Kandy

« This is my latest post about Sri Lanka, where I will share about Sigiriya and the Lion's Rock in this beautiful country. Lion's Rock is the most popular attraction in Sri Lanka. For me personally, it was an extraordinary day of hiking, not due to the altitude or even the scary climb, but because of the sheer number of monkeys that roam around the park at the foot of the rock. Seeing them in the wild, just a few feet away, was something else! I have a complicated relationship with wildlife.

Now, about Lion's Rock. The height is 200 meters, and at the top, you can find the ruins of the palace, frescoes, and the remains of the bathing pools built by the king over five centuries ago. The stone stairway leading to the summit passes through the remnants of magnificent brick lions, but unfortunately only two large paws remain. The legend of the rock is quite interesting, so please do a little research before your visit. The entrance fee is $30. We got there from Kandy by bus with a transfer in Dambulla. We didn’t stay overnight here, which was the right decision since there isn’t much to do besides visiting Lion's Rock. There’s a little information booth at the entrance with symbolic charges of $2. The entire park with the climb and descent took us about 3 hours. This spot is among the most impressive places in Sri Lanka; I would call it a place of power.

At the top, you will find an incredible view. This was the last stop on our route before heading to Negombo, where we planned to spend two days relaxing on the beach.

Overall, our two-week route in Sri Lanka looked like this: Colombo - Hikkaduwa (2 nights) - Mirissa/Veligama for surfing (4 nights) - Nuwara Eliya (2 nights) - Ella (1 night) - Kandy (2 nights) - Negombo (2 nights). The itinerary is not perfect, but it covers a lot of attractions and activities. »

« Hram Zuba Buddhi. For Buddhists, this is the most sacred place. Surrounded by many believers, offering their prayers to Buddha. So many flowers, incense! Entry to the temple is only allowed in sarongs or barefoot... But the main holy site (directly at the teeth) is unfortunately not visible, it is securely covered from the eyes of visitors behind a golden staircase. The temple is beautiful, but don't expect any special luxury. All their strength lies in faith! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🤤 »

« Magical place, definitely worth staying here for a couple of days, the breathtaking view from the window while lounging on the couch... 🌅✨ »

« The most charming region of Ceylon is practically located in the center of the island. By the way, the second name of this region is Senkadagalapura. Just don't ask about it! 😂

Here you’ll find one of the main Buddhist relics - the Temple of the Tooth of Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa). A very interesting site of the UNESCO heritage right in the heart of the region by the lake.

Overall, I can say that this region has almost ideal climate - during the day it’s around +25°C, and in the evening +22°C, making the heat and humidity almost unnoticeable. I truly enjoy walking along the lake.

What else is worth seeing here? Note these:
1️⃣ The Temple of the Tooth of Buddha - definitely worth visiting for the remarkable experience.
2️⃣ The Buddha statue on the hill of Bahirawakanda - from here, you get a stunning view of the entire region.
3️⃣ The Kandy Botanical Garden - I haven't been there yet, but I've heard great things about it.
4️⃣ Strolling around the lake and observing the many bird species. There are pelicans, ducks, and plenty of other exotic birds – a dream for any bird watcher!

I don’t regret coming here for a couple of days. However, further down the line, it might feel a bit boring. 🤔 So, after exploring, we’ll be moving on! »

« Minneriya National Park
• Safari - Minneriya National Park. Unusually, from the jeep, you can see how elephants are leisurely enjoying themselves, guarding their young, playfully rolling in the grass ))) and it’s so adorable to watch them interact with each other. On the free, they absolutely ignore people... they don’t need any distractions like bananas and don’t care about the occasional human with a stick 😅. In the park, we saw plenty of interesting birds: green pigeons, eagles, and various colorful and truly vibrant peacocks ✨ running around like little domestic chickens. The reserve is really beautiful ✨ I wish I could spend more time there, the reserve wants to showcase more beauty and wildlife! But those elephants 💖. »

« Incredible beauty! Today we visited the Temple of the Tooth, a spice farm, the royal park, the train station, and ended with a tuk-tuk ride up the mountain to see the Buddha, where this view unfolded before us. Eyes in ecstasy, mind processing, body absorbing, soul in paradise. 😊✨ »

« Yesterday, we visited the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, the city of Kandy, but I wished there was more focus on history rather than being led to shops that pressure you into buying products priced three times their actual worth. »