Top Things to do in Sigiriya
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What to do and see in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka including Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya World Heritage Site, Citadel of Sigiriya - Lion Rock, Minneriya Tusker Safaris, Sigiriya Museum, Pethikada, Oakray Woodcarvings.
Restaurants in Sigiriya
1. Pidurangala Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more strenuous than climbing Sigiriya. If you are fit and adventurous it is a climb worth making. It will take you about two hours. There is far less to see on this site than Sigiriya
Reviewed By SamuelHarvey - Hong Kong, China
Yes. Start by Lion Rock; you get pissed at the amount of tourists and the lines getting bigger and lengthier by the minute for the Lion Rock. When you’ll arrive at Pidurangala, you will feel free and quite peaceful to say the least. We did nothin back to back and they are quite near from one another.
Try to avoid mid day since the heat is quite intense (although there’s plenty of shadow).
We did the climb in less than an hour and it doesn’t require climbing experience.
2. Sigiriya World Heritage Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Chris P - Bromsgrove, United Kingdom
We visited Sigiriya Lion Rock as part of our 7 day tour and its a very impressive World Heritage Site. We had a guide to take us to the top and back who had done the climb thousands of times and was very knowledgeable. There are beautiful views both leading up to the rock, the climb and from the top. There are 1202 steps to the very top and some are quite steep so you might struggle if you have any mobility problems. There is also a spiral staircase against the rock face about half way up, which you can climb to see the wall paintings or you can bypass it if you're afraid of heights. We started fairly early before it got too busy and too hot! Make sure you take plenty of water to keep you going. On the way down you might come across a snake charmer which you can take pictures of if you give him some money, you can also have a python around your neck for a fee.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Sigiriya is the most exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art, architecture and landscaping. Built over 1,600 years ago, the now sinister-looking 600 ft high black rock once appeared like a huge dazzling white cloud floating above the surrounding Forests. Its sides were painted with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. A massive gatehouse in the form of a lion guarded the entrance to the innermost sanctum of of the city – the Sky Palace on top of the rock. It burst briefly into pre-eminence and was then abandoned and lay hidden in the Forests for nearly 1,500 years. It is definitely a must visit site.
Reviewed By Gutman10 - Cheshire
Sigiriya rock can be seen for miles but the beauty of the Gardens and the exquisite archetecture warrant a visit. You need about 2 - 3 hours to do this site justice and a guide is invaluable in describing the various artefacts. Although quite a climb to the top, this can be done in stages and the paths / steps are good. Once the top is reached the full extent of the Citadel is evident and the views are fantastic. The lion feet at the base of the final climb are well preserved and the paintings in the rock are still impressive. Sunglasses, hat and water are essential equipment.
4. Minneriya Tusker Safaris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Minneriya National Park is located 182 km away from Colombo in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. The major city closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa.Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya National Park gives the opportunity to see herds of Elephants throughout the year.
Reviewed By Jaroslav S - Vilnius, Lithuania
The experience itself was good and there were many animal sightings. Elephants, water buffalos, all kinds of birds - nothing much to complain about. However, the experience was tarnished by the old and VERY dirty jeep. Its was all covered in red dust and just a few minutes in it was all over my clothes. I had to cancel some of my other plans to go to a hotel and change.
The problem could have easily be solved by a little bit of care and cleanliness. It isn’t that difficult to wash the jeep once in a while.
5. Sigiriya Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By Vladimir V
The museum is interesting place because you can see very old things and really nice map of the whole city. It takes no more than 20 min..
6. Pethikada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Wiseowl73
Visited Jagath's place several times during our 2 day stay in Sigriya. He is a talented artist specialising in reproductions of cave paintings of which he was part of the conservation process. His work isn't just mechanical reproductions but is imbued with soul and passion....MoreThank you very much for your insight sir. Hope you enjoyed your time in Sri Lanka and wish to see you here again. Cheers!
7. Oakray Woodcarvings
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Raintree_Thailand - Bangkok, Thailand
The shop and showroom are both interesting, but probably only if you reallly like wooden items. Interesting presentation of the woods used in carving and natural dyes. The wooden items in the showroom are OK, but nothing exceptional. Much better wood carvings in other places, including in Thailand and Indonesia.
