Exploring the unexplored

While in Sigiriya we were inclined to explore what else was in store for visitors other than hiking the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and you will not believe what we discovered! According to Sigiriya and Beyond, a thoroughly researched travel guide written by Dr. Weerasuriya et al, you could explore many undiscovered religious sites, archeological sites and lakes within a 30km radius from the Sigiriya Rock. During our stay we took a boat ride at the Pahala Thalkotte Lake situated a few kilometres away from the property. As dusk was nearing, villagers were seen having a bath, doing their washing and children playing in the waters. Although we only spotted resident birds perched on the trees, a boat ride in this lake will present to you a clear panoramic view of Pidurangala and Sigiriya rocks. Cormorants, darters, Brahminy Kites and over 130 species could be spotted during the migratory season. An evening snack on the lake perhaps will make you contemplate on how time has stood still in rural areas located away from the suburbs. The greeneries remain untouched and you could only pray that they remain intact with ongoing threats of deforestation. With dusk falling in, we headed back to the property to see what more was in store for us. When at BOB you can’t just retire to bed after dinner because the amazing team will always have something planned for you. A Loris walk was what was in store for us. With red lights to find the way, we walked through the forest patch, twisting and turning branches falling onto the way, almost tripping on gigantic tree roots and followed the lights until we spotted those bright eyes! A tiny Grey slender loris was looking at us from a distance and our mission was a success.