Rock Climbing | The Adventure Travel Site

Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand – For an exciting adventure like no other

If you are interested in learning something new on your holiday to the rip-roaring island of Krabi, well, you’ve certainly picked the right destination to get started! The islands got rocks that are perfect for the novice climbers out there and you can sign up for lessons too.

Sign up for a lesson

If you are planning your vacation with a travel agent, then you can discuss with your agent about the best rock-climbing package for you. However, if you’ve planned your trip on your own, you might need to inquire with your local hotel, the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort for more information on how to get started.

Phranang Cave Beach

The beach here is absolutely amazing with a wide shoreline, crystal blue waters and limestone cliffs on either side. Try your skills at rock climbing and enjoy the mesmerising views as a reward for sweating it out.

A guide for every step

Arriving at the beach and taking a look at the cliffs could hit your nerves quite hard if this is our first time. But never fear, your guide on the excursion will carefully advise you on how to conquer what seems impossible at first.

Deepwater solo climbing

Of all the Ao Nang things to do, this is one of the most thrilling. You will be taken by boat to an island where the rock cliffs are in the water. Next, you will climb the rock formation without a harness, reach the top and take the plunge into the water from there. Exhilarating indeed!

A Day at Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya

It is said that the name ‘Sithulpawwa’ has been derived from the word ‘Chiththala Pabbatha,’ meaning ‘the hill of the quiet mind,’ which accurately describes its ambience. Located close to many a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala, this temple complex is believed to have been built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C.

Getting There

If you’re travelling from Tissamaharama, you can visit the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya via Kirinda – Sithulpawwa Road in less than an hour. Upon arrival, you may be approached by several wild boars who frequent the area, who are completely harmless if you aren’t trying to interact with them. The premises also carries notices asking visitors to refrain from feeding these animals.

Main Stupa

Overlooking a large pond is a mountainous area, over which you need to ascend to approach the main stupa area. If you go to the left just before entering the main stupa, you will be greeted by the breathtaking bird’s eye vistas of the entire region. The main stupa has been built by flattening the top of this rocky mountain.

Be Respectful

You may need to wear light-coloured clothing that should cover from your shoulders up to your ankles when entering this sacred place in Sri Lanka.

Nearby Attractions

Apart from this main stupa, you can also hike towards the Small Sithulpawwa at this place. You will pass the scenic South Tissa Lake on your way to this place, which contains attractions such as stone umbrella, twin ponds, Buddha statues, and another stupa upon its windy summit.

Rock Climbing Adventure in Sri Lanka

There are plenty of great adventures to be had here in Sri Lanka – this includes the exciting and exhilarating sport of rock climbing! There are plenty of places to choose from in Sri Lanka as well, so here’s a quick look at some of the rock climbing adventures to be had here.

Why Go Rock Climbing

If you’re a bit hesitant about getting involved in rock climbing – don’t be! It is one of the most fun and exciting sports you can try out when you’re on vacation. It’ll be a test of your physical and mental strength – it will also help develop your endurance, agility, and balance.

Why Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a particularly good choice to go rock climbing in. The tropical landscapes coupled with excellent rock formations make for a great combination. There are options for all levels of experience as well – from rookies to seasoned veterans.

The Best Places

If you’re looking to conquer a mountain, you can’t go wrong with the Knuckles Mountain Range. Conversely, you might prefer to scale a single rock formation. If so, you might want to consider a region like Dambulla – there’s plenty of climbing ops to be had here. There’s also quite a lot of fantastic Dambulla hotels to choose from as well. This means you can kick your feet up and relax – perhaps at resorts like The Paradise Resort & Spa – and recover from the day’s excursions.

Rappelling and Abseiling

If you really want to get your adrenaline pumping, you might want to try your hand at abseiling here in Sri Lanka. It can be truly exhilarating to descend along massive waterfalls at high speeds. And don’t worry – with the right equipment and personnel in place, it’s perfectly safe!

To Climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock

Located at proximity to one another, Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock are almost identical rock formations renowned for their historic significance and natural splendour. Here is a guide to choosing which rock you should plan on climbing during your next trip to Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

Also known as the lion rock, Sigiriya was once a fortress with a place on top of the rock. It was built by King Kashyapa to safeguard himself from foreign invasions, especially the one which was led by his own brother. The site today has numerous ruins of the magnificent edifices that once stood along with well-preserved remains of well-planned aqueducts, ponds, fountains and landscaped gardens. Due to the sites cultural and historic significance, Sigirya has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site

Pidurangala Rock

Located a few kilometres away and having a clear sight of Sigiriya, Pidurangala was once a monastery where the monks who lived at the site of Sigiriya were relocated. Like Sigiriya, Pidurangala also offers a stunning view of its surroundings which includes the view of Sigiriya as well. Piduarangala also has ruins and exploring it too offers you a memorable experience.

The climbing experience

Both of the rocks offer its visitors an enticing climbing experience but there are few differences in terms of the sceneries each of these sites offer and the ease of climbing them. Sigiriya has well-defined pathways with proper steps and rails to aid climbing and the climb is easy. However,Pidurangala has a bit of a challenging pathway which is comparatively tougher than to climb Sigiriya. But no matter which rock you choose to climb you will certainly enjoy a delightful climbing experience. If you are an adventurous person Pidurangala should be your choice. if you are looking for an easy climb with opportunities to see amazing artworks and remnants of an ancient chronicle Sigiriya must be your choice.

Getting there

Whichever the rock you choose to climb, you will have to start early in the morning or by late afternoon during when the heat and humidity will be tolerable it is also recommended that you plan your stay at any of the Dambulla hotels located in proximity the likes of The Paradise Resort & Spa for the day before you are planning your climb.

Dig into the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya

Once a safe haven for a king with an artistic turn of mind, Sigiriya rock fortress is an intriguing historical site.

Time your climb

You should plan to climb the rock as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day. Book a Sri Lanka resort nearby and make your way to the site early in the morning. For example, from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, you can reach the site under 30 minutes by car.

A little bit of history

King Kashyapa, who loved art and fine living, built his palace complex atop a monolithic rock pillar in the 5th century. He sought to escape potential enemies and live a life of indulgence. Engineering feature of the palace complex is just as fascinating as its art.

Explore the gardens

This amazing structure was once full of beautiful gardens. The water garden on top, in particular, had been laid out with immaculate precision to consist of various ponds and fountains.

Check out the frescoes

Subject to much controversy and dispute amongst archaeologist, Sigiriya frescoes depict exquisite, bare-chested damsels carrying bunches of flowers.

The mirror wall and its poetry

In its heyday, the mirror wall would have been a gleaming surface for poets and visitors to scribble their snippets in admiration of the genius of the rock fortress.

Pidurangala Vihara

If you’re planning on hiking in Sri Lanka, chances are the Pidurangala rock is high up on your list. Now, while completing this hike will net you an amazing view with the Sigiriya rock in the distance, on the way up you’ll run into another impressive site – the Pidurangala Viharaya.

Ji-Elle, Sigiriya depuis Pidurangala (2), CC BY-SA 3.0

How to Get There

The best way to reach Pidurangala is to reach Sigiriya via Dambulla. If you take the bus from the Dambulla bus station you’ll arrive in about an hours’ time. A taxi or tuk-tuk is also an option, particularly if you want to start your hike up in time to catch either the sunrise or sunset.

Where to Stay

Due to Pidurangala’s proximity to Sigiriya – a UNESCO world heritage site – you should have no trouble finding all manners of accommodation options for your trip. If you’re specifically looking for a luxury Sigiriya hotel, in particular, consider the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel.

The History of the Temple

Pidurangala was a Buddhist monastery as far back as the first century BC, but it rose to prominence during the reign of King Kashyapa, around 473-495 AD. The King, fearing an invasion from India, wanted to setup a fortress atop Sigirya – which was also a monastery at the time. As such, King Kashyapa requested the monks to relocate to Pidurangala, and he, in turn, renovated it to better accommodate the new residents.

Temple Architecture

Though much of it is in ruin nowadays, the temple was once said to have consisted of five main buildings – a prominent stupa, chapter house, image house, bodhigara, preaching hall and an area for the monks to rest and retire. An impressive 12m long reclining Buddha statue still remains and will make for a fantastic sight as you hike your way up the mountain.

In the Hills of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country

The city of Kandy, compared to other cities in Sri Lanka, still maintains a firm grip on its past of kings and traditions. It was after all, resilient, withstanding the onslaughts of the Portuguese and the Dutch finally succumbing to the British colonial rule with the expulsion of the last king.

The City in Rain

Kandy has a very tightly packed city centre despite being the second biggest city in Sri Lanka after Colombo. It is one of the cities that is navigable even when it is raining. The rain adds a sheen of mystery to the city and covers it in a comfortable and cold mist.

The Lake, the Gardens, the Palace

Staying at any of the hotels in Kandy Sri Lanka will put you in very close vicinity to the Kandy Lake which is a small man-made lake in the middle of the city with a very bloody history. You will also be able to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is set in the middle of the former palace and the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens which are about a 15-minute drive from each other.

Tea All Around

Stay at a hotel like Cinnamon Citadel Kandy and tour the many tea estates around the city. The tea museum and Loolecondera; which is the first estate in the country are places that should be part of any itinerary. Have a cup of tea and meet a planter to understand all the work that goes into making the perfect cuppa.

Hiking in the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

The Story of Sigiriya

In Sri Lankan history, King Kashyapa I is known famously as the king who murdered his father and built a rock fortress in fear of retaliation from his brother. This story is just as fascinating as the attraction itself!

Staying in Sigiriya

Before reading on for more, do make sure you book a Dambulla resort or hotel in Sigiriya Sri Lanka that’s within easy reach of the rock fortress. Staying at properties the likes of The Paradise Resort & Spa make it convenient to plan a morning climb to the summit of Sigiriya.

The Tragedy of Sigiriya

Now back to the story! Kashyapa was the elder son of King Dhatusena, the warrior king who repelled Indian invaders and established peace in the kingdom of Anuradhapura. As he was not born of the royal consort as his brother Mogallana, Kashyapa was not the heir to the throne despite being the eldest.

Betrayed by Family

The king’s nephew General Migara instigated Kashyapa to usurp the throne. There was resentment between Dhatusena and the general, though the real reason is not known. This led to Kashyapa ordering his father killed in a murderous rage. And it was Migara that had King Dhatusena plastered into the wall of his irrigation tank.

The Aftermath

Kashyapa’s brother fled in terror and Kashyapa was devastated by his father’s death. He heard from Migara that Mogallana was amassing an army in India and that might have been what triggered Kashyapa to move his capital to Sigiriya; however, alternate stories say he was just trying to complete a project started by his father.

The End of a Legend

Mogallana did come back to claim his rightful place and had Kashyapa remained in his impenetrable fortress, he would not have lost the battle. But heeding Migara’s words, he came down to the plains to fight his brother. The story goes that something spooked Kashyapa’s royal elephant causing it to turn away from the front and Migara seeing this told the gathered soldiers that their king had fled. Kashyapa on seeing his army scatter fell upon his sword and died.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Conquer the rocks in Oman

With Oman being a rather mountainous nation, it comes as no surprise that it’s an ideal location to go rock climbing. Want to know more about the perfect places in Oman to go climbing.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

The Wall

Whether it’s before or after your climb, treat yourself to some comfort at a nice Nizwa hotel, you’ll find plenty around like the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for instance. The Wall is a great place to start as it is Oman’s only indoor rock gym. Here you can inquire about the climbing scene and the local routes and get some gear. You can even hire a local guide to help you out.

5 O’Clock Rock

Located just 5 minutes up Al Amerat Road, you can drive up here. It’s a big slab of limestone and has 10mm expansion bolts equipped to make things easier for you.

Qantab (Bandar Al Jissah)

Invoking the feel of sea-cliffs off southern Thailand or eastern Spain, Qantab will most definitely leave you pumped and asking for more.

Khubrah Canyon (Secret Canyon)

Located around an hour from the busy capital of Muscat, Khubrah Canyon offers a thorough sense of solitude and independence. It features beautiful weather and a boundless rock that is ideal for any skill level.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+