Joanna James
Sigiriya Rock and the fortress that lies atop are images that have become synonymous with Sri Lanka and its heritage. Each year, many thousands of tourists flock to the location and begin to ascend up. If you're one of them, here are five tips that'll make the climb easier.
Sigiriya is an amazing attraction to visit – the problem is that most everyone is aware of this too. As such, it's fairly common to find large crowds gathered up at the rock. Don't worry though, you can beat all the crowds by just visiting the location early. Now, the prospect of crawling out of bed at the crack of dawn might not be that appealing; however, it is more than worth it to have Sigiriya and its vicinity to yourself as the sun rises. What's more, the morning air is cool and the sun isn't too harsh, making the climb up quite comfortable during this time of the day. Don't get up too early though, the ticket booth opens up at exactly 6.45 am.
Once you reach the foot of the rock and gaze upwards, it should come as no surprise that the climb will be quite the arduous one – so come prepared! There are a few hundred steps to contend with and certain parts can be extremely steep. What's more, you'll have to be wary of the local wildlife that calls the rock home. These include mischievous monkeys that are well-known for harassing passers-by as well as deadly swarms of wasps that make their hives up against the cliff face. Do note that if you give these animals distance and a bit of respect, they will leave you alone. At any rate, you'll want to bring lots of water with you and a hat to shade yourself from the sun. Some good shoes will also come in handy and make the climb much easier.
Sigiriya is a big place and there's much and more to see in the jungles and verdant expanses that surround the famous rock fortress. Walking around all this can be quite tiresome however, that's why you should consider getting yourself a bicycle! You'll find plenty of hotels and shops all over Sigiriya that offer bikes for rent. This is a really convenient way to get around and there's a special charm in zipping past Sigiriya's wilderness with the wind at your back.
Understandably, most tourists want to climb up the Sigiriya Rock and get a good view of the surrounding area. The view up here is indeed stunning but it is missing something – the Lion Rock itself! So, if you want to enjoy the full majesty of the rock set against the grandeur of Sigiriya's wilderness, why not hike up the neighbouring Pidurangala Rock instead? Found just a quick drive away from Sigiriya Rock, this mountain can be quite the challenging climb on its own right. What's more, it isn't nearly as crowded as Sigiriya, meaning you can enjoy the climb up in relative seclusion.
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Sigiriya, and that's just as well considering all the sights and attractions there are to see in the region. Places like Habarana are also quite popular and closeby to Sigiriya which is why most tourists choose to stay there. Whether you're looking for luxurious accommodations or something a little closer to nature, you're sure to find a Habarana hotel that's right for you. After all, due to the region's popularity, many major hotel chains have a presence here. For example, there's the patented Cinnamon Lodge Habarana.
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