Sigiriya Rock

Today we climbed Lion's Rock. So called because of the massive lion paws that you walk through on the final stretch. The guide books says it was 1800 steps to the top. And while that is true,  my fitbit gave us 3500 round trip, it was not 1800 stair steps. It was only 55 flights, so about 660 stair steps. We had been expecting the worst, so we were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too difficult.

Here are the famous Lion Paws.

Half way up the climb there are beautiful frescos of buxom concubines. Art expert, Traveling Blonde 1, pointed out how sophisticated the painting was for how old it claimed to be. The pretty ladies had a lot of detail and a three dementia all feel, unlike the painting we saw at Dumbulla, that were very flat like hieroglyphics.

Near the top you pass through the lion's paws. Legend says that there used to be a lions head in between the paws so as you ascended you walked through the lion's mouth.



There were LOTS of stairs

At the top, legend has it that there was a palace with swimming pools and ballroom, but the guide book debunks that stating there is no archaeological evidence of a palace, and was likely a monestary.  The pools were a convenient way to store water,  it still very beautiful with magnificent views.