UNESCO world heritage site – an enormous granite outcrop first used by prehistoric man in the natural caves. Then used by Buddhist monks. How they received their food is mind boggling.  An ancient king had the vision after killing his father to build a fortress kingdom on top of the rock, surrounded by a moat filled with crocodiles and spikes. Mainly to try and appease the guilt, maybe. Or maybe a crazed power hungry psychopath. Either way the engineering is phenomenal – a system of water collection in vast tanks on the arid dry plains, fed the people and kept him in power. Just.

 

 

 

Some very erotic art painted in the 3rd to 5th century AD, high up on the walls of the rock rediscovered in the 1800’s. They has feelings, and urges.

A tough climb of 200m basically straight up to the top of the citadel. Worth the reward for the most amazing views across the plains; currently green at the start of the wet season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curry lunch, always delicious. Thunder, lightning and such heavy rain made such a noise. Decided on a long lunch before heading back to Dambulla. And it stopped raining, yea.  A lovely back road through the villages and paddy fields.  Big fights between the locals and elephants during the dry season.  As usual, not enough funding to maintain electric fences and elephants poisoned or shot if they encroach into the hard worked fields.