If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then Sigiriya is a must-visit destination that should be on top of your list. Sigiriya is an ancient city located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent historical and cultural attraction that showcases the fascinating architectural and engineering feats of ancient Sri Lanka.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the significance of Sigiriya, travel activities, nearby places, food, accommodations, frequently asked questions, and conclusions.
The Significance of Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an ancient fortress that was built in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. It is also known as the โLion Rockโ due to the lion statue that once stood at the entrance of the palace. The fortress was built on top of a massive rock, which stands 660 feet tall and is surrounded by a moat and ramparts. It is an impressive sight to behold and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
The Distance from the Airport
Sigiriya is located in the central part of Sri Lanka, approximately 170 km from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The nearest airport to Sigiriya is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. You can take a taxi or bus to Sigiriya from Colombo. The journey takes around 4-5 hours by road.
Travel Activities
Sigiriya is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical and cultural significance. The primary activity that tourists engage in is climbing the rock fortress. The climb takes approximately 2-3 hours, and the view from the top is simply breathtaking. You can see the lush green landscape of Sri Lanka from the top, which is a sight to behold.
Other popular activities in Sigiriya include visiting the Sigiriya Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the ancient city, exploring the beautiful water gardens, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Nearby Places
There are many nearby places that you can visit while in Sigiriya. One of the most popular destinations is the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located just 19 km from Sigiriya. The temple features a series of caves that are adorned with beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha.
Another nearby destination is the Minneriya National Park, which is just 20 km away from Sigiriya. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. It is an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Food and Accommodations
When it comes to food, Sigiriya offers a variety of local and international cuisines. Some of the popular dishes include rice and curry, kottu, and hoppers. You can find several local restaurants in the town of Sigiriya that serve authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Sigiriya, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some of the best options include:
Aliya Resort and Spa – This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and boasts a large swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.
The Hideout Sigiriya – This eco-friendly hotel features charming treehouses and cottages set amidst lush greenery. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a unique experience.
Sigiriya Village Hotel – This hotel is located just 1.5 km away from Sigiriya Rock and offers spacious rooms and a large outdoor pool. It also features a restaurant serving traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
Elephant Corridor Hotel – This boutique hotel is set amidst a tranquil jungle setting and offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Back of Beyond Pidurangala – This rustic retreat is located just 1 km away from Sigiriya Rock and offers guests a peaceful and secluded escape. Accommodation options include treehouses and cottages.
Best Hotels
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Conclusion
Sigiriya is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive and unforgettable attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking to marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the region, Sigiriya has something for everyone. From the fascinating history of the ancient fortress to the breathtaking views from the summit, a visit to Sigiriya is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. With plenty of nearby attractions and accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, it’s no wonder that Sigiriya remains one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations.
If you would like to book your flights, you can book it with Share Traveller. With all the bookings you’ve made through our referral links, we’ll get a small commission which help us to maintain this site
Best Hotels
If you would like to book your hotel, you can book it with Share Traveller. With all the bookings youโve made through our referral links, weโll get a small commission which help us to maintain this site
Hotellook โ a service that helps you find and compare prices on hotels around the world, provided by a leading reservation system.
Today, Hotellook.com offered to put together information on more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
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