Sirigiriya has been a UNESCO World Heritiage Site since 1982.  Originally a hermitage for Buddhist monks from the 5th century B.C.  Sigiriya became an important part of Sri Lanka history books when the King Kashyapa claimed it as his own.

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The top terrace is 200 meters above the base city and fortress and consists of about 3 acres of of cascading terraces with the ruins of the King’s palace, landscaped gardens, water features and royal baths.

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The entrance to the top fortress is through two giant lion’s paws.

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Although the 200 meter asscent is tough, the descent is tougher for those with verigo.

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The base is early example of city and urban planning with symmetrical rectangular moats, ramparts, water gardens, fountains, and serpentine streams specially constructed for slow movement of water. This is an early example of water resource management and technology with earthenware aqueducts, underground stone conduits that use gravity and the force of pressure from the top terraces to the water gardens and ponds below.

 

 

 

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Our afternoon was spent on a Jeep Safari at the Kandulla wildlife preserve.  Originally we planned to go to the Minneriya preserve but the jeep guide said he did not see any elephants there the day before.  We were glad we did because the herd or “The Gathering” had moved to this preserve’s reservoir with more water.  There were just a few elephants in the afternoon, but 6 p.m.  Friday evening must have been the elephants “Happy Hour” because suddenly over 90 emerged from the forest and gathered for a drink.

 

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Later that evening we checking into the Lake House overlooking Polonnaruwa Lake, and next to the ruins.  The Lake House is a member of the Galle Face Hotel Group.  Queen Elizabeth spent the night here in 1954 just two years after her coronation.  The original hotel was torn down and rebuilt in a very modern, minimalist style with just 14 rooms.  Our room was #9, next to the Queen’s #10.  We were shown the Queen’s room complete with pictures of her stay.  That evening we had another wonderful dinner.

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The presentation of the meal looked like a minimalist’s modern art painting.  Never the less, we dug in and enjoyed another unique and delicious dinner.