Joanna James
Are you an avid climber? Then Sri Lanka is just the place to be for an exciting climbing experience. The Sigiriya rock and the Pidurangala rock are two places that you need to look into. Although climbing both is quite a task, here are three reasons as to why you need to try them out.
Tickets are priced at 4500 LKR for tourists for the climb at Sigiriya rock. This ticket will let you witness first-hand the surrounding gardens, museum, the mirror walls and the Lion Rock. Your climb is quite an exciting one. Opt to go during weekdays if you want fewer crowds as weekends and public holidays bring a crowd a people. Besides, the Sigiriya rock has been titled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, the Pidurangala Rock tickets are priced at only 500 LKR and that's a significant margin in terms of pricing. This shouldn't be the only reason to opt for this climb. The tickets will also allow you to enter the royal cave that is located at the rock. If you're looking for hotels in Sigiriya for accommodation, properties the likes of Sigiriya Jungles offer a good experience.
Once you have purchased your ticket, you will first make your way to the Sigiriya Rock garden. One of the most beautiful gardens that is also known for being the oldest in South East Asia. You can explore all that's in it, from ancient moats to the surrounding pools. If you are exploring with foodstuff in your hands, be careful, as the gardens are known for housing some mischievous monkeys. The climb to the Sigiriya Rock comprises around 1200 steps. Don't let this put you off, it's still a doable climb even if climbing stairs are a nightmare for you. Plus, it's completely worth the effort. You can take breaks and relax and climb at a good pace. You can also see some beautiful frescoes and the famous mirror wall. And the climb keeps revealing more and more!
Right at the foot of the Pidurangala Rock is a popular temple called the Royal Cave temple, and this place is a must visit if you want to see a reclining statue of Buddha and ancient cave paintings. The rock climb here is actually shorter compared to Sigiriya, but it is more challenging. The first twenty minutes involves climbing small rocks and stairs at a steady incline. Thus, a similar fitness level needed to climb the Sigiriya rock is required here too. The last five stairs of the climb require some rock climbing. The steps here are actually large boulders and you will need to use your hands and your feet to get around them. Although some strength is required here, people with moderate levels of fitness can complete it!
Once you climb atop the Sigiriya Rock you are going to be mind blown by the surrounding beauty. It is truly spectacular. You can take a look at the enchanting landscape of forests surrounding the rock. And the same goes for Pidurangala Rock. You'll be able to see the splendid surroundings. Although there aren't any ruins here to see, you can have an outstanding panoramic view of the Lion Rock from here.
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