Sigiriya
In the center of Sri Lanka, among the emerald vegetation, there is a picturesque mountain, on top of which a unique city is built. This is Mount Sigiriya or “Lion Rock” – one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka, protected by the world organization UNESCO. Surrounded by gardens and fountains, with amazing steps between the paws, throat and jaws of a lion, the city of Sigiriya is one of those magnificent and unforgettable places that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Check jibin123 for customs regulations and visa requirements of Sri Lanka.
How to get to Sigiriya
Mount Sigiriya is located between Dambulla and the small resort town of Khabarana. The most convenient way to get here is by bus. From the capital of Colombo, the bus goes first to Dambulla, from where you can transfer to any other and be in the right place. In the morning, buses from Dambulla depart from the bus station every thirty minutes, starting at seven in the morning. The fare is 45 LKR.
At the same time, in order to get to the city itself, located at an altitude of 180 meters, you need to be prepared for a difficult climb up narrow stairs and travel along a suspension bridge over an abyss.
Entertainment and attractions of Sigiriya
Mount Sigiriya is a sleeping lion with the ruins of an ancient city on top. King Kasapa chose this place to build an impregnable fortress that would protect him from his brother’s persecution.
The best architects worked to create a magnificent city with fountains and gardens, fabulous staircases. Despite the fact that the fortress was built in the fifth century, a huge royal throne and large stone paws of a lion on top of the mountain have survived to this day. Tourists from all over the world come to see this eighth wonder of the world, rising above the jungle. It is also worth visiting the gallery of frescoes, preserved in excellent condition. Despite the fact that out of 500 frescoes only 17 remained, their meaning and significance are clear to us even now. It depicts the dance of half-naked princesses or palace ladies floating in the air. In addition, there were writings and poems dedicated to female beauty on the walls.
Tangalle
Tangalle is famous for its amazing beaches, which are considered among the best in Sri Lanka for sunbathing. It’s hard to find a place like this on the southwest coast of the island. To stroll serenely along the sandy shore and not meet a soul for several kilometers.
In addition, this resort offers all types of accommodation – from budget apartments to exclusive hotels.
How to get to Tangalle
By bus, Tangalle can be reached from Colombo (flight/air-conditioned 200/410 LKR, 6 hours), Galle (flight/air-conditioned 85/200 LKR, 2 hours), Matara (47 LKR, 1.5- 2 hours), Hambantota (89 LKR, 1 hour) and Tissamaharama (110 LKR, 3 hours).
The beaches of Tangalle
There are several interesting beaches in Tangalle: Medaketiya and Medilla in the north, Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa in the west. Of these, the most attractive is the Medilla beach with soft sand and shells of all colors and sizes. There are corals and blocks of stones in the water, so you should be careful. The safest for swimming is the three-kilometer Medaketiya beach, where most of the budget hotels and apartments are located.
Entertainment and attractions of Tangalle
The main attractions of Tangalle are its beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, long sandy beaches and absolutely clear water even near the hotels. And coral reefs in coastal waters attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts here.
There are few cultural and historical sights here, but they are there. The most famous of them is the cave temple of Mulkirigala. This is an ancient Buddhist temple built in the 3rd century BC. BC e. The temple was erected on a rock 200 m above sea level and is a complex structure of 5 terraces and 7 caves, each of which contains a statue of a reclining Buddha, and the walls are decorated with colorful frescoes. The place was not chosen by chance: they say that the ancient Vedas pointed to this rock.
Another ancient Buddhist temple – Vevurukannala is located 20 minutes west of Tangalle. It is located on a vast green area of 8 hectares, and the center of this park is decorated with a statue of Buddha. There is also an ancient temple and an art gallery where you can get acquainted with the fine arts of Sri Lanka.
To the east of the city, about 25 km away is the bird sanctuary of Kalametiyya. Here, on the territory of 2500 hectares, in the mangroves, in their natural habitat, many species of birds live, among which there are endangered ones. For example, the Ceylon jungle chicken, which lives only in this country and on this occasion has been proclaimed the national bird of Sri Lanka.
In the city itself, traditional Dutch houses have been preserved, including the courthouse and the oldest hotel on the island built in 1774, as well as the Dutch fort, which today houses the local prison.
