Important Things You Need to Know About Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Planning a unique Asian tour where you can have a historical and cultural immersion? Book an accommodation in a boutique hotel in Sri Lanka and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the country's top-rated tourist destination – the city complex of Sigiriya. Many seasoned travelers regard this as the most favorable place to visit in Sri Lanka. It is not surprising because it is home to myriad interesting ancient treasures that will certainly take your breath away. So if you are considering this as an option for your next getaway, read on to learn more about the things that you need to know about Sigiriya.

Location of SigiriyaSituated in Matale District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is an abandoned city complex that was established during the reign of King Kashyapa. Its prominent feature is the massive 1,213-ft-high granite monolith known as the Lion’s Rock, which is a hardened mass of magma of an eroded volcano. Looming above the surrounding plain, Sigiriya is visible for miles in all directions. The majestic fortress served as a defense structure during the Moriyan Dynasty period. When King Kashyapa passed away, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

How to get thereColombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is the vantage point to Sigiriya. If you're an international tourist, you need to ride a plane to get there, but as for reaching the capital from various parts of Sri Lanka, one can use the extensive rail and road network. Any guest must buy a ticket from the Central Cultural Fund, which has offices in the capital and 4 other cities. Only those who hold a ticket will be permitted to enter the complex as well as the other archeological heritage sites in the country. From Colombo, it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Sigiriya by land. Check for scheduled bus services from Dambulla to Sigiriya. For a hassle-free travel, you can ask for assistance from your hotel in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

Historical value of the placeSigiriya has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Based from historical accounts, it was founded in 477 AD as a fortress and palace. UNESCO recognized its importance as a structure that gives a perception about the cultivated sensibilities of ancient Sri Lankans. Furthermore, this heritage site showcases great antiquity and state of preservation, continuously displaying ingenious union of century-old technologies and artistry.

Where to stayThere's an array of accommodations in Sigiriya, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget lodgings. For supreme ease and convenience, choose a classy boutique hotel in Sri Lanka that sits along the sanctuary boundary. The Elephant Corridor Hotel, for instance, offers an all-suite accommodation that promises a comfortable stay and excellent service. This property boasts an exclusive kind of hospitality, which will spoil any guest with individual demands and needs. The Elephant Corridor Hotel is ideally located near the Lion's Rock and other notable attractions.

Places of interestAs a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is famous for historical and cultural artifacts. Climbing the great fortress will let you travel back in time as you behold the magnificence of the edifice. Here, you'll see the remarkable Lion Staircase, which is the only entrance to the palace. Along the hike, you'll be amazed by the 5th century fresco murals and graffiti that cover the caves and polished surfaces of the fortress. It also shelters various types of gardens, which earned their popularity because of their complex design and layout. You can also visit a wildlife sanctuary and national park, which are very close to the fortress and to a few boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.