Ritigala Nature Reserve instead of Sigiriya?

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Marco Rossi84965 rep2

We want to avoid the massive crowds at Sigiriya. Is Ritigala a good alternative for ancient ruins and jungle trekking?

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4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

They are very different. Sigiriya is a massive palace on a rock with frescoes. Ritigala is an ancient, mystical Buddhist forest monastery hidden deep in the jungle. Ritigala has no crowds and feels like Indiana Jones, but it lacks the grand views of Sigiriya.

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Sunil Jayawardena591690 rep1

Ritigala is stunning. The stone paths winding through the giant tree roots are incredibly photogenic. We were the only tourists there.

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Anna Williams80190 rep2

If you want views without the Sigiriya crowds, climb Pidurangala Rock instead. Ritigala is beautiful but it is a forest walk, not a mountain climb.

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Omar Bakir90820 rep2

That is a great distinction. I think we will actually do both Ritigala and Pidurangala then!

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Marco Rossi84965 rep2

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