Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Looking for a comprehensive guide to Sigiriya and Sigiriya Rock Fortress? You have come to the right place. We go through everything you need to know before your visit, the main things to do and see at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, best hotels in Sigiriya, plus the top things to do in Sigiriya once you have climbed the Lion Rock, including a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples. We’ve also got you covered on all the essential travel information.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Guide
Towering amongst the lush plains of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock is truly a breath-taking sight to behold. The enormous 200m tall rock, propelled upwards from the ground beneath it, is often referred to by many as the eighth wonder of the world. I’ve since noticed every country claims to have its own eighth wonder! Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock) was home to an ancient sky palace and impenetrable fortress, with its own private pools, that once stood proudly in the city of Sigiriya.
Sigiriya was developed into a city and fortress by King Kashyapa in 477CE, otherwise known as the greedy king. Not long after King Kashyapa was defeated in battle by his stepbrother when his armies abandoned him. Folklore is that the battle elephant of Kashyapa changed course due to what the king saw as a strategic advantage, but the army misinterpreted this as the King’s order to retreat.
Today, Lion Rock is steeped in legends about kings, monks, triumphs, and defeat – not forgetting the historical importance of the area to Buddhists. For cultural and history geeks, a visit to Sigiriya is a must. Hiking to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to explore the ruins and enjoy the 360 views from the summit is something you will never forget. So let’s get to it!
Overview of Sigiriya Rock
Entrance fee: The fee for international tourists is fixed at $30 (c.£22) or 5,607 LKR (based on the prevalent exchange rate at the time of your visit). For domestic tourists, the fee is just $0.27 or 50 LKR. This sort of pricing structure is prevalent throughout Sri Lanka. For me, this is something Sri Lanka has to get better at to encourage more tourists. As a visitor I don’t mind paying more than the locals as it helps keep the costs for locals down and preserve the sight, but the difference does feel extortionate.
How long does it take to climb Sigiriya Rock: Over 1,200 steps, 1,250 to be precise, the official guidance states it will take you two hours, but the walk can actually be done a lot quicker. We recommend you set aside some time to wander among the ruins at the top and enjoy the journey. All in all, we spent just over 3 hours at Lion Rock. And no, it wasn’t because Elly’s legs were on fire every 15 minutes, not at all…
When to visit Sigiriya Rock: The site is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 5pm). I would recommend you either do the climb first thing or late in the afternoon at 16:30, to avoid the big crowds and sweltering heat at mid-day. Tour groups tend to start around 08:30 / 09:00.
Sigiriya is located in Sri Lanka’s ‘dry zone’ so is hot all year round, and late April to August are on the extreme end of the cycle. If visiting during this period, stick to the late afternoon so you don’t get caught in the heat. As a bonus, you get to see the sunset from the top! Ever the romantic 
What to wear on your hike: There is no dress code, but you are advised to respect the cultural norms. Tank tops, shorts, vests are all okay but extremely revealing outfits are generally frowned upon. Make sure you wear comfortable trainers, even with my favourite running shoes on my feet were on fire! Does anyone else get a sore spot on their sole after walking, which when pressed has a nice level of pain? No? Just me being weird? Each to their own, I suppose.
Getting to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
From Colombo: Sigirya is approx. 3-4 hours by car from Colombo. There are buses and trains but the nearest station in Habarana is 30-45 mins away. We therefore recommend you get a private car; this will cost approximately £35-£50. We can wholeheartedly recommend Genuine Sri Lankans who we used for our entire trip to Sri Lanka, at a very competitive rate. They always made us feel safe, the vehicle was clean and always had fresh bottled water available.
From Kandy: From Kandy, the most economical options is to take a bus to Dambulla. This will take around 2.5hrs and should cost less than £1 per person. At Dambulla take the regular bus service to Sigiriya (they run every 30 minutes between 6:45am – 6:00pm). The journey will take an hour and tickets should cost 50 LKR (approx. £0.20). Feeling adventurous take a Tuk-Tuk for 1,000 LKR (approx. £4).
Where to stay in Sigiriya
Jetwing Vil Uyana: This is where we stayed and it was a lovely hotel. Set amongst paddy fields and nature reserves, it is unlike any other hotel you have stayed at. If you like the finer things in life, stay at this hotel.
Water Garden Sigiriya: Another top hotel in Sigiriya. Slightly cheaper than Jetwing but almost just as luxurious. If you have stayed here please let us know about your experience, we are eager to stay here on our next visit.
Diyabubula: More midrange but still magical hotel. It is all about the eco-friendly hotels in Sigiriya. For a little extra luxury, take a look at the water villas.
Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Pace yourself, but don’t be afraid. You won’t have to do any actual climbing as there are steps all the way to the top, although it can get very crowded and it is steep and narrow in certain sections.
The Rock Fortress consists of the ancient Sky Palace that sits atop of a gigantic rock, a mid-level terrace featuring the Lion Gate and gardens on the lower levels. You can only imagine how majestic and intimidating this palace must have been in its time. Modern architecture does not compare!
Throughout the walk there are a number of terraces and caves, make sure to explore them. There are also numerous areas to stretch and take a quick rest, use them wisely but don’t become an immovable object like Elly.
On your climb do note that you are not allowed to take photos of some of the frescoes of Sigiriya where there are no photo signs. These are there to protect and preserve the centuries old paintings, so please do not ignore them. Some guards are strict about people taking pictures and are known to take your phone to delete photos.
Once at the summit you can walk all around the Sky Palace, no parameters to stop you from walking around it is all yours to explore and take in the 360 views. Enjoy the views, have a rest, and prepare yourself for the descend. Good Luck!
Other things to do in Sigiriya
Sigiriya forms one point of the Sri Lankan ‘cultural triangle’ which includes Dambulla (home of the famous Dambulla cave temples) and Polonnaruwa. There are many things to do in Sigiriya but we recommend the following:
Pidurangala Rock: Just 10 mins from Sigiriya Fortress, provides travellers with a historic cave complex of its own, smaller crowds, great views looking back over Sigiriya rock.
The story goes that when King Kashyapa arrived in Sigiriya, he discovered Sigiriya was already an established monastery complex. He couldn’t have this, he needed something of his own so he could claim Sigiriya for himself. So, as you do, he decided to build another monastery at Pidurangala Rock.
Polonnaruwa: Approx 30-45mins from Sigiriya by car, the ruined city of Polonnaruwa was the powerful capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Once, the thriving commercial and religious epicentre of the city is the ruins of many temples, palace, and religious sites today.
The best way to explore the Polonnaruwa complex is via bike. Only problem being erm…feeling slightly insecure admitting to this, but I can’t ride a bike! Cost of entry is 3,750 LKR.
Dambulla Rock Cave Temples: Do this on your way to or from Sigiriya, as Dambulla is the entry/exit point of most adventures to the rock fortress, to minimise any wasted time.
This UNESCO World Heritage Royal site is home to some of the most impressive historical artwork in Sri Lanka, and a must visit on your itinerary of Sri Lanka. Cost of entry is 1,500 LKR.
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Tips & Tricks
- Go early or late to avoid the crowds. Don’t go at midday unless you want to get a serious tan.
- Watch out for the wasps! We were okay on our trip but have heard of tourists being taken to “netted” room until the coast is clear and they can continue up the Lion staircase.
- Wear comfortable shoes and remember sun cream and water for the hike up.
- Enjoy the summit, the hard work is worth it when you get to see the Sigiriya Sky Palace views and ruins.