A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Sigiriya

Amidst the rich historical sights in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is one of the most renowned places to explore – from hikes leading to spectacular views, cave temples, a museum and picturesque gardens.

If you love travelling by train, then make your way from Colombo to Habarana while enjoying beautiful landscapes, and then hop into a tuk or taxi to arrive at Sigiriya. Otherwise, you can take the bus to Dambulla or Habarana, and get to Sigiriya from there, via a taxi or tuk. Both options will take from 4 to 6 hours, while a car would take around 3–4 hours to reach Sigiriya, depending on the traffic.

The towering Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known as the Lion Rock. At the Sigiriya complex, you will find the former Royal Gardens, considered one of the oldest landscaped urban gardens in the world made with advanced technology of that time. The Water Gardens there are a symmetrical collection of pools, former bathing lagoons and island pavilions, with underground ducts and hydraulic systems supplying water to these gardens. Moving on, you will reach the Boulder Gardens – natural boulders that once formed the monastery of Sigiriya and still hold evidence of monastic life along the walls, caves and rock shelves.

As you start climbing the rock, stop at the intricate hand-painted frescoes of the Sigiriya apsaras, 21 damsels offering fruit and flowers. Further along, you will reach the ‘Mirror Wall’ – a section of wall that used to be polished until it shone like a mirror, back in King Kashyapa’s time, and is covered in inscriptions by visitors of decades ago from around the world.

Reaching the final part of the climb will bring you to the Lion Paw Staircase – massive lion paw sculptures guarding a part of the stairs leading to the summit. Many people stop here for a break before tackling the final climb.

Once you reach the top of Sigiriya, feast your eyes on glorious views of forests, reservoirs and mountains in the distance, making it worth the climb. Ruins of King Kashyapa’s royal palace are also scattered around the summit. The whole journey would take about 3 hours, and climbing in the evening will give you beautiful sunset views from the top.

If you’re a history buff and want to learn more about the mysteries of Sigiriya, then drop into the Sigiriya Museum. It showcases amazing architecture featuring technological advancements of the past eras in Sri Lanka, along with multiple artefacts like tools, sculptures and jewellery dating back three decades.

While the Sigiriya Rock Fortress continues to be one of the main attractions in the region, there are more spots you should definitely add to your schedule.

Here’s a list of other places to visit in Sigiriya:

Located right opposite the Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock houses an ancient Cave Temple now mostly in ruins but with the statue of a large, reclining Buddha still intact. Many people attempt hiking up this rock at sunrise to capture some breathtaking views at the top, especially of the Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where five cave temples at the top of the rock feature murals and paintings adorning the ceilings and walls, as well as many carved statues of Lord Buddha. The intricate artwork depicts several historical events and stories that are connected to the life of Lord Buddha.

If you’re looking to get some rest and relaxation at the end, you can opt for Jetwing Vil Uyana, a luxury hotel in Sigiriya that’s ideal for a well-deserved break to conclude your trip. Offering you an unforgettable experience with the option to spend some time in nature at a national park close by, Jetwing Vil Uyana blends rustic luxury with contemporary living. Sooth your body and mind with various spa and wellness treatments, and indulge in a memorable gastronomical adventure.