Sigiriya Travel Guide & Tips

Day trips from Sigiriya: Trincomalee is roughly 90 km away from Sigiriya. There are a myriad of things you can do there, like surfing, seaboarding, and snorkeling. It is home to many beaches and an array of shacks that serve delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. Trincomalee is far hotter than Sigiriya in summer, so we suggest you visit the former city in monsoon season. If getting a tan is on your bucket list, you can lounge at one of the beaches in Trincomalee while sipping margaritas. You can also explore another historical gem in Sri Lanka, that goes by the name of Anuradhapura. It takes only 1.5 hours to reach the city from Sigiriya. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Every place in the region has a story to tell from the past. Another place that you could stop over at would be Polonnaurwa. It is the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka.

Religious tours: It is impossible to not stop at Dambulla Cave temple on your trip to Sigiriya. The temple is home to over a hundred Buddha statues, which makes up for one of the most important Sigiriya facts. The statues of Buddha are carved on the caves and unbeknownst to many people, they are well-preserved. A total of 5 caves carry unique designs. We suggest you to hire a guide to show you around. The guides usually charge between 900 INR-1000 INR and are more than willing to educate you about the culture and history of the region.

Festivals: If you want to be a part of the city’s rich heritage, culture and traditions, there is no better opportunity than witnessing and being a part of the festivals here. Sri Lanka celebrates more than 25 national festivals. To get a glimpse into the cultural makeup of the city, you should participate in at least one festival in your life. The Sri Lankan traditions glorified in these festivals will blow your mind. The Tamil New Year is celebrated amidst much aplomb in this city. From decorating the household, preparing traditional sweets, and enjoying sweet treats with family and friends, you will have the time of your life. It is celebrated in the second week of April. It is followed by Vesak Poya in May, which is an important Sri Lankan festival that commemorates Buddha’s life, birth, and nirvana. The celebrations begin amidst much cheer on a full moon day/. They continue upto a week. The pandals are lit up and stories of Jataka and Buddha are overheard in every nook and corner of the city. These festivities go on throughout May.