Catherine and Andrew in Sri Lanka (Feb-March 2017): Sigiriya and Lion Rock

Friday, 24 February 2017

Sigiriya and Lion Rock

Today we were in Sigiriya and we visited the Sigiriya Rock (or Lion Rock). We had a lovely walk up through the gardens before starting to climb the rock. More monkeys and dogs to see as well! It was difficult going up uneven stairs on a hot morning but we made it! Some of us needed assistance from the helper boys that were scattered around the park.

Fans of 80s music may recognise the rock and its ruins from the Duran Duran 'Save a Prayer' video. At the top of the rock there are the foundations of former royal palaces and even a swimming pool!

After the strenuous morning we had a relaxing afternoon by the pool, eating lunch, reading and swimming. Andrew also managed to fit in some studying.

There was an optional afternoon excursion which involved an ox cart ride which we decided to pass on!

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Background

Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is an island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean. It is located 547 miles north of the equator, off the southern tip of India, and has a maximum length of 268 miles and a maximum width of 139 miles. The island has an area of 25,332 square miles and a total coastline of 1,056 miles. If it were transplanted to the UK, it would fit in an area roughly between Edinburgh and Cambridge

Its diverse landscapes range from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches. It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes. The city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient capital, has many ruins dating back more than 2,000 years. The population is just under 21 million. (Wikipedia)

The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee and 100 SL rupees are worth around 55p (Jan 2017).

Our itinerary

The time in Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of UK time

Day 1 - Monday 20 February

2200 Depart Heathrow on Emirates flight EK006

Day 2 - Tuesday 21 February

0845 (local time) Arrive Dubai [Dubai time is 3 hours ahead of the UK]

1220 Depart Dubai on Emirates flight EK348

1805 Arrive Colombo and transfer for overnight stay at the Jetwing Lagoon Hotel

Day 3 - Wednesday 22 February

Dambulla and Habarana

Visit to the first century cave temples of Dambulla, a UN World Heritage site and an introduction to the Buddhist religion. Two-night stay for two nights in Habarana, at the Sigiriya Village Hotel.

Day 4 - Thursday 23 February

Sigiriya Rock

Visit to Sigiriya, or the ‘Lion Rock’, a massive 600ft granite tower with sheer cliffs on all sides crowned by the remains of a 1,500 year old royal palace. On approaching Sigiriya rock there are some of the finest ancient murals in the country and facing us is the final entrance to the palace above: in ancient times the colossal head of a lion (hence ‘Lion Rock’) was built in brick and plaster with visitors entering through its mouth. Today, just the two front paws remain, their claws menacingly extended, still guarding the palace. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure at the hotel.

Day 5 - Friday 24 February

Kandy

Depart en route for Kandy. Visit to a fascinating garden with many indigenous plants such as pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon before arriving at Kandy, the country’s royal capital. Two nights at the Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, overlooking the scenic Mahaweli River and surrounded by peaceful forested hillsides. The hotel has a pool overlooking the river, with a colonnaded lobby, a charming bar and restaurant.

Day 6 - Saturday 25 February

Kandy

The centre of Kandy is dominated by a beautiful lake and the Temple of the Tooth, said to hold Buddha’s tooth. This is Buddhism’s most sacred shrine on the island. We also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Planted over 150 years and covering a huge 150 acres, the gardens hold thousands of plant species and some superb examples of mature tropical trees. among other things we will the commemorative trees planted by Edward VII, George VI, Princess Anne and the Queen.

Day 7 - Sunday 26 February

Tea Estates

Depart Kandy and drive through Sri Lanka’s premier tea-growing areas. We visit one of the best-known tea estates, followed by a refreshing cup of Ceylon’s finest. In Nuwara Eliya we stay at St Andrews Hotel, similar to an English manor house, originally the summer home of Sir Edward Barnes, a Governor of Ceylon. It is famed for its classic 19th century public rooms and lovely, English inspired flower beds and lawns.

Day 8 - Monday 27 February

Elephant Transit Home and Yala National Park

Today we move on to Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka. We arrive at the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe National Park. Two-night stay at the Yala Hotel. The hotel is located just 4 kilometres outside the national park and features a pool, bar and restaurant, set in a stunning beach location.

Day 9 - Tuesday 28 February

Yala Safari

We explore the jungle in 4x4 vehicles. Yala has a high concentration of leopards. They are the island’s top predator so are far less shy than elsewhere in the world. Yala is also known for its elephants, saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, monitor lizards and a huge variety of birdlife. After a late breakfast we relax by the hotel’s pool before an optional second, early evening safari.

Day 10 - Wednesday 1 March

Galle

Depart for Galle, where we have a guided tour. Arrive at The Lighthouse Hotel. Designed by the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel has an old world charm and elegance set among the sea and palms of the southern coast and is easily accessible from the Dutch colonial town of Galle.

Days 11 and 12 - Thursday 2 and Friday 3 March

FREE DAYS

Two days at leisure at the hotel in Galle.

Day 13 - Saturday 4 March

Journey Home

2205 Depart Colombo on Emirates flight EK649

Day 14 - Sunday 5 March

0105 (local time) Arrive Dubai

0310 (local time) Depart Dubai on Emirates flight EK007

0710 (UK time) Arrive at Heathrow