Sigiriya

Early start to Lion Rock. Massive granite rock 180 metres high. On top are the ruins of palace and fortress. First stop at the museum to see models of how the palace and surrounds would have looked originally. Then walk through the huge gardens leading up to the rock. Start to climb rock with many other tourists. Hard walk and many steps. 3/4 of the way up there is a steep metal staircase to reach the top. I chickened out of that last section but judy went up with others of the group. She took photos and declared it fantastic. We then descended in the light rain that had started. Back to hotel for quick change then off to next leg.
Drove to a farming area for typical traditional lunch at farmhouse. Lovely lady provided selection of about 8 predominately vegetable curries and rice. Eaten by hand from a small basket with a lotus leaf lining. Very good but a challenge with one hand. Followed by delicious pineapple and bananas that tasted like bananas! After this took a short but slightly perilous ride on bullock wagons around paddy fields. Then a short walk to board small catamarans paddled by 1 man for ride across the “tank”. Tanks are ancient man made reservoirs. Stop to visit a small farm for coconut. Man cut open coconut with machete with small hole in top to allow drinking the coconut water. Once empty of water, split open to allow us to eat the flesh. Back on boats to cross the tank - about 20minute ride. Then back to hotel for rest. We had refreshing swim in hotel pool.