Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Artisans and craftspeople, including wood carvers and sculptors, are based at this
government-run crafts village about midway between Inamaluwa and Sigiriya.
Information
Stock up on cash elsewhere as there are no banks in Sigiriya and the nearest ATM is in
tiny Kimbissa, 5km west of the village. You'll find plenty of banks in Dambulla, the
nearest town.
Head to
Lonely Planet
(
www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities/sigiriya
)
for
planning advice, author recommendations, traveller reviews and insider tips.
Getting There & Around
Sigiriya is about 10km east of the Inamaluwa junction on the main road between Dambulla
and Habarana. Buses to/from Dambulla run about every 30 minutes from 6.30am to
6.30pm (Rs 28, 45 minutes). A three-wheeler between Dambulla to Sigiriya is around Rs
800.
Sigiriya and its surrounds are ideally explored by bike (Rs 300 per day) or scooter (Rs
1500); most guesthouses can organise rentals.
Habarana
066 / Pop 8700
This small town serves as a base for Sigiriya and safaris to Minneriya and Kaudulla Na-
tional Parks. There's a fast-expanding range of accommodation in the surrounding area in-
cluding lots of new luxury places. Transport links are excellent: Habarana has the nearest
train station to both Dambulla and Sigiriya and sits on a busy crossroads.
Elephant rides around the tank can be arranged for a pricey US$20 to US$30 per person
per hour. In the creek near town you can watch mahouts scrubbing down their elephants;
guides and most locals can point the way.
Sleeping & Eating
