Anuradhapura & Sigiriya: Sri Lanka 3 Day Tour Review

Thinking about checking out Sri Lanka and its amazing historical sites? So, a three-day tour covering Anuradhapura and Sigiriya might be just what you are after. These spots are really steeped in history and packed with awesome cultural experiences. Very few getaways pack so much wonder into such a short space of time, and to be honest, the whole experience can be a bit much to get your head around before you actually set off. Is that even possible in just three days? You may be thinking. This review takes a closer look at what you might experience, covering all you need to know to plan an awesome trip.

Why Choose a 3-Day Tour of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya?

Alright, so you might be asking yourself, “Why should I squeeze these spots into a three-day trip?”. Well, time can be tight, and this way, you get to witness two of Sri Lanka’s gems without needing to take too much time off. Both Anuradhapura and Sigiriya offer completely different glimpses into Sri Lanka’s past. That is pretty cool if you’re into getting a broad overview. Anuradhapura, very, very ancient, it used to be a powerful capital, brimming with well-preserved ruins of temples and monasteries. Sigiriya, on the other hand, provides an almost breathtaking spectacle with its enormous rock fortress, complete with some quite interesting ancient frescoes and amazing views. A short tour, and one might argue, the perfect introduction to what Sri Lanka has to offer in the way of history and wow factor.

That’s said, you have to bear in mind it can be a bit of a whirlwind. Getting between places involves several hours on the road. This also means you’ll want a reasonable level of fitness, so too you will need to get up fairly early, in order to fit everything into your itinerary. But then it comes down to whether or not you would rather see a lot in a small time frame, or a little in a greater space of time!

What to Expect in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, now this is where you feel you’re getting taken back to the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. Sprawling archaeological sites extend far into the distance. Basically, what used to be a capital city has transformed into a heritage site. Think old, crumbling buildings and an insight into times that are long gone! You’ll get to wander around the remains of what used to be royal palaces and really quite elaborately decorated temples. Don’t even get me started on the giant stupas – or dagobas – so massive they stretch to the skyline! They’re awesome for photographs and for pondering how it used to be. Also, you can find the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, apparently grown from a cutting taken from the original Bodhi tree where Buddha gained enlightenment. Very cool, right?

Most people tend to get around Anuradhapura by car or tuk-tuk. Either way, it allows you to see many different sites comfortably enough, even in what might be the searing midday sun. One thing you’ll probably see is a need for modest clothing. Many temples need visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. It shows respect and is too, an expected thing.

Climbing Sigiriya: A Highlight of the Tour

Okay, now Sigiriya… Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress will really prove to be a highlight. Imagine a massive rock that just springs out from the greenery – now picture an ancient palace on top. That’s Sigiriya! The climb might be a bit strenuous, is that you have steps, some quite steep, to deal with, but that is usually not that bad. Along the way, you can see the well-known frescoes of the “heavenly maidens” and a polished mirror wall, covered in ancient graffiti. It’s interesting that some of these markings stretch way back.

Once at the summit, there is more. More than enough to get your fill with truly incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, is that these extend pretty much as far as the eye can see. Really. Go earlier in the morning. You’ll not only steer clear of a lot of the heat, yet you should miss most of the crowd.

Planning Your Trip: What to Consider

So, how do you sort out this trip? Is that the question? Planning this particular Sri Lankan adventure involves a couple of key things. Selecting the right tour operator can make a difference. It’s almost vital to choose someone who knows their stuff when it comes to the area and really looks after their clients.

Accommodation often swings between comfy hotels and more wallet-friendly guesthouses. Depends on your comfort and how much you’re happy to pay. A point to note is what’s included. Do you have all the entrance fees, meals, and transport taken care of in the deal? Also, think about what time of year you want to go. The weather is often better during the dry season, that runs from December to March, especially if you plan to make the climb up to Sigiriya, because that might be easier in pleasant weather.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Picking a solid tour operator can seriously shape how your journey goes, isn’t it? Look at the tour companies with loads of experience, mostly the ones that have awesome reviews and a history of showing folks the best of Sri Lanka’s sites. You might consider a privately guided tour, for instance, because they often give you more freedom to see things the way you like and at a pace that works for you. Group tours can save you cash but mean your timetable is less flexible, anyway.

Make sure the operator’s clued up on all the finer points of the tour, plus knows everything concerning Sri Lankan history and culture. Knowing things about your guide being able to chat about anything you happen to see. One important aspect: does the tour act responsibly and sustainably? Respecting the natural world and supporting people who actually live there? Well, that is what makes the tour stand out from the rest, so too it is a demonstration of the value that they provide.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Accommodation options vary, is that really affects how comfortable your trip feels. If you want a more luxurious setting, you might want to pick top-end hotels which provide a lot of extra amenities—basically, think swimming pools and spas. Are you hoping to get by for not a lot? Okay, look into guesthouses, boutique hotels or eco-lodges. Those aren’t too costly. These may lack luxuries, and yet the stay can also be so much more special. Many come with breakfast or meals included.

Think about your spot. For example, being in the heart of Anuradhapura would allow access to the monuments, which makes morning visits that much easier, in some respects. When it comes to Sigiriya, staying close lets you hit the rock before everyone gets there. Whichever place you pick, always see what others are saying in online reviews, since those can give a true picture of what awaits, nearly.

Best Time to Visit

When you go can change things greatly. So too that also holds true here. December to March normally are thought to be the top times because the climate’s drier. That’s super, should you fancy rambling about those archaeological spots without getting caught out in a downpour, which has a tendency to happen at random. Visiting in what you might describe as the shoulder seasons – April and September – is what often provides a sweet point: fewer tourists and not the intense rain that the monsoon brings, very.

Things in the area alter depending on the month. So, should you want to go during certain festivals or celebrations, do your study! Make certain that the weather conditions for the month in question fit what things you’ve planned. Keep this in mind whilst you’re picking times; your enjoyment can greatly increase!

What to Pack for Your 3-Day Tour

Packing carefully, that really is going to ensure you enjoy your time out there in comfort. Lightweight, airy clothes could keep you comfortable and cool under the sun, is that. Pack outfits which could dry rapidly too; that should protect you, ought you be caught within an abrupt storm.

• Sunscreen and insect repellent: Essential protection against sunburn and mosquito bites.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Very important for walking and also, of course, climbing.
• A hat and sunglasses: Keeps you shaded from the sun.
• Modest clothing: You will need it when going to any temple.
• A reusable water bottle: Very crucial to stay hydrated.

Having certain basic medications as well is a smart move. Things like pain relief or even just things for any upset stomachs are a good addition to your backpack.

Respecting Local Customs

Travelling thoughtfully and showing respect gets you into the local scene. So, get to know Sri Lankan social rules, plus you would be making good links and displaying some manners too.

• Dress modestly: Dress cautiously as visiting temples. Take the hat off. Shoulders as well as knees, it is best to keep those hidden.
• Be respectful in temples: Keep a quiet voice, no shoes, and no touching of religious items, if possible.
• Ask before taking photos: Check out whether or not folks happen to be OK alongside getting filmed – specifically with residents living in less developed spots, it is best to confirm things before, clearly.
• Learn a few basic phrases: Just getting a couple phrases covered in Sinhala might enable things alongside community persons – it implies some regard is being revealed, that could greatly help, naturally.
• Bargaining: In market-type zones bargaining takes place: proceed carefully and never heavily; doing so should keep relations favourable among all, in that case.

Thinking of others ensures everyone enjoys this whole cultural exchange.

Budgeting for Your Tour

Planning your budget is vital so the tour flows well and keeps affordable for anyone visiting. Charges often vary wildly contingent, and that really can be impacted simply by one’s options about transport and accommodation, naturally.

• Tour Costs: Research the expense for guided plans: seek items covering accommodation to sightseeing fees inside full offers to see if they provide additional expense effectiveness very.
• Accommodation: Accommodation expense greatly alters dependent regarding one’s taste; it can find rates ranging beginning inexpensive guesthouses via higher priced luxury resorts around hotels depending on degree desired or wanted also alongside one’s wallet – assess what matches personally fine with yourself very!
• Food: One may obtain economical regional delicacies among natives however upscale establishment pricing often runs expensive dependent on where somebody likes dinner usually; setting separate amounts specifically assists controlling dining efficiently alongside reducing expense problems overall just!.
• Transportation: Price brackets linked with transporting shifts between Tuk-tuk fees plus individual auto rentals so factor what supports schedule however pockets reasonably whenever travelling, in other respects almost nothing might make travel smooth almost.
• Entrance Fees: Confirming payments specifically alongside locations such sites remains significant – confirm those ahead of arrival so total estimated trip total doesn’t rise dramatically over time, very!

Saving somewhat and investigating costs ensure financial aspects never curb pleasure coming with holidaying; setting financial restrictions ahead permits even better budgeting while investigating overseas now basically!

Common Tourist Traps and How to Avoid Them

Seeing someplace that offers an authentic travel means avoiding some challenges so common throughout tourism. Know just what tricksters may make us think something’s alright to make intelligent solutions almost.

• Overpriced souvenirs: Review selling prices prior doing shop within tourist establishments; it assists ensure someone’s having a fantastic cost versus going inflated- assess distinct providers that supply products to know someone gets bargain without paying exorbitantly then almost!.
• Unofficial guides: Employ exclusively known tour firm and recognized authorities when choosing guided – unofficially qualified specialists lack sufficient learning leading into misinformation whilst damaging journey too almost very basically sometimes etc etc!.
• Tuk-tuk scams: Bargain amounts forward journey rather before engaging any trips; utilize app or known provider offering preset prices as one feels confidence preventing higher priced estimates entirely naturally just!
• Begging: Choose never engage through supplying donations upfront, find known community aid communities those giving precisely ensure helps effectively individuals throughout locality effectively!.
• Gem scams: Watch yourself purchasing gem alongside localized stores with unverified resources that show counterfeit copies, only use certified gem professionals along recognized official certificate just alright or something too almost naturally alright too!

Seeing these potential troubles beforehand that allows travel lovers build good conclusions defending both self and providing positive tourism that benefits nearby economic climates right; knowing what could wrong before trip assists a bit as well really and extremely right also absolutely.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This whirlwind tour to Sri Lanka with all her monuments for just 72hrs becomes magnificent yet rigorous adventure so may definitely support you if possibly what just wants is glimpsing inside the background associated via local societies though there’s period reductions involved when one might travel across numerous sights quickly while not always lingering there very longer time. This particular one assists perfect option designed both individuals who usually usually possibly typically occasionally have fairly limited timeframe available who’d certainly not ever overlook many points; what has got almost individuals needing additional comfortable holiday escapes potentially spending longer examining things more gradually? They certainly certainly ought normally normally should most probably require contemplating alternative adventures which have more duration built.

Frequently Asked Questions