Joanna James
A standout feature in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the ancient rock fortress called Sigiriya is a manmade wonder that continues to captivate history lovers and leisure travellers alike. Provided are 5 important tips to keep in mind before your arrival.
Given that Sigiriya can be visited throughout the course of the week, you will only need to pay attention to the opening and closing times, which are strictly regulated and enforced by the authorities. The attraction can be explored from 5 am to 6.30 pm. With regards to the entrance fee, every visitor will be charged USD 35, which includes access to the Sigiriya Museum.
Sigiriya towers over the surrounding landscape at some 200 metres in the air. Importantly, as many as 1,200 steps cover the distance, which are divided among numerous staircases. Therefore, though not too daunting a task, patrons will still require a considerable amount of energy and resolve in order to successfully navigate Sigiriya. Avoid the afternoon as you will have the wrath of the sun to deal with. Choose either the early hours of the morning or late afternoon to begin the ascent. This way, you will give yourself every opportunity to enjoy the climb, spend time at the main points of Sigiriya and catch your breath as well.
Although there is no strict dress code to abide by, understand that no revealing clothing will be permitted that exposes your midriff or legs. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are perfectly acceptable and you will not need to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and knees, as Sigiriya is not a place of worship. Wearing a sturdy par of walking shoes or hiking boots is advisable and to stay away from the scorching sun, be sure to bring a hat, plenty of bottled water and perhaps, some light snacks, such as a packet of biscuits.
Sigiriya is home to a wonderful collection of talking points and engineering feats that stand testament to the prowess and ingenuity of its builder – King Kashyapa who reigned during the 5th century. Within the complex are the Royal Gardens, which are believed to be one of the oldest examples of a landscaped urban garden. Next in line are the Water Gardens, which are symmetrical in size and include bathing pools, curved tanks and island pavilions. These Gardens comprised a series of underground ducts and hydraulic systems that were responsible for supplying water. Farther off are the Boulder Gardens on which the monastery of Sigiriya and other monastic buildings once stood. Worthy of mention are the strikingly beautiful Sigiriya Frescoes that are thought to be the maidens who served in King Kashyapa’s court. Thereafter, you will stumble upon the Mirror Wall that was polished with a smooth glaze and as legend reveals, was used by visitors to inscribe their thoughts of the fair maidens. You will then pass through the Lion’s Paw staircase before summitting Sigiriya. Once atop, ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace will be on display. However, do spend time enjoying sweeping panoramas of reservoirs, mountains and dense jungle landscapes that would appear to stretch on for miles. Finally, do allocate sufficient time for the Sigiriya Museum. As an attraction, this building contains a fascinating display of artefacts, some of which trace the Monastic period of Sigiriya and exhibits that evidence pre-civilisation times.
The farther you are from Sigiriya, the longer it will take for you to get here, which can easily have you rushing and perhaps, missing out on the overall experience. To manage such a situation, you could consider booking with Sigiriya Jungles, which is a well-equipped Sigiriya hotel found some 20 minutes away from the rock fortress.
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.
