LK
Sigiriya
A 5th-century royal fortress on top of a 200m rock, with frescoes, lion paws and water gardens
A 5th-century royal fortress on top of a 200m rock, with frescoes, lion paws and water gardens
A platform halfway up has two huge carved paws, all that remains of a lion-shaped gateway. Stairs climb between them to the summit.
Watch for wasp warnings; stay quiet near nests.
Photo: Venkasub, CC BY-SA 3.0
A spiral staircase leads to painted maidens on the rock face. Below them, the polished mirror wall carries poems scratched by visitors over a thousand years ago.
Photography of the frescoes may be restricted.
Photo: Schnobby, CC BY-SA 3.0
At the base of the rock, symmetrical gardens with pools and channels are among the oldest landscaped gardens in Asia.
Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado, CC0
The flat top holds the foundations of the palace, cisterns and terraces, with wide views over the jungle and lakes.
Photo: Chamal N, CC BY-SA 3.0
A short drive away, this neighbouring rock has a temple at its base and a rough climb to the top, with the classic view of Sigiriya. It is popular at sunrise.
The last part is a scramble over boulders.
Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try rice and curry, hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes) and kottu roti. Guesthouses often cook dinner.
Bring water for the climb.
Sigiriya is about 30 minutes from Dambulla and around 4 hours by road from Colombo. Buses run via Dambulla, but most visitors use a driver or tuk-tuk.
It combines well with Dambulla cave temple and Polonnaruwa.
Sri Lanka uses the rupee (LKR). Entry fees for foreigners are priced in US dollars.
Check the current fee before you go.
Rocks, caves and ruins.
Climb Lion Rock early, then explore the gardens and museum.
Climb Pidurangala at sunrise, then visit Dambulla cave temple.
🛂 Entry rules: Sri Lanka ETA
All visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. Since 25 May 2026 it has been free for citizens of 40 countries, including the UK, US, most of the EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, India and China, and gives 30 days with a double entry.
Other nationalities pay a fee, and extending beyond 30 days is charged. Apply only on the official eta.gov.lk site.
Official information: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration: ETA · Reviewed September 2026
Climb early to avoid heat and crowds.
Keep food out of sight.
Carry plenty of water.
Buy tickets at the official counter.
Quick answers for planning time in Sigiriya.
About 45 minutes up; allow 2–3 hours in total.
Around US$35; check the current price.
About 1,200.
Yes, for the view of Sigiriya, especially at sunrise.
January to April, when it is dry.
Planning a wider trip? Our Sri Lanka travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.