Sigiriya’s Lion Rock. 1,200 steps. I made it to the Lion’s Paws — 900 up — before heat, crowds, and common sense made me stop. No regrets.

The next morning, first in line at Dambulla. Five caves, 150 Buddhas, murals everywhere. Quiet, cool(ish), magical.

Karl kept moving inland. I got happily sidetracked.