World".
As a group, we were all showed a determination of achieving this 1,212 stair climb which would be the equivalent of about a 57 story high rise. The steps were carved out of the stone and some had a very deep rise to them which took quite a bit off effort to step up to. Thankfully, we had 'porter' to help us up. My porter stayed by my side all the way up and all the way down. Suggesting to me when I should rest because he could tell how hard I was breathing on portions of the trail.
What's really funny is that down by the tourist office where we checked in and began the journey, we saw all the porters standing around and not one of us thought to ask them if we should require their services ! We were barely at the beginning of the incline of steps that we noticed that they began to step in and give us a hand... recognizing immediately who would need their help ! And guess what --- we all ended up with a wonderful helper !
The first big push had us climbing rock steps of different pitches. When we reached the gian lions paws area, there was a beautiful breeze blowing and we vcould all catch out breath , regain our legs with a rest and look up --- waaaay up .. to see our last 1/3 of the way which was metal stairs. And steep !
The climb took us about 2 hours but once we arrived at the top, we were all extremely proud that we had accomplished it but we were also rewarded with some astounding visual presentations! The vistas from the top were beautiful. And the ruins allowed us to let our imaginations run wild and try to transport ourselves back to that era. We saw the kings private pool where he could swim and where his 'palace' and quarters had been. The brick was very well preserved from the 5th century.
The trek down was also a careful, slow one with a few breaks to give the knees a rest. Again, our personal porter let us lean on him, hold his hand or balance on his shoulder as he stayed a step ahead of us. Needless to say, the porters were rewarded with very good tips at days end.
Once we were finished our morning climb activities, we went back to the hotel for a quick shower and break. For, just a short time later, we were on our way to the sister hotel next door for a Sri Lankan cooking lesson. It was held in the hotel's outdoor mud hut on the beautiful grounds of the hotel. We were shown how to prepare a beautiful coconut prawn dish, a green bean and cashew coconut dish, yellow rice and a coconut salad in their traditional cooking techniques. All were so delicious and we did tastings only because we were invited in to the hotel buffet for lunch.
The way the people cook their food here says a lot about their culture and lifestyle. They mostly cook a local organic meal with ingredients from their gardens or the woods nearby.
The day came to an end and we were ready for a long leisurely swim in the pool. While there, we noticed people getting elephant rides across the lagoon.
Needless to say, we were all stuffed after this presentation and a light dinner was planned.
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