Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Discover Sri Lanka's Ancient Wonder in the Sky
Welcome to Sigiriya: The Lion Rock
Imagine climbing to a palace in the clouds, built over 1,500 years ago! Thats exactly what awaits you at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lankas most incredible ancient wonders. This massive rock formation rises 200 meters (660 feet) above the surrounding jungle, topped with the ruins of what was once a magnificent royal palace.
Known locally as "Sinhagiri" (Lion Rock), Sigiriya is not just a tourist attraction — it's a journey through time that will leave you breathless, both from the climb and the stunning views that await at the top!
The Fascinating Story Behind Sigiriya
The View of the SIgiriya from away from the rock fortress, showing the lush green landscape and the rock itself.(Image by Polina Kocheva )
The story of Sigiriya reads like a dramatic movie script! In the 5th century, Prince Kashyapa killed his father, King Dhatusena, to claim the throne. Fearing revenge from his brother Moggallana (the rightful heir), Kashyapa decided to build an impregnable fortress-palace on top of this massive rock.
For 18 years, Kashyapa ruled from his sky-high palace, complete with gardens, pools, and stunning frescoes. However, his brother eventually returned with an army. During the final battle, Kashyapas elephant turned back, his army thought he was retreating, and in despair, the king took his own life.
After Kashyapas death, the palace was abandoned and later became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
What Youll See During Your Visit
Your journey begins with the incredible water gardens at the base of the rock. These 1,500-year-old gardens still function today! People belives King Kashyapa put crocadiles for the safety. Youll see:
- Symmetrical pools and fountains that still work during rainy season
- Ancient irrigation channels and water management systems
- Beautiful landscaping thats perfect for photos
Halfway up the rock, youll encounter the famous Lions Paws - two enormous stone paws that are all that remain of a giant lion sculpture. Originally, visitors had to walk through the lions mouth to reach the palace!
Peoples belives - Still some people belives there was a entrance to enter the palace through the lions mouth. and there was a place inside the rock
- Perfect spot for memorable photos
- Great place to rest before the final climb
- Amazing views of the surrounding countryside
On your way up, dont miss the world-famous Sigiriya frescoes! These ancient paintings are located in a sheltered pocket of the rock face and show beautiful women (possibly celestial beings or court ladies).
You can see similar frescoes in Ajantha Caves in India.
- Originally there were 500 frescoes, now only 18 remain
- Colors are still vibrant after 1,500 years
- Photography is not allowed to preserve the paintings
The summit is where the magic happens! At the top, youll find the ruins of King Kashyapas palace and some of the most spectacular views in Sri Lanka.
At the summit you can see the Pidurangala which is also have a rock similar to Sigiriya and importtant place to visit.
- 360-degree panoramic views of the jungle and countryside
- Remains of the royal palace, including the throne area
- Ancient swimming pool carved into the rock
- Perfect spot for sunrise or sunset photos
Mirror wall is a fascinating feature of Sigiriya, once polished to such a shine that it reflected the images of visitors. Today, you can still see ancient graffiti and poems written by visitors over the centuries.
- Originally, the wall was so polished that it reflected images like a mirror
- Visitors have left graffiti and poems on the wall for centuries
- Its a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of ancient visitors
- The wall is now protected, and touching it is not allowed
Essential Dos and Donts
When to Visit Sigiriya
- • Dry weather with minimal rain
- • Clear skies for photography
- • Comfortable temperatures
- • Best visibility from summit
- • Fewer crowds
- • Occasional rain showers
- • Lower accommodation prices
- • Lush green landscapes
- • Heavy rainfall possible
- • Slippery climbing conditions
- • Beautiful water gardens active
- • Lowest tourist numbers
Practical Information
- • Adults: $35 USD
- • Children (6-12): $18.50 USD
- • SAARC nationals: Discounted rates
5:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
*The frescoes area will be closed for tourists at 17:45 PM
2-3 hours round trip (including exploration time)
4-5 hours by car/bus via Dambulla
2.5-3 hours by car/bus
Dambulla (20 minutes drive)
Stay in Sigiriya village or Dambulla for easy access
Best Photo Spots:
- • Water gardens with rock backdrop
- • Lions paws with people for scale
- • Summit panoramic views
- • Sunrise/sunset from nearby Pidurangala Rock
Photography Tips:
- • Golden hour (6-8 AM, 4-6 PM) for best lighting
- • Bring extra batteries (heat drains them fast)
- • Use wide-angle lens for landscape shots
- • Respect no-photography zones (frescoes)
What Else to See Nearby
Climb this nearby rock for the perfect photo of Sigiriya. Easier climb, amazing sunrise views!
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UNESCO site with 5 cave temples filled with Buddha statues and ancient paintings. 20 minutes away.
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Famous for "The Gathering" - hundreds of elephants come together during dry season. 1 hour drive.
See More →
Climb this nearby rock for the perfect photo of Sigiriya. Easier climb, amazing sunrise views!
See More →Climb this nearby rock for the perfect photo of Sigiriya. Easier climb, amazing sunrise views!
See More →Climb this nearby rock for the perfect photo of Sigiriya. Easier climb, amazing sunrise views!
See More →Visiting Sigiriya is more than just ticking off a tourist attraction – its a journey through time that connects you with ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The climb might be challenging, but the sense of achievement and the breathtaking views make every step worth it.
Remember, youre walking in the footsteps of ancient kings and monks. Take time to appreciate not just the destination, but the incredible engineering and artistry that went into creating this wonder 1,500 years ago.
Safe travels, and enjoy your adventure at the Lion Rock! 🦁🏰