Best things to do around Sigiriya – History, nature and amazing ancient architecture to be enjoyed!

Do a day safari to Minneriya National Park, as done by many visitors from Sigiriya resorts, which is a lush green haven for multitudes of flora and fauna attracting locals and visitors to this park. The giant Minneriya tank is a huge attraction to the herds of elephants that throng this park, thus if you are having a pair of binoculars, enjoy a clear view of the tuskers, a breathtaking sight. You would also see a peacock, a random fox as well as many other animals and birds as you roam through the park making it an unforgettable safari.

This iconic fortress is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thus one of the favourite attractions for guests from Hotel Sigiriya. Created on an enormous rock plateau at 400 metres above sea level the view from the top is breathtaking with acres of lush jungles stretching all around. What remains now of this grandiose creation are ruins of the palace, various canals and ponds which were the various forms of fortifications created by King Kashyapa during 473 to 495BC. Most visitors are in awe of the creativity and skill of those ancient times.

At the extreme northern end of Sigiriya Rock, a narrow path brings you to a large flat area at which two huge lion paws were discovered by archaeologists in 1898. Supposed to have been the front paws of a large lion created by ancient craftsmen to build the stairway opening as the mouth of the lion. Although the lion head had is not seen any longer one can take the first two steps then use a metal stairway to climb to the top. A feeling of awe engulfs you in imagining what grandeur had been present in those bygone times.

Piduranga Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple worshipped by locals even today. Locals and many visitors are drawn to this temple to also summit the Pidurangala Rock to witness the spectacular view from up there. The hike up there is about 30 minutes of man-made pathways and stairways. People start the climb as early as 5 am especially to catch the magnificent sunrise, some do it to view the glorious sunset. Whichever you choose make sure you are geared in terms of modest clothing as access to the hike up is across the temple grounds.

Once you visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and witness the ancient ruins, learn more of what is not visible at present by visiting this unique archaeological museum. Opened to the public in 2009, it contains many galleries displaying artefacts, such as implements and pots made of solid iron, jewellery, sculptures etc. Embracing green architecture the building is constructed around enormous trees that have been standing on the grounds for centuries and natural water springs giving an open and natural ambience. The entrance fee to the museum is already included in the fee for the rock fortress, therefore don't miss visiting this great Museum.