Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

• Start early with balanced breakfast. The uphill climb takes 2 hours including breaks so by the time it is noon you would be climbing down in heat with the most clear view when you were up there.
• Don't miss the frescoes painted on the cavern of western wall of Sigiriya. They are some of the most exquisitely painted frescoes that are still preserved probably due to the cave.
• Enjoy the different views that elevation throws at different levels. Explore the top of Sigirya a little. People tend to just hit the top and come back.  

Sigiriya Lion Rock is not just a tourist attraction. History says it was seat of the most powerful king who ever ruled the island nation. Add to that the buddhist monastery in the caves of the gigantic monolith and a view to behold from the top. The result is an unmatchable structure that may very well have cake-walked into the Unesco World Heritage Site list. While the front view of Sigiriya is intimidating, the trek and the experience is equally exhilarating.

View from middle, Sigiriya Lion Rock

As is usual in Sri Lanka, we bought a fat ticket from the counter that also hosts a museum dedicated to the history of Sigiriya. We skipped that and moved straight for the climb. Sigiriya Lion Rock is a long climb divided distinctly into three sections. The first is probably the most remarkable one - an almost inaccessible section of the monolith with beautiful and well-preserved thousand year old paintings. A spiralling staircase takes you there and brings you back quickly. Since the section is small, tourists are not allowed to stay longer.

Stairway, Sigiriya

The second section goes through the shining wall and up to a wide area that is also opening to the third section. The giant paws of lion carved on each side of the opening gate keep you occupied while you save your breath take some water. The narrow stairs of the third section ensure there is a continuous movement.

Lion Paw, Sigiriya

The third section of stairs take you right to the top of Sigiriya. On the way, one can see rocks carved to make rough steps to climb to the top. The top of Sigiriya is another world. Remains of a stronghold - probably a resting palace / fort - is visible. The top of Sigiriya is built in tiers in different directions, each leading to a different view. As we were staying at a hotel right next to the rock, I ventured to that side of the view. The tiny swimming pool and hotel structure was visible from the top.

Top of Sigiriya Lion Rock

The Pindurangala Rock is adjacent monolith of similar height and throws a beautiful view of lion rock specially during sunrise and sunset. Sigiriya is windy and open which makes both sunrise and sunset equally beautiful but the problem is one has to either start in dark of return in dark. Return is easier. We also visited the snake shaped hill at the bottom on our return and took some more photographs before walking back to our hotel rooms.