Joanna James
The enchanting village of Sigiriya is a place that is wrapped in ethereal charm. The article below includes the top 7 indulgences that you can experience during your visit.
Needless to say, your tour in Sigiriya will be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress! This majestic castle was built by King Kasyapa who ruled on the island between 477 and 495 CE. The gardens of Sigiriya are believed to be among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Here you will find breathtaking water gardens, boulder gardens as well as terraced gardens. The Sigiriya frescoes, as well as the Mirror Wall, are true masterpieces too. Be sure to climb the rock before noon as the harsh rays of the sun can beat down mercilessly at the summit where no shelter is offered.
You will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Sigiriya from the summit of the Pidurangala Rock. The hike is incredibly popular among many locals and tourists. Watching the sunrise from the top of the Pidurangala Rock will indeed be an experience that you will never forget! You will have to enter the hiking trail through a temple, so you will have to wear decent clothes. You will be able to rent sarongs from the temple too.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura, which lies in close proximity to Sigiriya, was the very first kingdom established in Sri Lanka. Here you will witness the grand beauty of the old monuments that silently testify to the glories of the past. Places like Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Minintale, Isurumuniya, Ruwanweliseya and Jetavanaramaya should not be missed when exploring the city.
Polonnaruwa is the second ancient kingdom established in Sri Lanka. The proud old city is filled with marvels that are truly breathtaking. Do visit the Gal Viharaya, Parakrama Samudra, Medirigiriya Vatadage and Thuparama while you are travelling in Polonnaruwa. If you stay at a centrally located hotel like Sigiriya Jungles, which is regarded as one of the best hotels in Sigiriya, you will be able to visit these iconic attractions with immense ease.
The Golden Temple of Dambulla, which is also called the Dambulla Cave Temple, is yet another remarkable attraction in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. It is the largest and the best-preserved temple complex on the island. This majestic UNESCO Heritage Site houses 153 statues of Buddha. Several statues of Hindu deities and Sri Lankan kings can also be found on site.
Minneriya National Park is the best place on the island to spot elephants in the wild. During the dry season which occurs between July and August, large numbers of elephants flock to the banks of the Minneriya Reservoir, creating a phenomenal natural spectacle. This occurrence, which is called 'The Gathering' has effortlessly garnered the attention of the world.
Kaudulla National Park which is located in very close proximity to Minneriya National Park can also be quite easily explored when you are travelling in the region. This park also offers great opportunities to spot Sri Lankan elephants. The national park has been identified as an Important Bird Area too.
Hope you will find the information given above useful when you are travelling in this magical paradise island!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
