How to prepare to hike Sigiriya
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Travel, Sri Lanka, Vacation, Sigiriya

Believed to be the capital of the 5th-century monarch of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is a well-preserved example of urban planning of the time. Fittingly Sigiriya is now a world heritage site in recognition of its amazingly urban design concepts that took into consideration the natural elements at the site and the existing lay of the land.

Planning the Visit

It will be a pity to make a rushed visit to Sigiriya as there is so much to see and understand. Reading up on the site should help to put it in perspective. The success of spending a day there will depend on where visitors set off from as it takes at least four hours to get to Sigiriya from Colombo. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat and to have the time to walk around. Spend some time at the onsite museum to further understand the site. School holidays and long weekends should be avoided as Sigiriya tends to get very crowded.

Getting There

Staying overnight in Sigiriya and visiting the archaeological site the next day is the most advisable course of action for those wishing to spend a day at the site. It takes over 4 hours by car from Colombo to get to Sigiriya although the route through the Colombo — Negombo expressway is said to be faster. However, it takes only 30 minutes by air from Colombo and perhaps this mode of transport should be considered if spending the day there. Sigiriya can also be reached by public bus, minibuses, vans and tuk-tuks. Trains call at Dambulla from where visitors can take a bus.

Getting about

The surroundings of Sigiriya can be easily explored by car, a 4WD, by bicycle and tuk-tuk. Bicycles can be hired from hotels and many other places. Rates have to be negotiated before getting into a tuk-tuk.

The best time to Visit

The nicest time to visit Sigiriya is between October and February when it is dry, and temperatures are in the high and mid-twenties. The rest of the year the weather is hot and muggy. May to September is very wet due to the south-west monsoon.

Accommodation

Sigiriya, Dambulla 20 km away and Habarana 15 km away have a selection of accommodation to suit backpackers to posh tourists. They range from luxurious hotels with spas and pools to simple and cheap guesthouses and home stays. Look to stay at the best hotels in Sigiriya and choose a prominent local hotel the likes of Sigiriya Jungles to enjoy easy access to the archaeological site.

Travel Tips

If planning to spend only a day at the site buy tickets early from the Central Cultural Fund offices that allow the visitor to enter and photograph Sigiriya and other archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. They have offices in Colombo and four other cities including in Sigiriya itself. Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat and remember to stay hydrated. Other things that may be useful are a bug repellent and a long-sleeved shirt to cover up during the day. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is a necessity. For the best photos of Sigiriya rock, climb Pidurangala a rock a few kilometres north of Sigiriya almost opposite the rock and of a similar height.

Exploring Sigiriya

Start the visit to the onsite modern museum. It will help to understand how the site was originally planned. If getting to the top of the rock to see the frescoes and panoramic views is the priority, do that first before the day gets too hot and as it may take some time. Once down from the rock give some attention to the extensive archaeological remains at its foot where water gardens with ponds, channels and gravity fed fountains, the cobra hood cave, the boulder gardens with an entranceway through a boulder ‘archway’ and a 5-metre-long hand carved seat in a comfy nook continue to amaze visitors. Other interesting things to see are the moat and old city walls.