Private day excursion to Sigiriya and Pidurangala rock

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka

One of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking landmarks, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which was built by King Kashyapa as the place of his new capital around the 5th century BC. The rock sits almost 200 metres above the surrounding rain-forest and is the remnant of a once active volcano made almost entirely from hardened magma. The name (Sigiriya translates as Lion Rock) comes from a small plateau halfway up on the rock where the King had an enormous gateway built in the shape of a Lion. As you walk through the Lion’s paws on your way up this magnificent structure you will see wonderfully colourful ancient frescos which the King used to decorate his new capital. It is thought these frescos were once one large picture gallery (one of the largest of its kind in the world), yet it is not known who these pictures represent. Some believe them to be women going about their religious duties while others suggest that they are the wives or concubines of the king. Whoever they were these images represent a celebration of femininity, and it seems that these depictions were common around this region as very similar drawings have been found in the Ajanta caves in India making these images important social and cultural landmarks.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Pidurangala Rock, Pidurangala,Sigiriya, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock has one of the most spectacular views in Sri Lanka from the top of the rock. Pidurangala serves as an alternative, or additional climb to Sigiriya with panoramic views of the ancient fortress and the surrounding landscapes. Enveloped by foliage from all sides, the gentle ascent consists of irregular steps that lead to a landing which houses a large reclining Buddha statue, now considered to be the oldest one built in brick within Sri Lanka. Beyond the landing, your adventure is led by no defined path, but a natural instinct that draws visitors to the open summit of Pidurangala and its breathtaking vistas of the region.

Duration: 3 hours