Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Tourist Information about Sigiriya

Sigiriya – a popular tourist destination in the central province of Sri Lanka in the Cultural Triangle (see Sigiriya on the map of Sri Lanka). One might even say it is the most famous attraction in the country and the island's landmark.

Sigiriya is not a resort or a city in the traditional sense. Essentially, it is a rock occupying a central position, on and around which the ancient city of Sigiriya (Ancient City of Sigiriya) was formed. It is this attraction that is referred to when talking about Sigiriya. In 1982, this site was rightly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The ancient city of Sigiriya was formed in the 5th century AD through the efforts of King Kasyapa I (ruled 473-495 AD). On a 200-meter high rock, he built a fortress and moved the capital there from Anuradhapura. The rock greatly appealed to the king because its natural shape made the plateau on top virtually impregnable. And he had something to fear. According to legend, Kasyapa had coveted power and wealth since childhood, and for this, he betrayed his younger brother and even killed his father. The younger brother, wanting to avenge his father, gathered and prepared an army to destroy the elder traitor brother.

Meanwhile, on the plateau's summit, the king built his palace, gardens were laid out around it, which featured perhaps the world's first fountains. The entrance to the mountain was made in the form of a huge lion, and therefore the place got the name Sigiriya, which literally translates as "Lion Mountain." Despite such protection, King Kasyapa was defeated, and the capital was moved back to Anuradhapura. Later, the city was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, and then was abandoned for many centuries. The place became widely known to the public only in 1907 when it was described in his essays by a British explorer.

How to Visit Sigiriya

Today, Sigiriya is one of the most spectacular and exciting places in Sri Lanka and any sightseeing tour of the country necessarily includes a visit to the ancient city. The place is truly worthwhile, although the entrance fee is unreasonably expensive – $35. This price includes the surrounding area, the ascent to the rock, and a visit to the museum. The ticket office is located 100 meters from the western (main) entrance across the road. Entrance control is carried out twice using detachable coupons on the ticket. There are no special clothing requirements for visiting Sigiriya.

The ascent to the rock cannot be called very difficult and strenuous, although you will have to overcome 750 steps (which is about 60 floors). The viewing route is strictly defined, so it's impossible to get lost here; you just need to follow where everyone goes. There are steps and railings throughout the climb, so the ascent will be possible for almost everyone. The only thing is, they are not very wide, so in some places the movement is one-way. Before the ascent, be sure to take enough drinking water with you, as it is not sold here.

Approximately halfway up, you will encounter a wall with preserved fragments of frescoes depicting semi-naked women (a very popular spot among visitors), the "Mirror" wall (today, the mirror effect is no longer preserved). After this, you will reach a platform where the famous lion's paws are located, through which the ascent to the summit occurs. The ascent there is very steep and laborious, often crowded with many tourists forming "traffic jams." The final stage of the route includes the flat summit of the mountain, where the royal quarters were located. This is perhaps the most interesting place in all of Sigiriya. The descent from the summit follows the same staircase as the ascent, and after the lion's paws, it continues on a different path.

After descending, it is definitely worth exploring the area adjacent to the rock. It contains some interesting objects. For example, the Cobra Rock, under which you can still see parts of elements of ancient frescoes, or the summer royal palace, numerous pools that were part of the famous gardens, etc. All this is located behind the main entrance, through which passage is still allowed for those wishing to see this "eighth wonder of the world." It is located on the western side (see the main entrance on the map) and was previously intended only for the royal family. Opposite this entrance across the road, there is a parking lot, a ticket office, a toilet, and if you walk a little further, then on the left side you will see the museum building, where you can learn about the history of this place, excavations, restorations, etc. The exhibits mainly consist of documents and photographs. Entrance to the museum is included in the entrance ticket, photography inside is prohibited.

Overall, visiting the rock itself and the museum will take about 2 hours, and about another hour for a walk around the surroundings. It is not necessary to give in to offers from local guides: their services cost around $10, but there is not much point in them, and you won't get lost on your own; there are signs and security representatives everywhere who will show you the right direction. Sometimes local guides deceive and say that you are required to use the services of a guide for an additional fee to visit the complex, but this is a scam.

As for the territory adjacent to the Sigiriya complex, there is practically no tourist infrastructure here, apart from a few hotels in the area. And there's not much to see or do besides visiting the rock itself or its immediate surroundings. But if the need arises to spend the night, it can be easily done in one of the hotels for a relatively small fee.

How to Get to Sigiriya

Most often, tourists visit Sigiriya as part of a group tour. Such tours are sold in any tourist spot in Sri Lanka. It's not worth buying a tour only to Sigiriya; it's better to take a tour visiting several places at once, for example, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, etc.

If you are traveling independently around the country and wish to visit Sigiriya, it is most convenient to stay at a hotel near Sigiriya itself or at a hotel in Dambulla. From Dambulla, you can get to the rock by bus if you don't have your own transport.

But even by public transport, getting there is not difficult. Buses to Sigiriya run at least from Colombo, Dambulla, and Kurunegala. They are inexpensive and run quite frequently. For example, from Dambulla, buses run approximately every 30 minutes and cost 30 rupees (see Sri Lanka currency, exchange rate).

To get to Sigiriya from Kandy, you will first have to get to Dambulla or Polonnaruwa, and then transfer to a bus going through Sigiriya. Please note that there are practically no buses with Sigiriya as the final destination; mostly they are passing buses. Don't count on taking a bus from Kandy to Sigiriya and back in one day (although theoretically it's possible, you just won't have time to see anything).

Entrance Fee to Sigiriya

$35 (approximately 11636 rupees.). Paid at the cash desk in rupees at the current exchange rate. The single ticket for the cultural triangle is no longer valid and not sold. Ticket control is carried out in several places, so you won't be able to sneak in even if you get into the Sigiriya park area.

Opening Hours

Daily, 08:30 – 17:30.

Sigiriya Hotels, Where to Stay

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