Sri Lanka | Under the sky, there is only one rock

—— Sigiriya, a miracle written into the clouds In Sri Lanka, there is a saying often mentioned by travelers: **"If you haven't been to Sigiriya, you haven't really been to Sri Lanka."** 🌋 This massive rock standing alone on the plain is like a seal between heaven and earth, engraving faith, history, and nature all onto its cliff face. --- 🚗 **Transportation Guide** From Colombo Central Bus Station, you can take a long-distance bus to Dambulla (about 4-5 hours, 💰557rs/person). After arriving, take a tuk-tuk (about 💰100rs/km) to the Sigiriya accommodation area. Though the road is a bit bumpy, it is the necessary route to the "Sky City." --- 🏡 **Accommodation Suggestions** 1⃣ **Dambulla Accommodation**: Suitable for travelers who want to visit multiple attractions, stay here and then take a tuk-tuk to Sigiriya or the opposite hill (about 20km, half an hour drive). 2⃣ **Sigiriya Accommodation**: Recommended for those who want to capture the "full view of Sigiriya Rock." I stayed at a guesthouse about a 10-minute walk from Pidurangala Hill, from where you can climb to the top and watch the sunset over Sigiriya, as beautiful as a painting. 💰Tips: Pidurangala entrance ticket is about 1000rs (collected by the temple), while the Sigiriya Rock ticket itself costs as much as 30 USD. --- 🌄 **Hiking Experience Suggestions** ✔️ If you have time, visit both places — Climb Sigiriya Rock to see the ruins and palace remnants; Climb Pidurangala to see the magnificent silhouette of Sigiriya standing under the sky. ✔️ If time is limited, the more cost-effective choice is Pidurangala. Sometimes, the most beautiful scenery is not from being inside it, but from viewing it from afar. --- 🐒 **Summit Reminder** You will encounter monkeys at the top (especially around sunset), the lead monkey can be a bit aggressive, so don’t get too close or hold food. Dogs also follow up the mountain, probably regular visitors, don’t be afraid, they are very gentle 🐾. --- 🌇 **Conclusion** When the sunset shines on the cliff, the entire Sigiriya Rock is dyed golden red, at that moment, you will understand why it is called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It is not just a rock, but a faith, a history, and a silent passage of time. ✨ Sigiriya is not only a symbol of Sri Lanka, but also a reminder to every traveler: "The mountain you look up to doesn’t always have to be conquered, but it’s worth pausing to admire."