Feb-2014
Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of three sacred cities of the Cultural Triangle, it is also the most impressive because the fortress and the palace of King Kasyapa it houses have been built on a huge rock. An inevitable climb in Sri Lanka is therefore to climb the steps to reach the top of the rock, where there are some ruins of less interest (since there doesn’t remain much) but also an absolutely beautiful view:
The rock is surrounded by what was once beautiful gardens and swimming pools. It is also known for its ancient frescoes, you will discover during your climb.
HOW TO VISIT SIGIRIYA?
- It is recommended to climb the rock before 9am or after 15h to avoid intense heat and crowds. The entrance opens at 8am so introduce yourself at the opening!
- Admission is 30 USD.
- The climb is not difficult, it takes about 1:30, including breaks every 5 minutes to take pictures. There are steps all along. Remember to bring water because they do not sell it inside. Even very old people could climb it, so it’s really within the reach of anyone. If you experience problems, the locals will be happy to help you for a few rupees. They accost all tourists, so do not be offended if they try with you even if you are young and dynamic
- Guides will wait fo you at the entrance of the site… if you want to receive explanations, they are not that expensive, but it is not really necessary.
- If you came with Tuk-Tuk they usually agree to wait for you as you climb the rock. Agree well with him to wait for you at the Tourists Exit and not at the entrance of the park, because inside you need to follow a path which ends at the the Tourist Exist, and if you need to return to the entrance it’s a long walk.
- If you want to see the museum, it is best to do it before entering the site because it is located at the entrance of the site. The problem is that it opens later than the park so it will make you lose time if you wanted to get there before the hot weather in the morning.
SIGIRIYA OR Pidurangala?
We have hesitated for a long time between Sigiriya and the other hill, Pidurangala, which costs only a small fee paid to the monastery. Reviews were positive on internet so if you do not have the budget for Sigiriya, prefer Pidurangala where you will have a similar view of the valley. However, the view of the Sigiriya Rock from Pidurangala is not really exceptional as shown by the pictures found on the net, and you do not see the ruins of the Palace.
WHERE TO STAY AT SIGIRIYA?
We stayed in a 3 stars resort with swimming pool, Kassapa Lions Rock as we found a good deal (48 € per room). It’s not backpacker of course, there was only old tour groups, but it feels good just to have some extra comfort once in a while and a pool to cool off after climbing the Sigiriya Rock. In hotels like this one, the staff offers services at much higher prices than you would get by searching by yourself. So it’s always better to negotiate without going with the hotel. The buffet was Rs 1800, which is a bit expensive compared to what we eat in local restaurants, but this is apparently the normal price for a buffet. We did not try, we took separate dishes and it cost half the price. The resort is not close to the rock, we had to take a tuk-tuk for 20-30 minute trip, which cost us Rs 1000.
WHERE TO EAT in SIGIRIYA?
We tested the Croissant Hut, which was recommended on Trip Advisor. We were the only guests and yet still it took at least 45 minutes before serving, because all the dishes are fresh, including juices. Fortunately, there is free Wi-Fi and you get rewarded for the wait because the food is delicious at very reasonable price 
The Crescent Hut is located on the main road to Sigiriya, near the Rock.
WHERE TO GO AFTER SIGIRIYA?
From Sigiriya, you can go to Polonawura or down to Kandy via Dambulla. It is entirely possible to combine Sigiriya (arriving on the site very early) and Dambulla in the same day, and arrive in Kandy in the evening. That’s what we did. We took the bus to Sigiriya, just in front of Croissant Hut. The bus stop doesn’t have any sign, so we have to signal the driver of the bus when he comes to stop for you.
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