03
Dambulla + Sigiriya
3 days
Sigiriya was on our schedule because of the famous Lion Rock. After a steep climb on some questionable stairs along the rock we are rewarded with a view that made it worthwile. Our lunch break overlooking the ruins and wetlands is quickly interrupted when patrolling monkeys smell our bread. In record time we are back down.
The most pleasant surprise was the modernist Sigiriya Rock And Archaeological Museum near the entrance to Lion Rock. The museum provides more context on the historical and cultural significance of Lion Rock, but the interweaving of the surrounding nature with the building was the most impressive.
On the way from Ella to Dambulla there are more than enough Buddha statues to visit, but the Golden Temple in Dambulla with its intricately painted caves stands out. Although like the previous sights it does require quite an effort to climb up the stairs and avoid the monkeys.