Top Five Things to do in Sigiriya

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is a treasure trove of history, exotic beauty, and culture that embodies the identity of the island, as it is home to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has its beginnings firmly placed in the 5th century AD. Sigiriya, being an epicentre in the Cultural Triangle, it has many things that you can engage in, however, here are five things that should not be missed when staying in the historical town.

Dating back to the 5th century AD, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (sometimes called the Lion Rock Fortress) is, arguably, the first thing that you should include in your Sigiriya itinerary, as it is the main highlight of the ancient town. The fortress is one of the most unique structures of architecture that allows you to understand the tyrannical rule of King Kashyapa, along with the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan architects.

The climb will take you through the Water Gardens, the Boulder Gardens, the Lion Paws, and finally the Royal Palace, which provides some breath-taking views of the surrounding wilderness and lets you reimagine how the kingdom would have looked like during its heyday.

While climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the main highlight, the trek along the Pidurangala Rock is quickly becoming a popular thing to do in Sigiriya, as it is connected to the history of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and is also a place that showcases culture and the natural splendour of the area.

Hiking up this rock will take you through the Pidurangala Rock Monastery, which is home to some interesting sculptures and relics that date back to the 5th century AD. Moreover, the trek to the summit of the rock is considerably difficult, as there are no carved steps unlike Sigiriya, which makes it all the more challenging. However, that difficulty is paid off when reaching the summit, as the vistas provided are awe inspiring, especially with the Sigiriya Rock Fortress nearby.

While Sigiriya is believed to be a centre for culture, the town is located in close proximity to some of Sri Lanka’s more popular natural reserves. One such reserve that has become a major highlight is the Minneriya National Park.

Engaging in a wildlife safari here, especially during the season that lasts from May to September will allow you to witness ‘The Gathering’. This natural phenomenon is explained as a mass migration of more than 200 elephants to the neighbouring parks in search of water. Witnessing this mass exodus, along with the other endemic species of flora and fauna make for a memorable safari experience in Sri Lanka.

A major reason as to why Jetwing Vil Uyana is one of the most sought-after places to stay in Sigiriya is due to the exclusive wildlife trails that you can partake in. The Vil Uyana Wildlife Trail offers you a glimpse of the thriving biodiversity in the area. Teeming with an array of amphibians, reptiles, mammal, birds, and insects, it is possible to witness some rare and endemic species, which is perfect for the nature enthusiast.

Similarly, the exclusive Loris Night Trail is one of the best things to do in Sigiriya at night, as the resident naturalist takes you through the wilderness around Jetwing Vil Uyana to enlighten you on the interesting life of the rare Grey Slender Loris. If you are lucky, you might be able to witness an entire family of this primate species going about the treetops.

While Sigiriya town has many things you can engage in, there are a few interesting places to visit around Sigiriya and its outskirts. One such place is the Dambulla Rock Temple. This unique rock temple is believed to date back to the 1st century BC, during the reign of King Valagamba of Anuradhapura and has been a central place for Buddhist activity, even during the kingdoms that came after. There are five temples in the complex that have a unique story and is filled with interesting sculptures of Lord Buddha. Moreover, you can also witness sculptures of kings and other deities, making it a wholesome cultural journey.
With all this, Jetwing Vil Uyana guarantees an experience unlike any other when you engage in these activities, as we combine Sri Lankan hospitality with rustic and luxurious confines.