After a few weeks wondering whether the 'virus' would prevent this trip happening, I finally got to visit this beautiful island and it certainly lived up to all my expectations. This trip covers a lot of ground despite having the luxury of two 4 night stays and with the need to 'beat the heat' most days started early and there are several long days on the coach. The highlight for me was getting to the top of Sigiriya (1600 steps up and 1600 steps down - hence the title of the review). The next day we went to Polannaruwa and the Dambulla caves which again had plenty of steps for tired legs as did Anuradhapura on the subsequent day. Dambulla caves were jaw dropping in their beautiful frescoes and buddhas and the ancient cities were staggering in their sheer scale and the technological advancements that were in use centuries ago.
The jeep safari was a little disappointing. Minneriya was closed due water shortages and consequently the one we visited was saturated with jeeps with some of the drivers (not ours) using 'road rage' techniques to get to the elephants first. We did see lots of elephants which was fabulous but I have to wonder if these safaris are doing more harm than good when you see the number of jeeps in the park at any one time.
In contrast to other countries I have visited requiring barefoot entrance to temples, some of the temples require you to walk some distance after removing your shoes over paving and artificial grass which has been baking in 32 degree heat for many hours. Make sure you have socks as even with these it is like fire walking especially on the artificial grass.
The other optional excursion, the Arrack dinner was very disappointing and did not fit the description given. Rather than multi courses, only 3 were served - the arrack demonstration was interesting and delicious altho none was available to purchase. However the over-riding feeling was that the evening was not worth the price of the excursion which I have pointed out in my feedback form. A single low point on an otherwise fabulous trip.
