Sigiriya Sunrise, Sacred Caves & Kandy Culture
Reaching the top just as the sun rose was something I’ll never forget. The light spilled across the ancient fortress ruins, bathing the stone walls in gold. From up there, the views stretched endlessly — misty forests, distant mountains, and tiny villages below. It’s one of those moments where you just stand still and take it all in a perfect blend of peace and awe.
After our climb (and a very deserved water break!), we continued to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. These five caves are carved into a massive rock, each one filled with intricate ceiling paintings and glowing golden Buddha statues. Walking through, you can almost feel the history in the air — centuries of devotion and artistry all around. It was so quiet inside, the kind of silence that makes you slow down and really appreciate where you are.
By lunchtime, we were ready for a feast, and Citadel Kandy did not disappoint! This gorgeous 4-star property sits right along the Mahaweli River, and we enjoyed a delicious meal overlooking the water. The food was fresh and full of flavour — the kind that makes you linger just a little longer, soaking in the view and the breeze.
As the afternoon drifted into evening, we found ourselves in the heart of Kandy, where we witnessed something truly special a ceremony to welcome the new chief monk. The energy, colour, and music were mesmerizing, a beautiful window into Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted traditions. Afterwards, we visited the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred sites in the country. We arrived just in time for one of the daily monk ceremonies, with rhythmic drumming and the soft scent of incense filling the air. It was peaceful, powerful, and deeply moving.
By the time we returned to our hotel, my legs were tired but my heart was full. From ancient fortresses to sacred temples, today was a journey through Sri Lanka’s soul a perfect mix of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
We spent the night at the Kandy Myst hotel right in the heart of the city, a modern hotel with warm and welcoming staff. We enjoyed a welcome drink on the terrace meeting the staff before we enjoyed the culinary delights from the buffet. The restaurant is light and airy and has lots of choice for all. The rooms are spacious with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the city views. For relaxation enjoy the roof top pool and terrace area where you can enjoy light music whilst sipping a cocktail and enjoying food from the bar.