Foto: The walkway along the steep rock face (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Sri_Lanka - The day begins with a gentle bit of sunshine, which is perfect because today I'm visiting the ancient palace of Sigiriya. The remains of this palace are located at the top of Lion Rock, a steep 200-meter-high rocky outcrop. At the entrance, the guide introduces himself with an unpronounceable name. “Just call me Cherry,” he says, “that’s easier.” Cherry leads me into the complex. I walk past the water garden, which consists of four symmetrically laid-out pools. Through a pipe system, water flows down from higher basins. During heavy rain, the water pressure causes it to spray up through the manhole covers with small holes — like fountains. In the distance, Lion Rock rises. The palace of Sigiriya was commissioned in 477 by King Kassapa, who came to power after deposing and killing his father, King Dhatusena. Fearing an attack from the rightful heir, his half-brother Mogallana, he chose the steep rock as a strategic location for his palace. To reach the top, he had a massive lion’s head built out of brick. Visitors had to pass through the lion’s mouth to enter. This gave the site its name: Sigiriya, or Lion Rock. However, the fortification didn't help much. During a battle, Kassapa faced defeat and took his own life. The Sigiriya complex served as a royal palace for only 18 years before it was returned to the monks. At the foot of the massive rock, I stand in the rock garden, which transitions into the terraced garden. This area once held several monks’ caves, some of which contained frescoes. Cherry shows me a few remnants. From here, the climb begins. I ascend via a staircase that is partly made of marble as it once was, and partly replaced by metal segments. There are many tourists ahead of me — it’s crowded. A narrow metal spiral staircase brings me to the Maidens' Cave. The frescoes here are well-preserved and restored. Numerous images of women are painted on the rock wall. Next comes the Mirror Wall, a gleaming, polished wall made of lime, egg white, and beeswax. It leads to the second plateau, where I see the original entrance gate. Only the lion's claws have withstood the test of time. Judging by the size of the claws, the lion’s head must have been truly impressive. Today, a metal staircase is attached to the rock to reach the upper plateau. At the top, I see the remnants of the palace’s foundations, terraces, and a water pool. The view from Lion Rock is magnificent. Despite the hazy weather, I can see far in every direction.
Colossal Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa
Sri_Lanka - Today is Puja in Sri Lanka due to the full moon. Ajbriy already told me this often means rain. I wonder if the two are connected. As I leave my cottage, I notice he was right. Large raindrops are falling from the sky. Judging by the clouds, it doesn’t ...
Safari in Yala National Park
Sri_Lanka - At half past four, the phone rings. It’s time to get up for the game drive in Yala National Park. When I peek outside through the curtains, it’s still dark. I hear a light rain on the roof. Did I make the right decision to postpone the safari to this ...
The fortified town of Galle
Sri_Lanka - Around three o'clock, I enter the fort of Galle, a defensive fort built by the Dutch. My hotel is located in the alleys within the fort. Ajbriy takes an extra loop to point out what there is to see. I estimate I can easily explore this on foot. The fort ...
The Jami UlAflar Mosque in Colombo
Sri_Lanka - Afterward, I head to the fort — the diplomatic district where many government buildings are located. I get out here and walk into the adjacent Patteh district, the commercial area. Immediately, I see countless little shops. I arrive at the Jami Ul-Alfar ...
The rock temples of Dambulla
Sri_Lanka - It rained well into the night, but when I step out of my cottage, it’s dry. Today I’m traveling from Sirigiya to the highlands of Kandy. After an hour’s drive, I arrive in Dambulla. In Dambulla lie five Buddhist cave temples. Right at the entrance, ...
The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Sri_Lanka - Around half past four, I arrive at the Red Cross building. A traditional dance performance is being held here. The show, with traditional costumes, is actually performed solely for tourists. At the end of the colorful performance, a fire dancer appears. ...