Go on safari and enjoy the wonderful natural phenomenon in Sigiriya
A visit to Sigiriya should definitely not be missed during your trip to Sri Lanka. One of my favorite destinations in this beautiful country. Most tourists visit Sigirya just to visit the Lion Rock, a 1600 year old temple complex consisting of a 200 meter high rock (Lion Rock) and extensive gardens surrounding this imposing rock. At the end of the 5th century, this rock was the palace of King Kasyapa. Make your visit to Sigiriya unforgettable with a safari in the Kaudulla National Park where you come face to face with herds of elephants.
Visit the Lion Rock (or climb Pidurangala Rock)
VWhen you visit the Lions Rock you can make two choices: the Lion Rock itself (part of the UNESCO World Heritage List) or climb the Pidurangula rock for a beautiful view of the Lion Rock. A visit to the Lion Rock is especially interesting if you are interested in the ruins, extensive gardens and history of the palace. Admission costs $30. The climb to the top is safe and to get all the way to the top, you have to be bravest 1250 stairs. Be on time, otherwise you will have to walk up the many stairs in a traffic jam. The disadvantages of a visit aWhat makes Lion Rock so special is that you have no view of the rock itself, it can be very busy and the entrance is high. That is why we chose to climb de Pidurangala Rock. This rock has a beautiful view of the Lion Rock. Tip: climb the rock at sunset or sunrise for an impressive view. The climb takes about 30 minutes. Prepare for some climbing and climbing, but it is doable if you are fit. Entrance costs €2.50. Make sure you are picked up from your accommodation with a tuktuk in the dark, because many elephants roam around this area. Unfortunately we were less lucky at sunrise due to a thick layer of fog. We returned in the afternoon and with luck, because we could now enjoy a beautiful view.
Thalkote Wewa more
NAfter a visit to the Lion Rock or the Pidurangala Rock, it is recommended to take a tuktuk to the Thalkote Wewa lake. We started talking to a very friendly Tuktuk driver who advised us to drive with him to Lake Thalkote Wewa. Despite the fog that still hung around Sigiriya, we had a beautiful view of the Lions Head and the Pidurangala Rock. You are probably one of the only tourists here!
Kaudulla National Park
Upon arrival in Sigiriya, our super sweet homestay owner Rowan told us about the Kaudulla National Park. We were able to join him on a private safari that same afternoon and he promised us that we would see dozens of elephants. We thoroughly enjoyed this safari in one, full of enthusiasm and spontaneity still relatively unknown park. Rowan told us a lot of interesting information about the elephants and... their impact on the environment. Highly recommended to stay in the homestay of Rowan and his wife (in a beautiful tree house) during your visit to Sigiriya. Rowan's wife also cooked a delicious meal for us after our safari. Their accommodation you canbook viathis link.
An impression of my experiences in Sigiriya
After checking out of our hotel we took a tuk tuk to the bus station. Arrived in Sigiryia via Dambulla. We are now staying in a kind of tree house, really super cute! Fortunately, our trip was quite short, because this allowed us to go on safari to the Kaudulla National Park in the afternoon. The owner of our guesthouse (Rowan) was our driver and guide! After a ride of about 30 minutes, during which we were allowed to stand in the jeep, we arrived at the national park. This is the only park in Asia where you can see so many elephants together. First Rowan spotted an eagle, then a large squirrel (Sri Lanka's national animal), a peacock and beautiful herons. Then we soon saw the first elephants. These were about three meters away, very impressive and special. What incredibly beautiful animals!! Then we drove a bit past a lot of buffalo that were bathing in a large puddle. We then drove on to a huge plain with about 80 to 100 elephants. Super cool! Actually no words! There were also quite a few other jeeps, but we didn't find this disturbing. After about 2.5 minutes we drove back to the exit of the park. Some interesting facts we learned today; Sri Lanka is home to 5,000 to 6,000 elephants, of which 250 are elephants in this park. 20 to 30 of the male elephants only have tusks. And perhaps the most impressive thing we have seen; Elephants have huge penises. On the way back, Rowan showed us the consequences of the fact that people have started living in elephant areas, which has caused the elephant population in Sri Lanka to decline. When we got up we never thought that we would be face to face with so many elephants today. As is often the case this trip; the best things happen spontaneously! And they make you feel like you are really alive!
How to get to Sigiriya?
Pack fromAnuradhapura a bus to Dambulla (duration: two hours). From Dambulla you take a bus to Sigiriya (duration: 45 minutes). From Sigiriya, take a tuk tuk that will take you to your homestay. Dambulla is easily accessible from other places in the region. It is a two-hour drive from Kandy and fromColombo five o'clock.
Stay overnight
Basic: Sigiri Free View Tree House (see photo above).
Standard: The Nature Park Villa
Luxury: Atha Resort
Continue your journey
Continue your journey through Sri Lanka by bus to Kandy. During the drive to Kandy you can make a stop to visit the Dambulla Caves.
