Day 6: We have our earliest departure so far. At 6:15 just as it’s getting light we quickly munch a banana and set off on our bikes for the fourteen kilometer cycle to Sigiri Rock aka The Lions Rock. The cycle is lovely as there’s a cool breeze and no hot sun out yet.
When we reach the rock it looks like we’ve beat the crowds so we start climbing.
King Kashaba built his palace on top of the rock in the first century and later it became a monastery. It is a world heritage site since 1982. Halfway up the rock there’s an open-air spiral stairway that leads you to a sheltered gallery of frescoes painted onto the rock face. Most are in great condition considering how old they are and where they are but we’re not allowed to take pictures.
There are a lot of steps but it’s not a bad climb and the lions paw which was the original entrance to the kings palace is a good photo opp:
View of lions paw as we climb
Everyone is delighted to reach the top and we spend a bit of time walking around the various areas and enjoying the views before the decent
There’s a great view of the rock as we cycle on toward Kandy.
Another 30km or so on the bikes before boarding the couch toward Kandy. An hour or so before Kandy we visit a spice garden called Luckgrove. This is a state owned enterprise with a cafe, shop and guides to show you around and explain what’s what. After another curry and rice lunch (which had the most delicious fried aubergine) we were given a tour of the garden by a very polite local who talked a mile a minute and addressed us as “sirmadam”. He showed us cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and various other plants and trees. He suggested that people from our countries must ask how the Sri Lankan’s are so slim and honestly I thought he was joking… everyone I’ve seen so far has a belly!!! We were in stitches!
We learned what the Sri Lankan’s use for various different ailments and Ayurvedic remedies and were treated to a short massage using red oil and tiger balm. It was heaven… I was a bit surprised when the guy (allegedly a student) suggested taking off my t-shirt as we were among our full group but the shoulders needed it and everyone ended up stripping off! It was so worth it – my poor shoulders were aching and they got a really good going over. Back on the bus for a snooze before hitting Kandy.
The most important thing to see in Kandy is the Tooth Relic temple. The best time to go is when there’s a prayer service as you can queue up to give an offering and see the silver container that allegedly holds a tooth of the Buddha. It was interesting to see and to be part of the ritual.
For tonight’s dinner we have dosas in a very basic fast food looking restaurant but they are really delicious… have been thinking about them ever since!
Day 7 is a cycle free day which is welcomed by everyone on the tour. After breakfast we head to a tea factory to see how tea is produced. It’s very interesting. The main leaf they pick makes both green and black tea which I never realised.
From the tea factory I hit the town with a couple of the girls for some general rambling around and exploring. We haven’t been away from the group for a week so it feels a bit like hostages escaping!!!! After a look around town we walk around the lake and climb the hill back to our hotel.
The afternoon is spent poolside in the shade and lunch is a monstrous club sandwich. This evening we hit the cultural show and see local dancers with some traditional music and some fire eaters… not my favorite thing watching someone run flames over their body but the dancing was entertaining.
After an ‘elephants ride’ cocktail at the fancy Queens hotel we have another great meal…. yes more rice and curry but also roti, fried rice and hoppers – delicious!
odohertyelaine 