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who would have donated it to a monk. The
plastered interior of the cave was once embel-
lished with floral and animal paintings.
oSigiriya Museum MUSEUM
(h8.30am-5.30pm) This superb museum uses
detailed and engaging displays and has a fine
diorama of the site, providing an excellent
overview and explaining Sigiriya’s cultural im-
portance beyond the obvious natural beauty.
The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist
monastery is given here, although the estab-
lished position that it was a palace or fortress
prevails. Trade routes are explained, showing
Sigiriya’s connections with the Gulf, China, In-
dia and the Roman empire. Among the arte-
facts, the large buxom stone deity stands out.
The museum is near the main ticket booth.
No photographs are permitted inside.
T^ To ur s
The land around the rock is loaded with
animals and natural features. The large
resorts – including Elephant Corridor, Hotel
Sigiriya and Jetwing Vil Uyana – all offer vari-
ous nature tours from about Rs 2000. These
are open to non-guests and usually include
the services of a naturalist.
4 leeping & EatingS
New hotels are opening all the time in the
area around Sigiriya. It’s easy to understand
the appeal: the village is a mellow little place,
off the main highway, and a far more prefera-
ble base than Dambulla.
There are a few traveller-geared cafe-
restaurants in Sigiriya village, and virtually
all guesthouses and hotels offer meals. For
a spellbinding setting consider dining at
Jetwing Vil Uyana.
oLion Lodge GUES tHoUSE $
(%071 479 3131; http://www.sigiriyalionlodge.com; r rs
2200-4500; aW) An outstanding place to stay,
thanks to the genuine welcome and attention
paid to guests – it seems nothing is too much
trouble for Agith and Ramya, the owners, who
are constantly offering tea and snacks. Rooms
are divided between the main building and a
separate block (which are larger), all are im-
maculately clean and spacious.
It’s up a little lane, a short walk west of the
village. If you need air-conditioning, there’s an
extra charge.
Fresco Lion Villa GUES tHoUSE $
(%071 780 7634, 077 630 2070; http://www.letsgolanka.
com; Sigiriya rd; s rs 3500-4000, d 4000-4500;
aW) This well-run place (formerly Ancient
Villa) has been totally renovated and now
offers fine cottages with new fixtures and fit-
tings in a leafy, rural compound about midway
between Sigiriya and the Inamaluwa junction.
At the rear there’s a lovely little stream, which
is often visited by thirsty elephants. Regular
torch-lit barbecue dinners under the stars
make for a memorable evening.
There’s an extra charge (Rs 1000) for air-
con. Bike (Rs 350) and scooter (Rs 1500) hire
can be arranged. It’s 7km west of the village
centre.
Lal Homestay GUES tHoUSE $
(%228 6510, 077 704 5386; lalhomestay@gmail.
com; 209 Ehelagala; r rs 2000; a) For that liv-
ing-with-a-family experience, Lal’s is perfect.
Your host family could not be more welcom-
ing or friendly, offering home-cooked meals
(try the delicious jackfruit curry) and useful
travel info. The three rooms, each with veran-
dah and hot-water bathroom, are kept clean
and tidy.
Flower Inn GUES tHoUSE $
(%567 2197, 568 9953; r rs 2500-3500; aW)
This centrally located guesthouse bursts with
plants, both plastic and genuine. The nine
rooms at the rear are a little chintzy but fair
value and maintained by a friendly family.
Meals are not usually available but tea and
coffee are.
Nilmini Lodge GUES tHoUSE $
(%077 306 9536, 567 0469; nilmini_lodge@yahoo.
com; r rs 1500-2500; aW) Old-school guest-
house owned by a family who have been
EXPLORING AROUND SIGIRIYA
With a bike or scooter you can explore
the entire region around Sigiriya, which
has a wealth of lush forests, wild ele-
phants, hundreds of bird species and
no end of archaeological sites. One of
the best places to start is Pidurangala
Rock. About 1km north of the Sigiriya
site, this important cultural spot includes
a temple, a tiny museum and never any
crowds. Most rewarding is the climb up
the rock, where there are amazing views
of the more famous rock looming to the
south.
Another good ride follows backroads
for 25km to Dambulla via the Amaya Lake
hotel and Kandalama Wewa, the large
tank (reservoir).