Travel Eat Drink Like a Local

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya (MRMV) and the Monastery is an ancient Buddhist Rock Temple constructed by King Saddhatissa in the third century.  Built on a 673ft natural rock, MRMV, in Southern Sri Lanka is also known as 'Punchi Sigiriya' meaning Little Sigiriya. It's surrounded by four other rocks named Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala, and Seelawathiegala. 'gala' denotes rock in Sinhala. Great beaches as you drive further south from Matara before turning inland. Beaches along your route from Matara before you turn inland  Beaches along your route from Matara before you turn inland The lush land and paddy fields abound on either side of the road as you head to MRMV Once you pull to the parking area at the bottom of the temple complex, there are flower vendors. It's customary to place a flower at the feet of the Buddha with respect to his teachings of impermanence. I believe you need to pay for parking here. There are seven caves with...

Sigiriya is famous for a very high red stone cubic fortress and palace ruins. These are surrounded by the ruins of a network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. It is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescoes). The complex was built by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE), who had siezed power from the rightful heir, Moggallana, who fled to South India. Fearing an attack from Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya. Kashyapa was defeated in 495 CE by Moggallana, who moved the capital again to Anuradhapura. Sigiriya was then turned back into a Buddhist monastery, which lasted until the 13th or 14th century. The walk all the way up to the top and back takes about 1.5 hours. It's very important to carry water and few energy bars for the kids since it gets very hot and you sweat a lot. During the rain season some spots can get slippery. Therefore wearing the right footwear is ...