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On Tuesday (23/7) we left A-bay and was driven by the brother-in-law of the cook from our place to our new up-scale place near Dambulla, called Amaya Lake. It is a different world here, we have two aircon deluxe rooms with hot water etc. The whole area around the hotel is like a big park - and you can easily get lost among the many "huts" on the ground.

Our new rooms are nice.

Spending time in the pool

 Easy living

On Wednesday (24/7), we went to Dambulla to see the cave temples dating back to 100 bc. We climbed up the mountain and was shown around by a guide. There are 5 cave temples from various periods.

Standing in front of the temple caves.

Giant Buddha lying in cave, cut out of granite (2100 years old!)

Walking down the mountain. A giant golden Buddha.

Today Thursday, we went to Sigiriya Rock, an old palace (or the ruins of it) built on and around a

200 m tall rock. It was expensive but well worth it. We also bought some "magic boxes" - a book-like thing cut out of hardwood (teak) which can only be opened if you know how. The kids got one each and loved them.

In front of Sigiriya Rock (yes we climbed all the way to the top to see the palace ruins).

A huge swimming pool (only one of several) in the Water Gardens at the foot of the rock, used for the 500 damsels of the King. The Water Gardens were strictly symmetrical, like Versaille (only 1000 years older), and even had fountains (powered by the water pressure from higher grounds).

The lion gate. Only the paws are left. There used to be an entire lion's head and you would enter by the mouth.

Jump of joy. We reached the top, where the winter palace once stood (only ruins left). There is a fantastic 360 degree view from up there. Unfortunately it started raining when we came up so the photos are not that great. Around the rock you see dense jungle, lakes, and mountains. 

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