Joanna James
Sigiriya is a must-visit location when you are in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. There are many things to do and places to explore and here are 5 amazing things to do.
The Sigiriya rock is a mesmerising creation by Sri Lankans from the golden age. It was a fortress for King Kasyapa and his army when they were fleeing his brother's army's attack. If you are planning to visit Sigiriya, it is best to select accommodation from Sigiriya hotels or Dambulla hotels as you will be in close proximity to the Sigirya Rock. It is said that the area around Sigiriya rock used to have many volcanoes and that Sigiriya rock itself is a large block of molten magma, which hardened over the years and captures a volcano within. It is best to hike this rock in the morning hours or late afternoon as the rock heats up and it is extremely warm during day time.
The Minneriya National Park is a great place to visit if you love elephants. These gentle giants call this national park their home and roam about freely. If you are fortunate, you will also get to see some babies with the herd that are always up to some mischief. Apart from elephants, Minneriya is also home to deer, crocodiles, wild boar and a variety of birds. The best time to visit Minneriya is from July to October and if you travel in a large group, you will be able to get a good price on the tour.
Aliya Resort & Spa and most other hotels in Sigiriya are built on flat land that you can explore by yourself and you can do this on a cycle. Cycling around Sigiriya will not only let you explore the city but also allow you to take a look into the lives of the locals. You can stop by a roadside shop and have a cup of tea with a sweet pancake, take a bath in a lake, or enjoy the fresh air while you explore Sigiriya and its surroundings.
The best time to go on a hot air balloon ride in Sri Lanka is from November to April and a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya will allow you to have a bird's-eye view of this beautiful city on the island. If you take the morning option, then you will be able to witness the sunrise bringing a golden colour to the trees, the Sigiriya rock, and everything around it.
The Dambulla cave temple is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka and is one that you should make time for if you are in the vicinity. It is a beautiful natural rock carved into a temple; inside, you will see drawings and statues from the golden days of Sri Lankan history.
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.
