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Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The Cultural Triangle · UNESCO World Heritage

King Kashyapa built his palace on top of this sheer granite rock in the 5th century, with water gardens at its base and a gateway shaped like a giant lion halfway up. Only the paws remain, but the climb, the painted maidens and the views from the summit make it Sri Lanka's most famous sight.

The climb is steep but short, with about 1,200 steps and some exposed metal stairways. It gets hot quickly, so start early.

Planning your visit

  • Go at opening time. Before 8 am the steps are cooler and quieter; by late morning queues form at the frescoes and the Lion Gate.
  • Climb Pidurangala too. The rock next door costs a few dollars and has the best view of Sigiriya itself, especially at sunrise.
  • Watch for hornets. Wasp nests sometimes close the upper section; staff will tell you if it is shut.
  • Don't miss the museum. The site museum near the ticket office explains the gardens and the king's story.

How to fit it in

Most visitors stay two or three nights near Sigiriya or Dambulla and combine the rock with the cave temple, Polonnaruwa and an elephant safari. See our Cultural Triangle guide for a day by day plan.

Where it is

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Multi-day tours that visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Every tour here includes Sigiriya Rock Fortress in its itinerary. Best rated first.

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Combine it with

Dambulla cave temple

UNESCO

Five painted caves filled with more than 150 Buddha statues, high on a rock above Dambulla.

Visitor guide →

Minneriya National Park

Home of The Gathering, when hundreds of elephants graze the shores of an ancient reservoir in the dry season.

Visitor guide →

Polonnaruwa ancient city

UNESCO

The medieval royal capital, with palaces, a circular relic house and the giant Buddhas of Gal Vihara.

Visitor guide →

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Sigiriya Rock Fortress: questions

How hard is the Sigiriya climb?

Moderate: about 1,200 steps with some steep, exposed stairways. Most reasonably fit visitors manage it in 1 to 1.5 hours with stops.

Is Pidurangala better than Sigiriya?

It has the better view, because you can see Sigiriya, but only Sigiriya has the frescoes, the Lion Gate and the palace ruins. Many people do both.

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