Here we are escorting you to the most sophisticated and iconic emblem of the paradise island Sri Lanka that is known as Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Find more valid and valuable insights below related to the mystic monarchy which has been identified as the 8th wonder in the world, to inspire your most awaited holiday scheduled in Sri Lanka with art, history, culture, and sanity.
Historical Background
The history of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is dating back to as long as to the fifth century of A.D. The massic rock cliffside is still majestically overlooking the central plains of the country. The site is indeed dramatic for the immense historical, artistic, and cultural values it shares.
The rock fortress has been found inhabited from the pre-historic time. It was used as a rock shelter mountain monastery by then from the time of the 3rd century B.C., where its caves are prepared, donated, and offered to the Buddhist monks by the devotees.
This is the latest record about the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and later it was designed by the late King Kashyapa who converted the rock complex into an inspiring flourishing kingdom with a fine presentation of ponds, gardens, a palace etc, that portrays Sigiriya as a quixotic showcase.
The ruins belong to Sigiriya Rock Fortress was latter discovered during the British colonization by British Explorer John Still in the year of 1907.
The Architecture
Sigiriya is where the art and the sanity meet in a perfect blend. It is worth calling the mansion overviewing the infinitive sky, allowing the viewers to enjoy its incredible 360-degree view, which will make you dazzled by the fascinating cinematic scenes produced from the top of the fortress.
The architectural marvel is meant to rise in the form of a ferocious lion from the green lands to towards the sky with its 200 meters height from the surrounding plains. Whoever visits here has no second thoughts about listing it as the 8th wonder of the world for the incredible architectural techniques that have been highlighted by the designer.
The fortress is also been called by the name of “Alakamandawa” which indicates the meaning of the palace built in the sky in the local language. The incredible efforts that have been taken to adorn the palace is truly inspiring that converting the site to a magical wonderland.
The adjourned pond series to the palace in the garden is a showcase of the prestige and the extravagance of the flourished monarchy. One of the most enchanting is the way that the palace is designed is completely highlighting the palace as a striking natural profile, that has positively influenced by its own geographical formations and landscapes.
Best time to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Located based in a tropical land, Sigiriya is gracefully offering a welcoming atmosphere that makes the rock fortress attract by tourists who arrive from all across the globe.
The site is found in dry land, yet the setting is very much comforting with relaxing and refreshing sensations, which make the rock fortress appear a classic retreat to anyone who is fond of nature.
Day time the palace complex may find bit hot, so much recommended to take sufficient water with you, and you can wear some comfortable light clothes to feel yourself better from the hot weather. May be you can wear something covering your body and it is advisable to take a hat with you.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is best discovered in the morning and the evening time that will allow you to enjoy fine sunrise and sunset moments from the top of the fortress which will be a unique experience to you. And despite the hot weather, you may find the place is windy that may comfort and chil you even during the hot climate.
If you would like to enjoy more soothing weather during the winter season, from January to April the fortress visit may find more cozy as it will not be much affected by hot weather and monsoon days. Yet, overall Sigiriya is known as a tropical place to explore.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance fee
Let’s check for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance fee. The site is charging an amount from both local and international tourists for the maintenance and preservation of the site. If you are holding a SAARC passport you may get a special discount. The ticket count categories the travelers as 12 years and above in the adult rate, 6 to 11 years as the child rate, and the travelers below 6 years are considered as toddlers.
There are two types of tickets, the one is called as full ticket, this cover Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Mesueam visit, and the other one only covers only the Sigiriya rock fortress. If you are from a SAARC country you will get 50% discount for each ticket. To get the discount you have to present your original passport at the ticket counter, whereas the pictures and the copies are not allowed.
Usually, the ticket costs are as follows (this might slightly change in case of any fluctuation happens in rates), The non SAARC foreign adult ticket is 30 USD, none SAARC foreign child is 15 USD, SAARC foreign adult is 15 USD, SAARC foreign child is 15. If you are only visiting the Sigiriya museum it will cost 5 USD per person regardless the passport hold and the age, only the infant will not be charged.
You can buy the ticket at the Sigiriya lion rock entrance counter, and the tickets are issued from 6.30 HRS to 16.59 HRS. For online ticket purchased, you can refer to the site of the government central cultural fund.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Opening timing
The rock fortress is opened for visitors from 6.30 HRS to 17.30 HRS.
Things to see in Sigiriya Rock Fortress
There are plenty of things that are lined up to tempt your visit to Sigiriya. If you are a culture and history, interested person, Sigiriya will be more than you expected. Everywhere you look around in this fascinating creation has something to inspire you. It can relate to nature, history, culture and or art.
You may also find some fascination that formed with a blend of these all. Therefore, indeed Sigiriya Rock Fortress is known as such a distinguish invention to explore.
Climbing over 2500 steps and reaching the top of the rock will quench your adventurous thirst. And as said every difficult climb leads you to astonishing views, the views that you get from Sigiriya would be such an unforgettable memory that you can treasure for a lifetime.Witness the beautiful sunset and sunrise moments at the top of the fortress would be very scenic.
Apart from that you can admire the beautiful female portraits painted in fresco Bueno style that are older than more than 2000 years. Also, you can see the mirror wall that is full of poetic thoughts. The podium at the lion paw is such a picturesque place converting this massive palace to a cute studio.
Strolling in the vintage garden series on a fine day would also fill your heart with the best. And during your visit don’t forget to pay a visit to Sigiriya museum as well which will inspire you by the ruins and the historical evidences preserved and presented.
How to get to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Getting to Sigiriya is best recommended to make it by a private transfer if you are traveling to Sigiriya all the way from Colombo international airport or from the commercial capital Colombo.
If you get into public transfers there is a high possibility that the trip may make you feel exhausted as there is not direct transfers are available, and the available transfers are also not so frequent.
If you plan to get the train, you have to proceed to Colombo Fort Central railway station. From the airport, it will take about an hour to reach here by the expressway or if you take the normal route it can take around 2 hours or more, depending on the climate and the road conditions.
The available departures are very limited. And the most recommended to take the morning train that departs at Habarana train station from Colombo Fort Central railway station. Habarana is a city located about 30 minutes drive proximity from Sigiriya. Once you arrive here can get a bus or a tuk to reach Sigiriya. It is always better to plan your transfers in advance as train departures are not available all the time.
The next alternative transfer option available is to make your trip by bus which is also not a comfortable and direct option to make. Also, the available departures are limited and the drive may take about 4 hours to conclude the trip. The buses may not find so comfortable option to make as most options you get are not air-conditioned ones.
If you make a drive by a private taxi, the journey would be very much comfortable and is the quickest, most comfortable and most stress-free transfer to make the trip, and in 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours drive you can conclude the trip to reach Sigiriya.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
