Beautiful batiks, relaxing tea, appetizing spices, fine jewelry, an abundance of sceneries, sandy beaches, and blue skies await anyone who visits Sri Lanka. This island is a source of comfort, beauty, and warmness for travelers. Enchanted by the capital Colombo, Dambulla, different National Parks, Pollonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, tourists will be lost when deciding which destination is their favorite. However, in most cases, the balance is weighted in favor of the astonishing Sigiriya Rock, which rises from the thick jungle cover of Sri Lanka's dominant grasslands.
The fortress is definitely a stunning sight to witness. This lofty 200m Lion Rock rises skyward from flat terrain, and it is frequently encircled by a cloud of mist that veils it in mystery. This rock is also referred to as the world's eighth wonder. It not only consists of magnificent beauty and landscape but also provides travelers with a glimpse of the rich and unique history of the region.
Here Is The Greatest Time For Climbing Sigiriya Rock
The dry season is the best time of year for travelers to visit this giant rock. In particular, between late December and early April. However, March is the ideal month to enjoy the most pleasant weather and for optimal visibility conditions.
- Opening times: Visitors are allowed to enter Sigiriya every day between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, but tickets should be bought before the office closes at 5:00 PM.
Unfortunately, travelers will not be able to see the sunrise, but the splendid sunset will be waiting for them. Additionally, climbing the rock in the late afternoons will be more enjoyable for the hikers because it is cooler and less crowded. In contrast, it is not recommended to hike between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM due to heat and high humidity levels. Early mornings are also pleasant to get to the top of the rock.
- Entrance fee: The ticket office opens from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets must be bought from an office at the fortress entrance before walking all the way to the rock or climbing the stairs. One ticket costs 30$ in cash. Visitors cannot pay with their credit or debit cards, and no ATM is available in the area.
Here's What To Know Before Climbing Sigiriya Rock
Different roads lead to Sigiriya; whether travelers are in Kandy, Dambulla, or Colombo, various means of transport, including buses, trains, or Tuk Tuk, are available to help them get to their destination.
However, people should know that climbing the glorious Lion Rock requires a certain fitness level and endurance. There is no dress code for hikers, yet, they shall be equipped with sunscreen, water, and other fluids.
The marvelous pathway consists of more than one thousand stairs; some are carved in the rock while others are built from metal. The last flight of stairs is probably the sharpest and roughest, though people who suffer from vertigo may have to skip this part.
- Duration: Visitors need at least 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top, where they can contemplate the historical ruins and the splendid gardens and scenery. As for the way back, going down the rock takes 30 minutes on average. Overall, the trip takes around 3 hours as there are plenty of things to admire, photograph, and learn.
During this dazzling trip, sightseers shall be careful of monkeys. These animals may seem cute at first impression, but in fact, they are thieves. They will take everything that falls under their sights. In addition, visitors will notice different signs that they have to abide by for their safety and other reasons; for example, they have to pay attention to announcements related to the disturbance of wasps or the bans on the use of cameras.
Additional Activities To Enjoy In Sigiriya
History seekers will be satisfied when they visit Sigiriya Museum because they will acquire information about the town's diverse and old history. Visitors can take pictures as much as they want. However, this is not the best part of the gallery; the greatest thing is the ability to perceive the outstanding Lion Rock in 3-Dimensions. The place also includes information about ancient trading routes that connect Sri Lanka to the rest of the world and various photos of the British excavations that took place in the late 19th century.
- Entrance fee: The cost is included in the ticket to the Lion Rock.
Fascinating gardens are also waiting to be explored. The first amazing landscapes to cross at the entrance of Sigiriya are the Water Gardens consisting of several wonderful pools that are used for island pavilions and bathing lagoons. From there, ancient natural rocks will pave the tourists' narrow paths to the Boulder Gardens. On this site, the monks of Sigiriya used to live in a monastery. Nowadays, only caves, boulders, and walls are left of these shrines and Buddha relics. Close to the previous locations, the Royal Gardens surrounds the area accommodating refreshing water fountains embraced by charming terraced gardens.