Breakfast at the homestay was fine for those who can eat eggs – unfortunately that is not me so had to settle for a cup of tea. Not a good homestay experience. I think they might not have done it much so don't involve the guests in their daily living. We were left feeling a bit disappointed – more like intruders rather than guests!!

First stop this morning was for an elephant ride at Habarana. Was a first for many in our group but as I had done several before the mahout let me sit on the elephants neck and guide the beautiful beast. His name was Raja which means king and he was lovely!!

We then headed to Sigiriya which involved yet more climbing!!! Am getting sick of stairs but these were harrowing iron steps built into the cliffside making it even more scary for people like me who don’t like heights. Managed to climb to the Lion Paw Terrace but had to turn back on the final climb to the top as I freaked out about half way up. Really annoyed with myself but can’t help it when you just freeze and can’t move. If you do visit be sure to brave the rickety-looking spiral staircase to see the awesome 1500-year old painted frescoes located beneath an overhang about 90m up the rock even if you cant make it to the top of the plateau.

Sigiriya – home of the famous 'Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. Located atop a rock plateau overlooking verdant jungle and a vast plain is Sigiriya, the mysterious remains of the 5th-century fortress of King Kasyapa. These ruins of Sigiriya are the most unique of the ancient sites in Sri Lanka. This archaeological site, unparalleled in South Asia, is a place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans and has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Back in the bus and we headed to the famous Dambulla rock caves and the Golden Temple. These were awesome and I fear my photos will not do them justice. All the caves hold fascinating statues and frescos with every inch of wall and roof painted. After the beauty of the caves the golden temple and stupa seemed to be rather kitsch. As one of our group members put it – the golden temple looks like Luna Park on acid!!!!!

Dambulla Rock Cave and Golden Temple dates back to before the 2nd century. The complex is a series of five caves is home to some fascinating rock art and many Buddha statues. Carved out of the rock, this extensive series of caves are covered from floor to ceiling with extraordinarily well-preserved frescoes depicting all kinds of Buddhist imagery. The complex is the largest of its kind in the world and the biggest cave is over 50 metres long. The caves have been places of worship for more than 2000 years. It is a religious site that is significant to Buddhist and Hindu faiths. The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries.

After lunch- which was yet another buffet- we headed to the Sirilak spice and herbal garden in Matale. Thought that this would be a bit boring for someone who does not look at the inside of a kitchen but was pleasantly surprised to find they covered cooking herbs and spices as well as those used for medicinal purposes. It was interesting to see the plants in their natural state and we were all treated too a head and neck massage with some herbal preparation. One of the men in the group also bravely offered his arm to demonstrate the natural hair removing cream….which to his surprise worked a treat!!! Of course now he has to spend several weeks walking around with a bald patch on one arm!! Naturally there was a shop attached to the gardens where we could purchase products made on the premises. I ended up with some jasmine oil and aloe vera cream….you know me …cant walk away from shopping!!

We then headed towards Kandy where we will be based for 2 nights…finally able to get some washing done…yeah as I am running out of clothes. Along the way we stopped at the Aluviharaya where it is said are the original writings of Buddha. Got booked into the Hotel and thought we were on a good wicket – not only can we get our washing done but they have free Wifi ( at last can check my emails and a quick update on Facebook!!) and an ayurveda spa. Naturally I headed to the spa for the "luxurious full body oil massage"….was meant to be for 60 minutes but only lasted 40…not happy at all. Complained to the “guest relations” manager so will wait and see what happens!!

Finished the day having a drink and watching the sun set over Kandy.