Situated on a flat plain and rising an imposing two hundred metres high Sigiriya really is a sight to behold. From all angles this ethereal monolith demands respect.
It is the most-visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. We purchased our tickets (US$30 each) and entered the site from the west. We first passed over a moat and then on through the Water Gardens, which are a carefully laid out series of pools and connecting causeways.
The Water Gardens seen from above
Past the Water Gardens are the Boulder Gardens where you can see shelters and meditation spots underneath large rocks. It is then a sweaty climb up several staircases to the base of the monolith itself.
Here a spiral staircase rises vertically up the sheer face leading to a gallery.
Well-preserved portraits of beautiful buxom women appear on the rock gallery. It is not known if these paintings depict goddesses or actual women.
The ascent continues along the side of the rock until reaching a platform.
Here sit two giant stone lion paws with a staircase in between.
The staircase, which apparently used to lead through the lion’s mouth, takes you to the flat top of the rock and an impressive three hundred and sixty degree view of the surrounding area.
It is believed the site has been inhabited since the third century BCE and has been used as a meditation spot, palace, fortress and monastery.
We climbed in our thongs/flip flops and were feeling a bit foolish until we saw this monk who managed the ascent with dignity in a robe and slippers – he made us feel like our footwear was entirely appropriate!
We found this fellow at the top wearing no shoes at all!
The view on the way down is just as impressive (and less sweaty).
Climbing Sigiriya is definitely a must-do experience if you are in Sri Lanka. The climb itself is not that hard but the searing heat makes everything longer and more difficult. We climbed in the morning, (it opens at 7.00am), and I believe this is the best time to climb as the side of the mountain that houses the path and stairs will be in shade.
We had private driver to get to the site, however it can easily be reached from Dambulla by bus or three wheeler.
Beware of the ‘guides’ that may latch on to you as you climb. All they seemed to do was tell you to hold the hand rail and follow behind you, and would then ask for money. We had been warned about this beforehand so were able to avoid what seemed like a scam.
Entrance to an on-site museum is included in the (hefty) cost of a ticket to Sigiriya. It is nothing spectacular but is worth a visit if time allows.
jamoandjen 