Day trip to Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock.
Sigiriya Rock (Lions Rock)
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions – and with good reason. This ruined, fifth century city has some extraordinary features, including moat and wall fortifications, elaborately landscaped gardens, and a monastery. But it is the two-hundred metre high granite rock that stands out from these ruins that is undoubtedly the star attraction, with its exquisite frescoes and the remains of a royal palace on the summit.
We arrived at the site and immediately headed for the ticket office to get a ticket to the site. The entrance fee is 4500 LKR which is approx £16.00 GBP and well worth the cost. Hang on to your ticket as it could be checked at different points and the fine for not having it is quite substantial.
After purchasing the ticket we headed across the grounds and gardens to the base of the rock where the stair climb starts. Narrow metal spiral staircases dangle off the side of the rock to lead you up to the Sigiriya fresco caves. You aren’t allowed to take photos of the frescos in the cave and there are guards on duty to make sure no camera or phone makes an appearance. A few more hundred steps and you arrive at the Lion Gate where 2 massive sets of claws frame the path upwards to the top for the last set of stairs that takes you to the top.
Finally you reach the sky palace and can almost explore every part of the summit from terraces to 360 degree views from edge to edge. The path back down is shorter and quicker than the climb up the steps. A fantastic attraction to see.