So I arranged for a driver to get me from Negombo to Sigiriya—and what a fun ride that was! It was a few hours—I can't really say exactly how many as we stopped at the Elephant Reserve on the way where I was able to walk with the elephants. Feed one, give her a massage too! It was such a great experience! And then singing karaoke, American song, then Sri Lankan song—the time flew by and it was really fun.
And then when I got to Sigiriya, I had a new driver who took me around for the next 3 days. The first day was the village tour where I did the cow ride, lake boat ride, and had lunch at a legitimate village home. There, I learned how they made rice flour, curry, and bamboo roofs. I wasn't really interested in the tour, but I'm so glad I did it. The boat driver made me a hat and necklace from natural materials (lily pad and lotus flower) from the lake. Super cute! The curry we made was delicious, and it was just an overall good experience.
That's Sigirya Rock Fortress in the background. A UNESCO site. Top left
We made curry, they showed me how to make the roof, grind flour and I got to wear a traditional sarong.
I also did a safari, where I got to see a baby elephant nursing, a peacock-he wouldn't open his tail-sigh! And of course monkeys and buffalo. I saw a dragon looking creature, but the video didn't come out too well...
Sunset hike with temple at the base of the mountain.
And Dumbulla Temple and lake close by.
Sigiriya is still not too touristy, so it wasn't too crowded and still has a small village feel. People were really nice and helpful. I'm happy I added it to my trip. If you're traveling to Sri Lanka, I would be happy to share info and even tour guides' contact info, how to travel between places, driver contact, etc. Just ask. Next: Kandy.
Related Posts
