Joanna James
During your visit to Sigiriya, you could take the opportunity to experience a number of attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya Museum and Pidurangala Rock, as well as the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple; these highlights are sure to capture the imagination of the discerning visitor.
Taking pride of place in this locality is the magnificent Sigiriya Rock also known as the Lion Rock; it is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s foremost sightseeing attractions and has been identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This cultural site is named after the immense figure of a lion which was carved here though today, only the massive paws of the lion remain. You may take the chance to admire the noteworthy features of interest at this attraction like the historical water gardens, famed frescoes, the mirror wall and palace ruins at the summit.
If you happen to be a culture and history lover and desire to learn more about the Lion Rock and its environs, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to tour the Sigiriya Museum; this establishment may be regarded as one of the interesting places to visit in Sigiriya. Situated near the main ticketing booth of the rock fortress, it boasts a splendid selection of artefacts which are displayed in several galleries that offer fascinating insights about the stunning rock fortress.
You may also choose to undertake the climb of the nearby Pidurangala Rock which is sure to be an absorbing experience for the active visitor. After a half-hour trek along challenging steps and manoeuvring around sizable boulders, you may reach the summit where you can enjoy stunning views of the Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding areas. The outstanding panoramas here have made Pidurangala one of the most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka as well. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit this attraction and the rock fortress is Water Garden Sigiriya.
A remarkable religious attraction that you could experience in the course of your stay in Sigiriya is the entrancing Dambulla Cave Temple complex which is located relatively close by. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cultural attraction is considered to be Sri Lanka’s most extensive and most beautifully preserved complex of cave temples. Here, you may admire the numerous statues (including those of Lord Buddha, various deities and monarchs), murals and cave paintings.
Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts may choose to enjoy an excursion to the Minneriya National Park where they would find many engrossing kinds of fauna. The highlight here is the sizable herds of elephants, which can be seen during 'The Gathering' between May and October. However, you could also observe many other interesting varieties of animals here, such as monkeys, different kinds of deer and occasionally sloth bears and leopards. Varied types of birds may additionally be spotted at this nature sanctuary adding to its allure.
Another remarkable site for the culture enthusiast is the fascinating Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs which can be reached from Sigiriya. Although it cannot be considered to be a major tourist attraction, it is undoubtedly an engrossing place for anyone with an interest in prehistoric history. This site which dates to the Iron Age provides an insight into the way of life of the people who lived here many centuries ago. During your visit, you may also view the fascinating artefacts – such as urns, clay pots, gemstones and jewellery – that have been retrieved from the local burial site.
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.
