Sigiriya, or the “Lion Rock,” is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest historical and cultural icons. This ancient fortress of a rock, built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, finds a well-deserved place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and boasts fabulous frescoes, well-planned gardens, and a view to boot. A trip to Sigiriya gives a view of immensely rich times, which Sri Lanka had, and it is highly recommended for the history buff, the nature lover, and the adventure seeker.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is truly a marvel of engineering where nature and ancient architecture blend effortlessly. The fortress stands almost 200 meters above the jungle and contains a number of staircases carved into the rock, which lead to the panoramic views of the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka.
Hint: Try to go very early in the morning so that you avoid the scorching heat and the people are not many around you; you will spend a lot of time in each section taking photos of every single thing.
For less crowding with similarly great views, look to Pidurangala Rock, which is near Sigiriya. This lesser-known rock is popular for its sunrise and sunset views over Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Hint: Tip: Take water and wear suitable footwear since this climb is slippery in parts.
The Sigiriya Museum is a very good stop en route to and from visiting the fortress and serves as a great background. Many artifacts are housed in this museum: pottery, jewelry, and various tools-all reveal something about the life and culture existing here under the rule of King Kashyapa.
Tip: It takes about 30 minutes to tour around the museum, which is helpful in setting up context for your visit to the main fortress itself.
This village tour represents a true involvement in the traditional way of life of Sri Lankans. Most of the local tour operators give tours that include activities such as farming, cooking, and traditional fishing-a glimpse into rural life that is unique
Local Cooking Demonstration: Learn about the essence of Sri Lankan cooking, from grinding spices through to actual cooking in clay pots on an open fire.
Tip: This activity is family-friendly and therefore perfect for those seeking to connect with the culture more meaningfully.
The Minneriya National Park, although quite close to Sigiriya, is best known for the great gatherings of elephants. A visit to this park will surely present you with an exciting wildlife experience as you watch these elephants in their natural element.
Elephant Gathering: One of the biggest wild elephant gatherings in the world occurs from July to September in Minneriya Reservoir, with herds large as 300 elephants.
Animal viewing, other than elephants, includes various animals: spotted deer, wild boar, and many bird species.
The safaris mostly last for about 2 to 3 hours and operate in 4 x 4 jeeps. They include guides who will help in spotting the animals and share information about the park’s ecosystem.
Hint: The best time would be to visit in the late afternoon when all the animals are at their active best, especially visitors at water sources.
