Sigiriya Rock Fortress!

 On the third day, or next day I can't keep track anymore.  We went to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, it is an Unesco World Heritage site.

From Wikipedia
"According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa the site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
 On the road...

Cute little monkey :-)

Such a lovely tree.

 

Look Victoria!! Cows!

About to climb that rock behind.

Counting the steps.  I believe there were 1200 steps to climb to make it to the top.
The girls were counting them as we climbed.
The got bored after 300.

Not even half way there but we already look awful. Pardon my silly smile.

The part that has a wall, is the mirror wall. When you walk through it, you can see yourself, and it is just a rock wall, there isn't an actual mirror stuck to it.

View from a half way point.

Happy sweaty girl.

Do you think it's going to fall?!!
They claimed to use it as weapons. If someone attacked they would release the top rock.

The whole gang on the Lion rock!
The entrance to the palace on top of the rock was through a gatehouse shaped in the form of a massive lion. Sadly all you can see now are the paws and stairs. 

Right on top!

At the bottom on our way back.
He was telling us more of the story of the fortress. I don't remember anything.
I was distracted by how gross we looked and felt and by

Victoria and her sugar pack. I think this was her third one. We needed to keep her going so we let her have her sugar.

The poor thing, she passed out.
The one that didn't walk or  hiked at all!!

It was amazing. This country is beyond beautiful and full of culture. This day could have ended here but, we party hard so part two of this day coming next.