When I first told a friend I was going to Sri Lanka, her first question was Are you going to climb that rock? That rock, she was referring to is called Sigiriya Rock, or Lion Rock. It’s the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka and one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sigirya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka
And yes I did climb it!  Sigiriya Rock is an ancient palace that can only be reached by climbing the almost 200 metre massive rock massive.  Now seeing ancient palaces isn’t usually by goal of climbing mountains, but I was definitely game and this was definitely a unique experience, plus I LOVE castles…even if all that is left are palace ruins.

At one time Lion Rock was the capital.  King Kasyapa built his royal palace on top, which seems rather fitting for a king.  Or perhaps he was health conscious, or more likely he feared vengeance from his brother after he killed his father – oops!  Climbing up and down Sigiriya Rock  every day is a great way to stay fit!

After the king’s death the palace and capital were abandoned and later on it was used as a Buddhist monastery. As I made my  way up the seemingly endless stairs, I was greeted by several stray dogs whose ribs showed through.  If you’re an animal lover like me, it’s heartbreaking!

Fortunately though there was a mother who appeared to be taking excellent care to her clinging infant as she he clung to her chest and she kept her distance from tourists.

Today all that remains are the outline of where the palace once stood.   After you’ve ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ over the view of the lush plains stretching to the mountains, take a few minutes and plop yourself on one of the brick ruins (it’s allowed).  Take  a deep breath. I found Lion Rock to be serene and calming, whether it’s the leftover energy from the monks or the gratitude that you have for not having to climb anymore stairs, I don’t know.  But I do know that I as I started to make my way down, I was left with a All is right in the world type of feeling.

5 minutes later that changed. I had heard about the giant wasps and someone had pointed out their equally giant nests clinging to the cliffs but assumed they had been exaggerated.  As I entered into a swarm of wasps, I quickly realized the legends were true.  A local ahead of us instructed  to sit down and be quiet.  Apparently noise irritates the wasps.  We waited in silence for a few minutes and the wasps disappeared. Disaster averted! At the bottom there are vendors selling handicrafts and ice-cream!!!! Covered in sweat, I pulled out an equally sweaty 50 rupee.  At that moment I thought that ice-cream was as good as it gets…until I spotted several monkeys!

And that is as good as it gets for me…monkeys and mountains in one morning!!!

Make the Most of Your Visit to Sigirya
◾Go at 6:30 am when it opens. I know it’s early, but it gets really hot, so trust me, you’ll be happy you did!
◾Stop and check out Mirror Wall, it’s well labeled.  Look closely and you’ll see that it still retains some of its shine that it had 1500 years ago.
◾Directly above Mirror Wall look up and about halfway up you’ll see  the little remaining mural.  In King Kasyapa’s time, the entire wall was a mural.
◾When you come to the Lion’s Feet look to the left and you’ll see black things hanging to the side of the rock.  These are the wasp nests that I previously mentioned.
◾You can either return the same way down, or just before the Mirror Wall, take the stairs to the right.  This is where all the vendors are selling handicrafts…and ice-cream!
◾There are also historical gardens there, considered to be among some of the most important in Asia.  I didn’t visit them, but they looked lovely from the top of Lion Rock.
◾Expect it to be busy.  Remember this is Sri Lanka’s most visited historical site.
◾Bring water, you will sweat and there’s no place to buy it once you’ve started hiking up, until you’re at the bottom again.
◾Anyone in reasonably good shape can reach the top, just go slow and take breaks when you need them.  If you are extremely unfit, you may not get to the top.

Where to Stay
I stayed at Chaaya Village Habarana.  I really enjoyed the natural feel of this property where guests are greeted with cinnamon scented wash clothes and the open air lobby and restaurant.  The property  really does resemble a village with the thatched roof huts that guests stay in. Trees line the ample property and monkeys and giant squirrels are frequent visitors!  Even the paint used is in harmony with nature and is mixed with mud! If you’re seeking something more lavish, then try the Cinnamon Lodge Habarna. You can find both properties at Cinnamon Hotels.

How To Get There
Sigirya is approximately a 3 hour drive from Colombo.  If you’re short on time, then consider a Cinnamon Air flight, which only takes 30 minutes. Through October 2015 it costs $223 USD.   Note:  Thank you to Cinnamon Hotels for making my visit and stay possible.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Laurel Robbins – MonkeysandMountains

Blog Post – http://monkeysandmountains.com/sigirya-rock-sri-lanka

Laurel Robbins was hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in partnership with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association for TBCasia – Asia’s First Ever Travel Bloggers Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka.

1. A Masterpiece of Landscape Architecture:

Brief Garden is the masterpiece of Bevis Bawa, the talented brother of Sri Lanka’s legendary architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Bevis transformed this once modest rubber estate into a living canvas of artful gardens and captivating vistas. Every turn within the garden reveals a meticulously crafted space, featuring sculptures, statues, fountains, and other art installations thoughtfully placed amidst a breathtaking natural backdrop.

2. Stunning Botanical Diversity:

Nature enthusiasts and horticulture lovers will be awestruck by the diverse collection of plants and flowers within Brief Garden. The garden boasts an impressive array of tropical plants, exotic orchids, and rare foliage, each thriving in its unique microclimate. Visitors can stroll through winding pathways lined with lush greenery and immerse themselves in the vibrant colors and fragrances of this tropical paradise.

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Brief Garden is a living testament to Bevis Bawa’s artistic vision. Throughout the garden, you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of sculptures, statues, and quirky art installations, all carefully integrated with the surrounding nature. From abstract art to traditional sculptures, each piece adds an element of surprise and delight, making every step a new adventure.

4. Unraveling the History:

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, Brief Garden holds a rich history waiting to be uncovered. Visitors can learn about Bevis Bawa’s life and contributions to Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage through guided tours or by exploring the garden at their own pace. The stories behind the garden’s creation add an extra layer of appreciation to its beauty.

5. Photographic Paradise:

Photography enthusiasts will be in their element at Brief Garden. Every angle presents a new photo opportunity, whether it’s capturing the play of light and shadow on the foliage, framing the artistic sculptures, or photographing the exotic blooms in their full glory.

In conclusion, a visit to Brief Garden in Bentota is a remarkable experience that combines art, nature, and history in an exceptional setting. This living masterpiece of landscape architecture has the power to captivate travelers of all ages, leaving them with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s enchanting beauty. So, make sure to add Brief Garden to your travel bucket list and get ready to be spellbound by the allure of this tropical paradise.