🇱🇰 Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Should Not Miss in Sri Lanka

The ancient city of Sigiriya and Dambulla cave temple are two of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka that you should not miss if you visit Sri Lanka. The two sites are just 20 km apart so it is possible to visit both attractions within the same day. However, I recommend spending at least a few days to explore these sites at a more leisurely pace. Check out the three-day itinerary below! Day 1: Arrive at Colombo International Airport Ratmalana. Rest for a night in Negombo. Day 2: Travel to Sigiriya. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple on the way to Sigiriya. The most convenient way to reach Sigiriya is by hiring a private car. The cheapest way is by taking local buses. We took 2 different local buses from Negombo and got off at Dambulla. It was fun albeit slightly inconvenient as we got to experience it the local way. From Dambulla you can either take a public bus or hire a tuk-tuk to Sigiriya. Day 3: Visit Sigiriya Lion Rock early in the morning. Hire a jeep ride to Minneriya National Park in the afternoon. [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Sigiriya Lion Rock: An ancient fortress built on top of a rock column 2. Dambulla Cave Temple: The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the island 3. Minneriya National Park: Within an hour drive from Sigiriya, the park houses hundreds of Asian elephants which thrive on the Minneriya Tank. [Must-Try Food] There are plenty of roadside restaurants along Sigiriya Road and Hotel Road. Some of them offer a good view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock. 1. Hotel Sigiriya serves good buffet dinner. 2. Sigiriya Wew Thawulla Restaurant offers amazing views of the Lion Rock. 3. Sigiriya Lion Face serves good kattu with a stunning view of Lion Rock as a backdrop. [Accommodation ] We stayed in Hotel Sigiriya 2 km away from the entrance of Sigiriya Lion Rock with amazing views of the Lion Rock from the outdoor pool area. 📍 Hotel Sigiriya Hotel Road, Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka [Photo Spots] 1. Outdoor pool area of Hotel Sigiriya offers clear views of the Lion Rock. There is even a telescope by the pool for us to get a better view of the rock! 2. The journey to the top of the Lion Rock offers amazing views along the way. 3. Take pictures of the Lion Rock near the site entrance before the ascent to capture the full view of the rock. [Tips] 1. Dambulla Cave Temple: Before entering the temple we had to remove our shoes so wearing socks is recommended. Remember to wear modest clothing that covers your knee and shoulder while visiting sacred sites. There are lots of street sellers outside the temple selling sarong. It is also possible to rent a sarong to cover your knees before entering the temple. 2. Sigiriya Lion Rock: Be prepared to have a workout while visiting the Lion Rock as there are around 1200 steps of stairs to climb throughout the visit. Wear comfortable shoes! #100waysoftravel #srilanka #sigiriya #dambulla #unesco #cave #temple #lionrock #minneriya #worldheritage #tripblazers