Sigiriya
The Lion Rock fortress
A 5th-century palace on top of a 200 m rock, with frescoes, a mirror wall and water gardens at its base. The best-known sight in the Cultural Triangle.
Photo Gallery
About Sigiriya
King Kashyapa built his palace on top of Sigiriya rock in the 5th century AD. The climb is about 1,200 steps and takes 2–3 hours there and back, passing the painted 'Sigiriya maidens', the Mirror Wall and the giant lion's paws. The water and boulder gardens at the base are among the oldest landscaped gardens in Asia. Pidurangala rock next door is a shorter, cheaper climb with a view of Sigiriya itself, and Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park are all close.
Did you know?
Sigiriya has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Visitors have been writing graffiti on its Mirror Wall for over 1,000 years.
Location & Getting There
How to Get There
By road
About 4 hours from the airport or Colombo by road, and about 2.5 hours from Kandy.
By train
There is no direct train. The nearest stations (Habarana) are about 30 minutes away by road.
With us
Your driver-guide picks you up from the airport or your hotel, so you can add Sigiriya to any private tour.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: January to September
- Recommended duration: 1-2 days
- Start the climb as soon as the site opens (around 7am) to avoid the heat and the queues.
- Carry water and wear shoes with grip. The upper staircase is exposed to wind and not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights.
- The Cultural Triangle is driest from January to September.
Tours that include Sigiriya
Cultural Triangle Tour
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Dambulla in 5 days
Complete Sri Lanka Tour
Culture, tea country, safari and beaches in 10 days
Ready to Visit Sigiriya?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest a route that includes Sigiriya, with a price per day.