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-   -   Sigiriiya Rock (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/sigiriiya-rock-1038373/)

wylie Feb 21st, 2015 07:27 PM

Sigiriiya Rock
 
how hard and scary with a fear of heights. Any other things to compare the climb to ? Tiger's Nest Bhutan? Is it worth the cling for a 58 not in great shape. Any other scenic nature hikes

thursdaysd Feb 21st, 2015 07:44 PM

Not at all scary. Not a nature hike. (Have you looked at pics?) If it's hot, take precautions - no shade.

silverwool Feb 21st, 2015 08:10 PM

I agree, its not scary at all. I thought it well worth the climb and I was 65 but in reasonable shape. Once you start climbing its mainly steps and stairs.

Smeagol Feb 21st, 2015 11:15 PM

Go early ( very ) as it can get packed. my partner does not like heights at all and there were a couple of parts that he didn't look down but aside from that he was fine. It was a highlight for us in SL...

crellston Feb 22nd, 2015 02:02 AM

Of course it's not scary - at least for anyone who doesn't have a fear of heights! :-) I do have an aversion to heights but found it to be ok. One section which was on a rickety metal staircase provided me with some cause for concern but apart from that, fine.

If you are "not in great shape" then take it slow and easy, drink LOADS of water and you should be ok, but only you can decide. It gets very hot so go early in the mornings.

The only other place that I felt could compare was Adams Peak but that involves getting up at 1.00am to see dawn break from the summit and does require a relatively high degree of fitness. Worlds End is also supposed to be pretty spectacular, but after the exertions of Adams Peak we really couldn't be bothered!

thursdaysd Feb 22nd, 2015 06:19 AM

I did do World's End and enjoyed it, but it is certainly more strenuous then Sigiriya. It is much longer, for starters, and the footing isn't great . Not much up and down that I remember, unless you go down to the falls. Start very early.

silverwool Feb 23rd, 2015 01:08 AM

I'd recommend World's End also. Its only about 9 kilometres in a loop but I'd second going early. When I started there was a bit of fog about which was great for photography.

When we were going up to Sigiriiya there was a woman being helped down. She had her eyes shut and was literally shaking. Bear this in mind if you suffer from vertigo. There is a flat area about two thirds of the way up where you can rest. The trip down takes a different route from there so you could reassess the situation and go down if necessary. A lot of the steepest parts are in an enclosed cage so perfectly safe.

Enjoy your trip - I loved Sri Lanka.

wylie Feb 23rd, 2015 06:50 PM

Thanks. Any comments on great easier scenic hikes

Mohammed Feb 24th, 2015 05:35 PM

Knuckles is a great place for hiking.

Look up "Sir Johns Bungalow" .... they also have a excellent naturalist at this place who will guide you well.


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