India Sri Lanka 13 March 2025

A Day of Adventure and Serenity in Sigiriya

Our day began bright and early, boarding the bus at 8:45 AM as we set off toward the iconic Sigiriya Rock. The morning air was crisp, and the anticipation of the day ahead filled the bus with excitement. Around 11:00 AM, we made a quick coffee stop to fuel up for the adventures awaiting us.  

We made a quick stop at an ATM, which seemed to be a hotspot for the locals. The line was long, but we patiently waited our turn to withdraw some cash. After watching Kylie and Jacqui navigate the machine first, I figured out how to use it. I successfully withdrew my cash, cautiously reached into the slot to grab it—hoping it wouldn’t snap shut on my hand—and then stepped aside to count my money. Just as I finished, a kind voice interrupted me: “Excuse me, lady, your card!” Sure enough, I’d left my card in the ATM. I thanked her profusely, at least three times, feeling both grateful and slightly embarrassed. Lesson learned: always double-check for your card!

Once we arrived in the Sigiriya area, our thoughtful guide, Cham, had already rearranged the day’s itinerary to ensure we wouldn’t be scaling the famous rock in the scorching midday heat. Instead, we embarked on a delightful tractor ride through the countryside, soaking in the lush greenery and rural charm of Sri Lanka.  

The highlight of the morning was an unforgettable lunch with a local family. They warmly welcomed us into their domain and demonstrated how to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan meal. The feast included jackfruit, pumpkin, lake fish, lentils, chili coconut sambal, curried banana, papadum, coconut roti, and fragrant rice. Each dish was bursting with flavour, and the experience of sharing a meal with such hospitable hosts was truly heartwarming.  

After lunch, we hopped onto a rustic "catamaran"—a clever contraption made of two canoes connected by a bench seat and shaded by a canopy of coconut palm leaves. As we were paddled around the serene lake, our knowledgeable guide pointed out various species of local birdlife, enriching the experience with his expertise. He even crafted necklace and a charming posy of water flowers for us, a sweet touch that added to the magic of the moment.  

By mid-afternoon, it was time to face the legendary Sigiriya Rock. Rising majestically from the lush Sri Lankan jungle, Sigiriya Rock is a sight that leaves you in awe. Known as the "Lion Rock," this ancient fortress and palace complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Climbing to the top is no small feat—1,200 steep steps wind their way up the rock face. Along the way,  there are stunning frescoes of ancient maidens, a pair of giant lion paws carved into the rock, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the summit, panoramic vistas of verdant forests and distant mountains, as well as the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace. Sigiriya isn’t just a climb; it’s a journey through history, nature, and sheer human ingenuity.  We couldn't wait.

While five members of our group opted out of the climb, the rest of us set off with determination. However, just 100 meters into the walk, I realized I had left my hiking poles (I bought them for this very day) on the bus, which had already departed. Undeterred, I pressed on to the base of the rock, but after assessing the steep climb ahead, I decided it wasn’t for me. Our guide kindly arranged for the bus to pick me up, as the descent ended in a different location.  

When I arrived back at the gate, learned that Glenn had also turned back halfway up the rock due to feeling nauseated. Though we didn’t make it to the top, we were still in awe of Sigiriya Rock’s grandeur. This is a true natural wonder, and even glimpsing it from the base was a humbling experience.  

The group that made it to the top

We returned to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and a refreshing shower. Dinner was scheduled for 7:30 PM, The evening was quiet and peaceful, a perfect way to unwind after a day filled with exploration, culture, and natural beauty.  

After a shower and a rest, we headed to our 7:30 pm meeting with the tour guide, who gave us a rundown of tomorrow’s itinerary. The excitement for the day ahead was building, but first, dinner called. We made our way to the restaurant, where I decided to try the buffet.  It was a Moon Day holiday (a public holiday in Sri Lanka celebrated on every full moon), so no alcohol was served. The spread was tempting—colourful salads, steaming curries, and an assortment of desserts. I loaded my plate with a bit of everything, only to realize halfway through that I wasn’t as hungry as I thought. Lesson learned: sometimes, less is more.  

Glenn, on the other hand, opted for the à la carte menu and ordered the mango prawns and spaghetti bolognese. We settled in, expecting a leisurely meal, but what followed was a test of patience. After what felt like an eternity, Glenn asked about his prawn entrée, only to be told they were out of mango. Instead, they offered pineapple as a substitute. Pineapple prawns? Not quite what he had in mind, but he went with it. The spaghetti arrived shortly after, and while it was decent, the whole experience left us chuckling at the irony.  

Here’s a tip: if a restaurant offers a buffet, think twice before ordering à la carte. It seems the kitchen prioritizes the buffet, and your meal might take forever to arrive. Funny enough, we spotted mango at breakfast the next morning—go figure!  

Despite the wait and the mango mishap, the evening was still enjoyable. We laughed about the mix-up and savoured the quirky moments that make travel so memorable. After all, it’s these little hiccups that often turn into the best stories later on. With full stomachs (eventually) and a good dose of humour, we called it a night, ready to tackle tomorrow’s adventures.

Sigiriya had offered us a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.