Lion Rock, Sigiriya

1200 steps to the top of the rock - 200m gain. - some on stone steps but quite a lot on steel staircases - not good for anyone with vertigo. Definitely got the heart rate up! 

Amazing to see the foundations of the King's palace, and other buildings and  reservoirs on the top of the rock and impressive water gardens at the base with hydraulic fountains which are still working after 13 centuries. 

It was a public holiday so lots of local visitors but also bus loads of Chinese / Taiwanese tourists which destroyed the peace and quiet. Apparently, they have sometimes even disturbed the Hornets which nest on the rock to the extent that there is now a hornet-proof shelter at the mid-level. 

We visited another temple site in the afternoon - even older temple bikes this  time. Fairly speedy visit so Linda and others could get back for their spa treatments.

Sitting on the terrace with a cold beer watching the sunset

when our Met police Detective Inspector jumped up and screamed as a Toque Macaque which had climbed on the bar, while she was taking pictures, was busy sipping her Singapore Sling (??) through a straw. 😂😂