15 Best Things To Do in Sigiriya
Sigiriya is growing into an interesting tourist spot given to its archaeological brilliance, and ancient history. People often visit Sri Lanka for a peaceful trip in the holds of nature, surrounded by greenery and ocean. Sigiriya locally known as the Lion Rock has its unique origin with a fort on the top of the massive rock made by King Kasyapa along with a massive lion statue. There are many attractive activities to do and places to visit within Sigiriya, including hiking, shopping and natural gardens.
1. Visit the Sigiriya Fort
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Sigiriya fort situated on the top of big rock formation is the main attraction of Sigiriya for its architect and history. The view from the top of the rock is mesmerizing. The fort is filled with artistic frescoes of beautiful designs. On the way to frescoes you will be going through spiral stairs and a mirror wall, which is said to be so polished in ancient time that kings used to see their reflection in it.
2. Enjoy Hiking - Pidurangala rock
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Pidurangala rock is an excellent sightseeing and hiking point. The top of the rock temple will provide you with the best eye soothing view of the surroundings. Located near Sigiriya, the hike to Pidurangala rock will refresh your mood for the rest of your journey.
3. Watch Wildlife From Up Close Minneriya National Park
Minneriya national park is known for its flora and fauna heritage, along with being famous for a large number of elephants. Along with elephants, you will meet several other animals, including beautiful deer and wild buffaloes. Minneriya is filled with grasslands, wetlands and rocky outcrops.
4. Go Camping
You can go safari and night camping in Sigiriya and enjoy the wildlife of Sri Lanka. You will be able to see animals in their world and home, without any restrictions. You might even get the chance of feeding the elephants if you get lucky and have a peek at wild peacocks.
5. Visit The Ramakele Stupa
Visit Ramakele Stupa and go through its history from ancient times. The architecture of the Stupa is believed to be made to store various relics. The Stupa is believed to be constructed by King Kashapa. The relic chambers of Stupa were attacked several times by hunters for its unique possessions.
6. Marvel At The Architectural Design Of The Mapagala Fortress
Mapagala fortress is older than the Sigiriya fortress and is famous for its architecture design which opened new theories for archaeologists. The ruins of the Mapagala Fortress are a major attraction for tourists given to the location of the fort and the greenery which now surrounds it.
7. Visit The Archaeological Museum
The archaeological museum will give you information about every unique place you will be visiting in Sigiriya and Sri Lanka. The museum also hosts a video show, representing their cultural and historical heritage. The museum is not too big which makes the visit short and entertaining.
8. Watch Birds At Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is home to many different bird species, making it a major attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to different wildlife animals, plants, large mammals and reptiles also. Historically Kaudulla is believed to be one of the sixteen irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen.
9. Visit The Royal Gardens
The Royal Gardens of Sigiriya act as a beautiful and marvellous base to the Sigiriya rock. From the entrance throughout your visit, you will be mesmerized by its scenic beauty. It features various boulders which once formed the Buddhist monasteries of Sigiriya.
10. Spend a day with the elephants
To have a peaceful experience, spend a day with the elephants, feed them you might get a chance to ride them. Elephants are very peaceful animals and friendly too. You will be enjoying and make unique memories. Take some photos home with you as a souvenir of days spent in Sigiriya.
11. Visit The Sigiriya Craft Village
Sigiriya craft village is a must visit in your holidays to Sigiriya, you would fall for the handcrafted designs and unique art object. The craft village is cheap and beautiful, the visit to this small market won’t disappoint you.
12. Spend Time At Cobra Hood Cave
Cobra hood cave is one of the unique attractions near Sigiriya. The rock formation is shaped like the mouth of the cobra, and it is located in the greenery and jungles of Sri Lanka. The interior of the cave has the remains of what once flourished with floral and different paintings.
13. Enjoy Water Fountains
There are various ancient water fountains spread over Sigiriya fort and gardens and different fortress. You should miss the unique designs of the fountains of Sigiriya.
14. Camping in forests
There are various spots where you can camp and enjoy the starry nights. Set up your camp near the villages of Sigiriya so you will have the resources near you. Sri Lanka is filled with greenery; the best choice is to enjoy it with the forest and greenery close to you.
15. Audience Hall
Visit the Sigiriya audience hall and experience the ancient history for yourself. Audience halls are located in the forests and are the best place for resting in your journey. You will have a peaceful time here, listening to the winds, while not much of the crowds disturbing your peace.
Sigiriya is beautiful and has its heritage in natural and cultural aspects. There are many things you can do here. The best part about visiting Sigiriya is you wouldn’t have to rush or be in a hurry and tire yourself; you can do everything peacefully while giving time to the unique beauty of different spots.
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Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Must see places in Sigiriya ranked on popularity. Here is the complete list of best attractions in Sigiriya and point of interests to visit.
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Citadel Of Sigiriya - Lion Rock
#1 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka One of the underrated and unique attractions of Sigiriya is the ‘Lion Rock’. Nearly 200 meters high, this big rock is magnificent because of its structure that looks like a lion. At presen...Read more
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The Sigiriya Fortress
#2 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:00 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka The fortress was designed by the King Kasyapa to serve as his capital. Accordingly, prior to its abandonment, Sigiriya was surrounded by magnificent moats, gardens, palaces and had four gates. A gigan...Read more
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Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Cave Temples Private Day Trip... Reviews: 24 | 14 hrs -
Private Day Trip to Sigiriya and Hiriwaduna from Colombo... Reviews: 1 | 12 hrs
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Golden Temple Of Dambulla
#3 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:30 am - 07:00 pm DetailsAddress: Dambulla Golden Temple, Dambulla, Central Province, Sri Lanka Comprising of over 80 caves containing paintings and sculptures, this is another World Heritage Site within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, about twelve miles from the Sigiriya Fortress. In spite ...Read more
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Cobra Hood Cave
#4 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka Moving to the next level from the Boulder Gardens, you can see a cobra shaped rock, popularly known as Cobra Hood Cave. Raise your head and you will see that the rock is shaped as a cobra’s hood...Read more
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Minneriya National Park
#5 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 06:00 am - 06:00 pm DetailsAddress: Habarana-Polonnaruwa Road, Habarana , Sri Lanka An hour drive from Sigiriya will take you to this beautiful national park of Sri Lanka. It is centrally located and is considered as the best place in Sri Lanka to observe wild Asian elephants. In fac...Read more
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Pidurangala Rock Temple
#6 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 08:30 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Pidurangala, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka Offering a gorgeous view of the dense Sri Lankan forest, the Pidurangala Rock is nearly as tall as the nearby Sigiriya. From the top you can view the entire Sigiriya complex while at the base is a Bud...Read more
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The Sigiriya Museum
#7 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 08:30 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka Located just 200m from the Sigiriya fortress, the museum has a number of displays featuring the history of the region. The displays are simple, but informative and provide an excellent context to the ...Read more
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Frescoes
#8 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:00 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka The Sigiriya Frescoes, might once have been one of the largest collection of ancient painting in the world. Reportedly, painted by artists perched 100m from the ground, the Frescoes were a colle...Read more
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Pethikada
#9 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Pethikada, Sigiriya Village, Central Province, Sri Lanka This award winning art gallery is filled with traditional and modern paintings, traditional handicrafts like wooded sculptures, statues and lacquer works. It is a must-see place for anyone interested ...Read more
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Sigiriya Craft Village
#10 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Kimbissa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka If you wish to buy authentic fabrics and other items of Sri Lanka, come to Sigiriya craft village. Step into the village and you will be exposed to various shops selling batiks, brass-works, ornamenta...Read more
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The Sky Palace
#11 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:00 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka Situated on an enormous rock, surrounded by lush forest and painted a gleaming white, the Sky Palace, is said to have resembled a gigantic floating cloud in its hey day. The walls of the rock were als...Read more
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The Mirror Wall
#12 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:00 am - 05:30 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka The Mirror Wall, once buffed to perfection so as to reflect the King's face, has survived the ravages of time for over 1600 years. Reached by climbing the Lion Staircase halfway in the Sigiriya Fortre...Read more
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Boulder Gardens
#13 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Sigiriya , Sri Lanka Located adjacent to the water gardens, stand boulder gardens. Covering nearly the entire western side of Sigiriya rock, these gardens were built by King Kasyapa, in the year 1600. The striking feature...Read more
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Water Gardens
#14 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Central Province, Matale District, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka Moving to ahead of boulder gardens, the route will take you to the water gardens. This area has both small as well as large water gardens. The first garden you come across is a miniature one, situated...Read more
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Sigiriya Elephant Ride
#15 of 40 Things To Do in Sigiriya
Timings: 07:00 am - 06:00 pm DetailsAddress: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka If you wish to explore Sigiriya in the best way, get on the back of any of the elephants that local tour guides offer to take a trip around the place. The elephant will walk pass through the forest an...Read more
Tourist Attractions Near Sigiriya
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Types of Things To Do in Sigiriya
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Top Sigiriya Activities And Tours
Explore the best things to do in Sigiriya. These are the most preferred tourist activities.
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Private: Hiriwadunna Village Trek from Habarana New on TripHoboDuration: 3 Hrs
Join this 3 hour tour forlifetime opportunity to be emerged in the nature and culture of real Sri Lanka Village. Your Guide c...
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Private Village Tour Including Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch New on TripHobo
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This 3-hour private village tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka with all its authenticity. Spend time...
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Private Day Tour: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Tour from Dambulla New on TripHobo
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Journey into the centre of Sri Lanka and uncover ancient creations that will leave you awe-struck during this private. Explor...
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Private Day Trip to Sigiriya Rock Village Tour and Minneriya from Sigiriya New on TripHobo
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