Sigiriya is possibly the most fascinating destination in Sri Lanka to visit and discover the proud heritage of the island. On your way there or on the way back, you will stumble into many other interesting sights, among which these are some must-visits.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park boasts a strikingly diverse range of wildlife, and it is only 18 kilometers away from most Sigiriya resorts such as the popular Hotel Sigiriya. The park is a safe haven for elephants, exotic birds, leopards, and sloth bears. You can take a jeep through the park and observe the wildlife up close and capture them on your reels.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, the famous Dambulla Cave Temple is a complex of five caves, inside which you will find many statues and frescoes of Lord Buddha. This is one of the best-preserved temples in Sri Lanka and the golden Buddha Statue is hard to miss with its glorious appearance.
Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is another must-visit around Sigiriya and there are ruins, palaces, temples, and many architectural masterpieces to unveil in this sacred city. Most of these provide evidence of the artistic and architectural excellence in ancient Buddhist civilizations. If you’re passionate about exploring these sights, it is wise to spend a few days in the city, as there are so many to explore.
