Central Province
Sigiriya
The Lion Rock of the ancient kings
A 200-metre column of red stone rising from the central plains, crowned by the ruins of a 5th-century sky palace.
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Plan my Sigiriya trip
Best time
January – April
How to get there
3.5h drive from Colombo · 2h from Kandy
Region
Central Province
About the place
Why travelers fall for Sigiriya
Sigiriya — the Lion Rock — is Sri Lanka's most dramatic UNESCO site. Climb past mirror walls and frescoes of celestial maidens to a royal citadel suspended above the jungle. At sunrise the surrounding rice paddies, lakes and Pidurangala silhouettes glow gold; at sunset the rock itself turns ember-red.
Known for
- 01Lion Rock fortress
- 02Frescoes & Mirror Wall
- 03Pidurangala sunrise
- 04Royal water gardens
Things to do
Unmissable in Sigiriya
01
Climb the Lion Rock
Ascend the iron staircase through the lion's paws to the summit palace ruins.
02
Pidurangala sunrise
A quieter neighbouring peak with the best panoramic view of Sigiriya itself.
03
Royal water gardens
Symmetrical moats, fountains and bathing pools at the base of the rock.
04
Dambulla cave temple
Five painted caves filled with 153 Buddha statues, just 20 minutes away.
Gallery
Postcards from Sigiriya
Keep exploring
