Sigiriya Lion Rock

A 180-meter rock rising from the jungle, crowned with ruins of a 5th-century palace. Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most famous landmark, where history, architecture, and nature merge into an unforgettable image. The climb is challenging, but the view from the summit and the "heavenly maiden" frescoes are worth every step.

History

King Kashyapa

In 477 AD, Prince Kashyapa killed his father and seized the throne, exiling his brother to India. Fearing revenge, he built an impregnable fortress atop Sigiriya rock. A palace on the summit, gardens at the base, a moat with crocodiles—Kashyapa ruled from h...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum2 hours

Recommended3 hours

Maximum4 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult

10,500 LKR~10,500 $

Child

6,000 LKR~6,000 $

Foreigners ~10500 LKR (~$35). SAARC countries 50% off. Children 6-12 discounted. Museum included. 7am-5:30pm. Passport required!

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (7-9 AM) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. December to April is dry season with best weather.

Crowd Level

High — many people

Price Range

Budget

How to Get There

From Colombo: 4-5 hours by car (170 km). From Kandy: 2.5 hours. From Dambulla: 30 min. No direct trains — take bus from Dambulla or hire tuk-tuk. Best to hire driver for the day.

What to Expect

1200 steps to summit. Water gardens at base, boulder gardens, frescoes of Sigiriya Maidens (18 of original 500 remain), mirror wall with ancient graffiti, lion paw terrace, palace ruins with 360° views.

Best Photo Spot

Lion paw terrace, frescoes gallery (no flash), summit panorama. Best light: sunrise or late afternoon.

When to Visit

Best Time

JanFebMarAprDec

Good Time

MaySepOctNov

Avoid

JunJulAug

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Not available

Charging

No outlets

Mobile signal

Good

Facilities & Services

restrooms

guided tours

gift shop

museum

parking

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Monday07:00 — 17:30

Tuesday07:00 — 17:30

Wednesday07:00 — 17:30

Thursday07:00 — 17:30

Friday07:00 — 17:30

Saturday07:00 — 17:30

Sunday07:00 — 17:30

Note

UNESCO site, ancient rock fortress. Foreigners ~$30. Come at opening - less heat and crowds! 1200 steps. Frescoes, mirror wall, lion paws. 3-4h from Colombo.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Not accessible

Audio Guide

Available

Staff Assistance

Available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya ($30) for history, frescoes, palace ruins. Pidurangala ($3-5) for views OF Sigiriya and cheaper entry. Many do both — Pidurangala for sunrise, Sigiriya after.

Yes if you're interested in history and archaeology. The frescoes and engineering are remarkable. If you only want photos, Pidurangala offers better views for $3.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock

Arrive at 7 AM to beat crowds and heat. Bring 2L water, hat, sunscreen. No drones allowed. Wasps near frescoes — don't swat or run. Last entry 5 PM, frescoes close 5:45 PM.

From Colombo: 4-5 hours by car (170 km). From Kandy: 2.5 hours. From Dambulla: 30 min. No direct trains — take bus from Dambulla or hire tuk-tuk. Best to hire driver for the day.

Lion paw terrace, frescoes gallery (no flash), summit panorama. Best light: sunrise or late afternoon.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

25°

91%12 м/с

Today

28°25°

Tomorrow

28°25°

Thu

28°25°

Fri

30°24°

Sat

28°24°

Sun

27°24°

Mon

27°25°

31°

23°Jan

31°

23°Feb

32°

24°Mar

32°

25°Apr

31°

26°May

30°

26°Jun

30°

26°Jul

30°

26°Aug

30°

25°Sep

30°

25°Oct

30°

24°Nov

30°

23°Dec

Water temperature

28°

29°

30°

29°

28°

27°

28°