Sigiriya | Sri Lanka - Life of a Passion

After visiting Kandy, we went to Sigiriya. In Sigiriya, you can visit the Lion Rock, Dambulla cave, and go to Polonnaruwa. Don’t forget to make a stop in Kaudulla National Park to spot elephants!

1) Dambulla

On our way from Kandy to Sigiriya, we stopped at the Golden Temple in Dambulla. You can walk from the Golden Temple to the Cave Temple that lies at an altitude of 160 meters. We took a different route The cave temple has 5 caves (originated from 1 giant cave) filled with statues and wall paintings of Buddha. This was just so impressive to behold! I liked this temple the most in Sri Lanka.

Warning: It’s forbidden to take a photo with you back against Buddha. If you want to take a photo of yourself with a statue of Buddha, you have to stand sideways.

Entrance: 1.500 SRL per person

2) Sigiriya Lion Rock

The Sigiriya Rock or the Lion Rock is one of the must see’s in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya has a giant rock where on top, a palace was built by King Kassapa. The name of the rock comes from the Lion Paws beneath the rock. Some say there used to be a giant Lion’s Head on top of the Rock. This is just a speculation but boy that would have been a sight!

Entrance: €25

So the climb (1200 steps) will take you 2 hours. We did it at an easy pace with a lot of rest stops and we managed. When you reach the lion paws, it’s a 10 minutes climb to the top. During your hike, you’ll encounter beautiful frescos that are centuries old. You’ll also pass the mirror wall. When we passed the wall, the wall looked normal but at a certain angle, the light on the rock is being reflected on the mirror wall. You’ll also pass a snake cave. This cave looks like the snake staff that Jafar is holding!

4) Pidurangala Rock

We didn’t climb the Pidurangala Rock, but during my research, I came across this rock as a perfect alternative of the Lion Rock. You’ll have a beautiful view of Lion Rock, see a reclining Buddha and it’s cheaper. But the pathway is a bit more adventurous (at one point you’ll have to crawl on the rock). The climb should be around 30 minutes.

Entrance: 500 LKR

5) Polonnaruwa by bike

Another day trip! We drove to Polonnaruwa where we rented a bike and discovered the old capital city of Sri Lanka. This city was once the second King City before Kandy became the new and last King city of Sri Lanka.

To read more about our bike ride in Polonnaruwa and to see beautiful temple ruins, make sure to read this special article!
» Polonnaruwa | Sri Lanka

6) Safari Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park

When in Sigiryia, you have the opportunity to visit a natural park to spot elephants. The two popular parks to spot elephants are Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park. In these parks, you can see ‘The Gathering’: the migration of hundreds of elephants searching for water. Always try to call the park to know where the elephants are. The two parks are divided by a road that can be crossed, so if you want to see elephants call in first. Our driver did this and that’s why we went to Kaudulla National Park.

Entrance: 6.000 LKR per person

You can also spot several birds, buffaloes, and leopards. But when going to Kaudulla Park, you’ll have to choose to see the elephants or the leopards because their territories don’t cross and therefore another part of the park has to be visited.

To read more about our journey and to read how we were chased by an elephant, make sure to read this special article!
» Kaudulla National Park Safari Guide | Sri Lanka