Joanna James
Set in the "cultural triangle of Sri Lanka", Sigiriya may be renowned only for its crown jewel, the mind-blowing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but it has a lot to offer, making for some exciting exploration. Come, visit some of the country's incredible historical and cultural treasures and much more.
Sure, the town of Sigiriya may have a whole host of places to see, but it just would not be right if you don't kick off your Sigiriya experience without laying your eyes on its star tourist attraction first — the mind-blowing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a site of historical and archaeological significance, the ancient rock fortress is what put Sigiriya on the map for almost all tourists to the Indian Ocean island nation. With an incredible 1,000 steps uphill the 180-metre-high rock, the trek up Sigiriya is bound to be a heart-pumping one, but it all will be totally worth it when you are greeted by breathtaking panoramic views at the summit.
For those with an appetite for adventure that Sigiriya just can't seem to sate, a half-mile walk from the ancient rock fortress will bring you just the right amount of challenge that your inner thrill-seeker craves, the adventurous trek up to the 5th-century monastic complex of Pidurangula. At this much less traversed rocky trail, you are afforded scenic hiking with more privacy, the cherry on the cake being the marvellous vantage at the top of the rock, where you can admire the stunning sight of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from afar.
A short 15-kilometre drive away from the town of Sigiriya is the Dambulla city, where lies the striking Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, one of the most precious and sacred sites of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. The Buddhist temple is well known for its mammoth, golden Buddha, but beneath the Buddha statue, at the top end of a steep flight of stairs is an ornate cave temple even more captivating, adorned with scores of colourful sculptures and wall paintings.
A half-hour drive away from Sigiriya is one of the most visited national parks in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park. Hop on a mighty safari jeep and head into the dense wilderness to get up close and personal with some of the island nation's fascinating wildlife, especially those majestic elephants that this sprawling nature park is particularly renowned for.
After a heart-pumping physical excursion trekking up and down Sigiriya, make your way to the Sigiriya Museum at the base of the rock fortress to cool off while treating yourself to a slice of fascinating history. After a day well spent, retreat to one of the finest hotels in Dambulla, Sri Lanka the likes of Amaya Lake, and call it a day.
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.
