Dambulla-Sigiriyia: Climbing the rock

Wednesday January 1, 2014, 20 km (12 miles) – Total so far: 328 km (204 miles)

An easy and short ride. We started only at 10 o´clock after having breakfast. Again we had to pass through the town of Dambulla which was less chaotic then yesterday but still we were happy to get out of it. The streets here in Sri Lanka are amazingly good, and so was the road today. No problems.

We had made a reservation at the „Paradise Inn“, an absolutely recommendable guesthouse, the whole family is so friendly and helpful, almost unbelievable. They provide a perfect service with everything: eating, laundry, information. Seems like whatever you want, whatever you need-they make it possible.

We had a delicious homemade noodle soup with vegetables for lunch and in the afternoon we set off for the rock. From our guesthouse we could have walked there in 15min, but the owner took us by his tuk tuk.
The rock is a huge natural monument. In the middle of the flat surrounding it seems like someone dropped it there from the sky. The scenery is just beautiful. To get to the top, where you can visit the ruins of an old fortress you have to climb up 350m on small, steep and endless steps. It was quite exhausting, but within an hour you can make it-nothing for people who suffer from vertigo.

We enjoyed the spectacular views you have during the climb and on the top. At night another delicious homemade chicken curry with lots of different vegetables that we shared with a young couple from Canada. We had some beer altogether the owner joined us, too. Nice evening.
If you are in Sri Lanka, we think visiting the rock and Sigiriya is a must see, although they charge an entrance fee of 30 USD, which is absolutely overpriced. The only negative thing to mention.

Sea rose lake on the road
Sea rose lake on the road
Very rare snake catching eagle
Very rare snake catching eagle
Have a break
Have a break
Fashion carpet shop (a must in every Sri Lankan house)
Fashion carpet shop (a must in every Sri Lankan house)
Entrance to Sigiriya
Entrance to Sigiriya
The rock
The rock
Water gardens around the rock
Water gardens around the rock
Way to the rock
Way to the rock
Straight through the rock
Straight through the rock
Keep on climbing
Keep on climbing
Pictures of the royal harem painted on the rock
Pictures of the royal harem painted on the rock
...up, up to the sky
…up, up to the sky
Wanna look down?
Wanna look down?
Fantastic view from above
Fantastic view from above
The entrance area from above
The entrance area from above

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