Photos of a couple of days at Sigiriya in December 2011.
With the help of Royce Travels (the travel desk at Queen's Hotel), Kandy, I drove from Kandy to Sigiriya at a leisurely pace. En route I visited Nalanda Gedige, a recently restored temple with both Buddhist and Hindu images as well as some erotic sculpture.
I stayed at Sigiriya Rest House. On my first afternoon I went for a long walk to visit two smart hotels in the jungle and on return was offered an elephant ride, which I accepted despite being unprepared for it, wearing a skirt rather than pants. Never ride an elephant while wearing a skirt. Otherwise it was a remarkable experience, although nerve wracking. There was no saddle, bridle or stirrups, only a rope around the animal's neck, and I felt as if I would fall off despite the animal being docile.
Next morning I climbed Sigiriya rock, a remarkable experience and warmly recommended, although it is a very strenous climb. The rock art alone is well worth the effort, and reaching the summit provides a great feeling of achievement as well as wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
Before the climb, when I set off from the rest house I turned in the wrong direction and walked a long way before realizing my mistake. However, while walking I did see a juvenile elephant wallowing languidly in a creek just below the road and spraying water over itself at intervals. Had I not been in the wrong place, I would have missed this delightful spectacle.