Livin' La Vida Lanka: Sigiriya and Minneriya 2/3

So, I was reading Arab News several days ago and read their feature on Sri Lanka's National Day. Guess what I remembered? Uhhhh yes, my Sri Lanka series is not yet done! It's February 2014 already, what are you waiting for Sundrenched?! Arghhhh! Anyway, here goes part 2 (I hope you still remember part 1)...

"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."

The Sigiriya rock fortress

How is that for a DREAM?!? 

Ever since I started researching for our trip to Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Lion Rock has been popping up without fail. I ignored it for a few times after reading a Filipino tourist's account on how hard scaling this rock mountain is. She thought she would die but she reached the top anyway. Her entry was littered with "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" That's enough reason to ignore Sigiriya and omit it in our itinerary eh?

I've been apprehensive but then they say, you haven't been to Sri Lanka unless you've conquered the Lion Rock. Who wants to feel that kind of regret when traveling to a new country? It became my dream to reach the top but how?! I was scared. I wasn't physically fit for this! But then again, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site... how can I pass up this opportunity? It's not as if we'll be climbing it the mountaineer's way. It has stairs for goodness' sake! How hard can it be?! Uhrrmmm...

Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, is a massive column of rock where King Kasyapa, the second king of the Moriyan dynasty, built his palace. The 200 meters high rock served as the stand for this palace and on a small plateau about halfway to the top, he built a gateway in the form of a huge lion. The site was abandoned after King Kasyapa died and it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

The moat outside the palace complex

The Sigiriya complex is the first order of our second day in Sri Lanka. Because of our Dambulla experience the day before, we were doubtful if we can climb Sigiriya but we just encouraged ourselves. I told my travel buddy that we should still go to Sigiriya and just check the place out. If we feel like we couldn't really do it, then we wouldn't force ourselves. I mean seriously, have you seen that rock?! (Please refer to first photo again and answer me!!!)

When we got there, many tourists were already ahead of us. We bought the ticket which is divided into three parts: the museum, the Sigiriya complex, and the mirror wall located halfway to the top.

Sri Lanka's national flower

We went to the museum first and I must say it was a bit of a waste of time. I was raring to climb the rock already. (Wow, where did I get the inspiration?!? Haha!) My friend and I realized we had to climb it because we were already there. Personally, I firmly believe in going out of my comfort zone once in a while. So what the hell, let's do this!!!...

And then we met two very fit British couple who were huffing and puffing and looked like they're ready to pass out. I think I wanted to back out! Wahahah! Seriously people, what if I die in the middle of Sigiriya?! That would be embarrassing! Not that I can still feel embarrassed when I'm already dead.

But obviously I lived after that ordeal and I'm now telling you the tale. Thank you, Lord.

The Sigiriya Palace complex is a huge piece of land that saw the splendor in its time. The grounds have terraced gardens embellished by canals and fountains which mirror each other. The lavish estate has faded with time but the Srilankans are keen in restoring the area bit by bit. For now, they have excavated half of the gardens. The other half they are leaving to the young generation to restore.

The landscaped gardens used to lie here.

We had a guide who told us the history of Sigiriya and mind you, he helped us in every step of the way. I mean there were parts he had to literally hold me in my arms and drag me up with him. Haha! I wouldn't go so far into telling you all the information about Sigiriya just in case you decide you wanted to die early in its steps visit the historic ruins. Here are the photos though:

Stairs, more stairs...

We used the elephant gate to enter. I have no idea why we do not have a decent photo of the rock formation that looked like an elephant that's why it's called the elephant gate. A series of stairs carved fresh from the old ones serve as the way to the top. Some of the steps were too narrow for my huge feet I had to step sideways. I was already huffing and puffing when I got to the top of this staircase lol.

I have no idea how their ancestors went up here.

The spiral stairs up to the mirror walls.

One of the highlight of the granite rock is the Mirror Wall that leads to the room where the "The Maidens of the Clouds" are. The highly-acclaimed room features smooth light orange walls with fresco paintings of 21 non-identified female figures. This is almost halfway and I seriously wanted to collapse right beneath these paintings:

Vibrant hues, where did they get their 'paint'?

Do not touch!

After going up and down the spiral stairs with just a mesh to separate us from our death the real world, we came to pass through the mirror wall corridor. It is said that during its heyday, the lime plaster of this wall is so smooth and highly-polished that it had reflected the paintings on the opposite rock wall. There are graffitis, poetry etched in the wall, that can still be seen today. 

The ancient way to write graffiti

The mirror wall leads to the halfway point which I call my "oasis"... my very own lifesaver. Because we got to stop, sit under the tree and rest for a while before tackling the Lion staircase. In here, we also get to take pictures where we appear to be fresh from a stroll in the park aka "fake it! poses". Haha!

Phew! Let's take a break please! PLEASE!

We're not there yet.

This used to have the huge lion face but with time, the rock wasn't able to weather the storm. You can still see the feet of the lion now flanking the stairs up.

You only have this to prevent you from falling to the forest below.

And almost vertical stairs that left us "hanging."

The final steps to the top!

Just this flight of stairs and the climbing is over... Finally...

Livin' La Vida Lanka: Dambulla 1/3

If the Philippines is known as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, our next travel feature is about a country known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Let's do this... *music please* upside inside out... livin la vida lanka! (When did I ever become this corny? Haha!)

Having just traveled last August during the Eid vacation to the very beautiful Maldives, I didn't think this trip to its neighboring country will push through. What can ever top Maldives this year?! I was still short on travel money and the airfare was getting more expensive as our target travel dates were looming near. As usual, I was also having problems in getting an exit/re-entry visa (when did pre-traveling from KSA ever become smooth for me?!). But as fate would have it, Sri Lanka happened. 

From Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka

Oh my Sri Lanka!

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon (why did they have to make names so complicated and long?), is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most diverse countries: home to many religions, ethnicities, and languages. However, most of the Sri Lankans are Buddhists and most of their heritage sites are shrines to Buddha. Sri Lanka has recently opened to major changes and modernity after a 30-year civil war that just ended in a military victory in 2009. This is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka!

Who wouldn't be enticed to go to Sri Lanka?

And see these presentations of unique culture and tradition?

And try cuisines and spices different from our own?
Photos above are from HERE.

Sri Lanka, known for its natural beauty (thus the pearl nickname), is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The teardrop-shaped island country has unbelievably many flora and fauna species considering its size. Apart from having tropical forests and national parks, the island country has eight UNSECO World Heritage Sites. And it's also known for its beaches. Because of this, a 5-day trip to Sri Lanka is not enough to cover every thing.

So how did we pick which to visit? We considered our interests and they became our priority. My friend for this trip and I are culture vultures so definitely, the heritage sites are a must visit. We cannot go to all though so we picked two which are near each other. Then we also wanted to visit the famed tea plantations so that's definitely in. And then the beach. At first, it was an impossible itinerary but, we made a way.

Our itinerary. We only covered a tiny part of the country. All land travel.

As Filipinos, we need a tourist visa to go to Sri Lanka but this is easy to get from the Sri Lankan Immigration website for $30. If you wish to get a visa-on-arrival, you can also do so at the airport before you go through immigration. The visa will cost $35. We got ours online to avoid the hassle and had it printed.

My friend J and I flew via Srilankan Airways and landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport outside Colombo, the first capital of Sri Lanka up to the recent times, at midnight. If you remember, I've flown Srilankan when I went to Thailand earlier this year. We have arranged all our itinerary, driver, and hotels online. As usual, I DIYed every thing. Our driver for this trip is Anton from Srilankan Tours and he was patiently waiting at the airport arrival hall. Our first mission was to get a Srilankan sim card so we can still communicate with out families and friends (in my case, also The Pink Tarha Facebook page). We bought sim cards from Dialog, just in case you're wondering what's the network we got. We admit, we can no longer go offline for days. #internetslaves

Our first destination is not Colombo. Anton drove us to the Dambulla, a site 3-4 hours away from the airport. Truth be told, I am a worry wart when it comes to land travel. I don't like sleeping on the car while we're traveling so I had my eyes open the whole time. Because it's still dark, Anton kept his speed at a minimum, especially on the roads flanked by forests. He said an elephant might suddenly cross the road! Whoah! Thankfully, we reached our resort hotel without encountering a wild elephant, or other animals, on the road.

The Thilanka Resort and Spa is a very ideal place to relax and rest in Dambulla. It's indeed the perfect holiday resort and spiritual retreat. If I somehow forgot that I am in Sri Lanka, I would assume I am in the Philippines when I saw Thilanka in the morning. Lush hilltops in the distance, mango orchard right outside the window, rice and corn fields beside the swimming pool. What a tropical getaway! The accommodation in Thilanka is divided into several buildings but the highlight is the clubhouse where they serve the best grilled pork ever!

Mango orchard... Philippines much?!

The blues and greens you can't find in the desert.

Our room is in the second floor.

The staff and manager of Thilanka were also very accommodating. We arrived around 5 in the morning and the resort was quiet. We had to wake up the receptionist who must have forgotten that I noted in my booking that we were arriving at the odd hours of the morning. He was very warm and friendly though. (Sri Lankans are known for their warmth and hospitality, like us Filipinos! Yey!)

An inviting escape from the urban world.

I can chill in this place all day!

On our first morning, we roamed around the 25-acre property and also got ourselves an ayurvedic foot massage. Ahhh bliss! That was some massage! Sri Lanka is known for their ayurveda, an old system of traditional medicine and practice. You should not leave Sri Lanka without getting an ayurvedic massage!

I automatically think of a spa when I see this ensemble.

And then it was time to head off to one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage site... the Golden Temple of Dambulla.

Statues of monks welcome you to the temple complex.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla

The Dambulla temple complex is a vast isolated rock mass where King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the first century BC. He turned the caves into rock temples in honor of Buddha. A friend warned me that going up the Dambulla Cave is not an easy peat and indeed, it wasn't. Yes, you might say it was just a series of stairs but for someone like me who hasn't exercised like ever, it was a series of torture. Haha!

Stairs? Pffft! I can do this!

Overlooking the flatlands

I was heaving and puffing like crazy much to the chagrin of our driver/tourist guide. I needed to stop once in a while in the pretense of taking photos. Hahaha! However, looking at the colossal figure of Buddha carved out of a living rock and painted with gold has kept me busy during the climb. That was huuuuuge!

Stairs again?!? Insert series of cursing here. Joke!

Upon reaching the top few many minutes after, I already wanted to sing Miley Cyrus' The Climb. I thought my lungs and legs would give up halfway. Haha! But I was too embarrassed not to continue with the climb because little kids and students were running up to reach the summit. Quitting would have made me look like a total wuss.

Hey kids, how'd you do it that easily?!?!

We had to leave our shoes before going in the complex.  From the courtyard, we have a nice panoramic view of the flatlands surrounding Dambulla.

A captivating view! Hello, Sri Lanka!!!

Can you see the monkeys on those branches?

There are more Sri Lankans than foreigner tourists. :)

Finally, we reached you.

Each small cave is a shrine of Buddha.

The temple complex have five caves and I'm not exactly sure which is which already. I did enjoy my time looking at the statues and frescoes inside. Some of them were more than 2,000 years old!

A jar that never fills up.

There's an interesting jar sealed inside a wall of mesh wire in the middle of one of the caves. Our guide said that water is dropping from the ceiling in constant intervals but the jar never overflows. It's just full but the water remains at the same exact volume even if there was no way the water inside it decreased. Amazing indeed!

Me in my mandatory photo at the entrance to the largest cave.

A Bodhi, Buddha's tree.

It was starting to rain when we went down and the sun has already set but we were meeting Sri Lankans who were still on their way up.

Looking back at the Golden Temple, the view was breathtaking:

Goodbye for now, Dambulla!

Along the way to our resort, we saw a few fruit stands and we got curious on the red bananas and orange coconuts. Yes. Apparently, these fruits have different colors in Sri Lanka.

I went bananas over these colored fruits.

The King Coconut (aka Thambili) is widely-cultivated in Sri Lanka. Like the usual coconut we have in the Philippines, it's known for its many uses. However, this orange coconut is said to be sweeter than the usual. Indeed! The juice which we drank straight from the coconut was sweet and refreshing! The red banana is also like the ordinary banana; it's just that the skin is red. It's also packed with lots of carotene and Vitamin C. Other interesting finds on a Sri Lankan fruit stand:

Cute mangoes!

Forest tamarind (yes, these are sampalok!!!)

When we reached our hotel that night, we were so tired we started doubting our ability to climb the next site in our itinerary. But you know what, Dambulla proved to be a very nice prelude for what's about to come the following day.

Home sweet home at Thilanka

Do you believe in the saying "life begins at the end of your comfort zone"? You should because I do and I'll tell you why on my next Sri Lanka entry. ~ Sundrenched

Most of the pictures on our Sri Lanka entries are from my travel buddy, Jou. You can find her work at www.500px.com/unjour or www.flickr.com/jou_issance.

Expenses so far:
Srilankan Airlines Roundtrip Airfare: SR 2,200
Insurance via World Nomads (optional): approx. SR 105 ($27) 
Car and driver for 5 days (includes gas, driver's accom, food, and tips) via Srilankan Tours: approx. SR 1,300 ($340)
3 days/2 nights stay in Thilanka Resort&Spa via Booking.com (includes deluxe twin room and breakfast): SR 750

TIPS on DIY-ing your Trip:
- Book as early as possible. Apart from Srilankan, Fly Dubai also flies to Colombo at an affordable rate.
- Book your accommodations via Booking.com because even if it needs a credit card to reserve the booking, most hotels don't require you to pay the fee immediately. You can pay at the hotel. This is a good option, just in case your plan gets derailed.
- Hire drivers and cars from reputable companies/websites. If your driver can't speak English, or if you have a hard time understanding him, ask for a replacement because he'll be with you every step of the way so it's a must that you understand each other.
- Listen to your driver's suggestions when it comes to scheduling and places to visit, esp. when you did not do your research.