Sigiriya

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress. We were able to go with the Branch as an activity to hike to this rock.

According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 - 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated it's sides with colourful frescoes.

The water garden.

Just before going on our long journey.

We walk through these rocks. The time we arrived was the same time as a lot of people. There were many times we had to stop because of so many people.

You can see us all lined up.

At one of our stops we saw this sign. Did see a few wasps and boy were they huge.

Heading up the side to see the frescoes. Frescoes are paintings on the rock. Pretty impressive paintings. We couldn't take pictures. It's amazing how the were able to get up so high on the rock to paint.

The lines did remind us a little of Disneyland. Once you think you are close and it twists around to be even further.

We had to go up many stairs but it was worth the hike.

The white object in the background is a Buddhist statue.

Some of us that made it to the very top.

We are just a little hot and sweaty!

Look at how far you can see in the background.

More amazing sights.

This is what the top of the rock looks like.

Coming down from the rock. You will notice part of the rock looks like a paw. The front used to be carved as a lion. When you would go up you would go through the lions mouth.

The are actually trying to restore it.

On the trail there were many monkeys. Beware if you had food in your hands because they take it right from you.

Black faced monkey.

When you enter to go on the hike there are many shops selling things, especially hats and sunglasses.

Here are just a few hats to choose from.

Getting ready to get on the bus.

Let's get a count of how many.

One of the busses.

The people on the bus go up and down!

Made it back to the church and getting ready to go home.

Boy, we are all tired. It was a great day!