Things to do in Sigiriya | An Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by admin

Looking for the ultimate guide to Sigiriya Rock Fortress? This blog covers all the things to do in Sigiriya and all the places to visit in Sigiriya.

Travel to Sri Lanka is incomplete without a visit to Sigiriya.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a geological marvel that rises in between a jungle. A 200-meter rock that juts out from the flat surface is said to be over a million years old. Whether you are traveling from Colombo or Kandy, ticking off the Sigiriya hike is on every traveler’s list. 

An ancient home to the Sinhalese king and later on a resting place for Buddhist monks, the architecture of Sigiriya is truly a breathtaking sight. This is exactly why it is often said to be the eighth wonder of the world. 

Also known as ‘Lion Rock’ which is also its literal translation, Sigiriya is full of myths and legends from the bygone era. It is also a representation of triumphs and defeats, and the historical importance of Buddhism to the local area. 

In order to explore the Sigiriya attractions, one must hike to the top taking in the beautiful landscapes surrounding the lion rock. 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is always on the top list of first-time travelers to Sri Lanka and there are many things to do in Sigiriya. This blog covers all of them in detail. Read on.

HISTORY OF SIGIRIYA

The granite block of Sigiriya rock rises abruptly from the surrounding flat landscape. The top is 377 meters above sea level. Around the citadel at the top are two moats, and three ramparts, and 20 hectares of elaborately landscaped gardens with boulders and fountains that still work after 1,500 years.

The Sinhalese king Kashyapa I who was not meant to be a king reigned the island country from 477–495. One of the most tragic or notorious figures in Sri Lankan history, King Kashyapa allegedly attained the throne by assassinating his father and trying to murder his brother. 

In order to protect himself from his brother who fled to India and to build an army, King Kashyapa moved his capital to Sigiriya and built a palace in the shape of a monumental lion, surrounding it with a moat filled with man-eating crocodiles intending it to be a safeguard against his enemies. 

King Kashyapa lived as a king for 16 years until his brother returned from India with an army. Kashyapa left his palace with an army to meet him. The path to the battle was blocked by a marsh. When Kashyapa turned his elephant to avoid a marsh, his army interpreted this as a retreat and fled. The humiliated Kashyapa pulled out a dagger right there on the spot and slit his throat. The fortress of Sigiriya turned into ruins ever since. 

However, the site soon became a pilgrimage destination, with Buddhist monks meditating here.

WHAT TO SEE AT SIGIRIYA | THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA ROCK

Sigiriya Museum

Sigiriya Museum is at the base of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and has an impressive collection of exhibits that belong to various periods in history. The museum contains galleries depicting the excavation efforts carried out which is why it is one of the Sigiriya attractions not to be missed. 

One of the most important features of the museum is the intricate diorama of the site. There are a plethora of artifacts, tools, sculptures, and jewelry from the pre-historic period. 

Entry to the Sigiriya Museum is included in the ticket price, and it’s worth a visit to gain some background context to Sigiriya and its long and varied history. 

My suggestion is to visit the museum after the hike to the summit (depending upon the time you select to go up).

Royal Gardens

The Royal Garden at Sigiriya that lead up to the rock fortress is fascinating. The green, lush, terraced gardens have water fountains (still in working condition). Above the water garden is a boulder garden with flights of stairs that wind in and out between the giant rocks. Among the boulders are caves used by monks since the 3rd century. 

They’re also considered to be amongst the oldest landscaped urban gardens in the world and made use of highly advanced technology of the time.

Water Gardens

The water gardens are the first, visitors pass through as they enter the Sigiriya complex. The gardens contain royal bathing pools, pavilions, and small moated islands at the foot of the granite monolith. 

The garden features a series of increasingly large elongated pools of water that collect rain and spring water to nourish the gardens. The water to these gardens is fed by a sophisticated network of underground ducts and hydraulics systems that were engineering marvels for the era.

Boulder Gardens

These boulders once formed the foundations of the monastery the monks of Sigiriya called home centuries ago, and at one point in time their surfaces would have been adorned with Buddha relics and shrines.

Today, you can still see plenty of evidence of ancient monastic life here along the walls, caves, and rock shelves.

Lion Paw Staircase

One of the most popular things to do in Sigiriya and places to visit in Sigiriya is the Lion Paw Staircase.

A long set of stairs pass through the boulder garden and leads to a massive pair of stone lion’s paws and the lion’s staircase to the summit.

The word Sigiriya means Lion Rock, and the nickname is derived from the two gigantic lion paws that guard a narrow staircase. Ancient chronicles describe the staircase as one of the fortress’s main and important features. 

Based on fragments that remain in the rocks, the crouching lion’s head and shoulders were made from brick mounted on the rock face with a wooden staircase located beside it.

The Lion’s head collapsed long ago, leaving only these paws and the initial stairs behind. 

It is only up to the imagination of the visitors of how the fortress must have looked back then.

Sigiriya Summit

While all the types of gardens at the base of the granite rock are amazing and the hike up to the summit can be overwhelming, the summit itself is not so great. That is until you know what to look for and haven’t peeked down to the plains. 

The foundations of the seven-story palace with baths, galleries, and throne room are impressive and make one wonder who transported all the materials on such a steep rock back then.

The final part of the Sigiriya summit can lead to some anxious moments even for the most seasoned hikers. There is a narrow metal staircase that is nailed to rock. The mist at the tops here can actually help with anxiety with faint views of the plains. Thankfully there are separate stairs for going and coming back so human traffic jams.

I couldn’t help but turn to my guide and ask if these metal staircases are load tested and audited given the sheer number of visitors. He laughed and said it is done yearly by experts and engineers.

These metal stairs further lead to an open space which is the actual summit and the views of the plains from here are mesmerizing.

Frescoes of Sigiriya

The climb down from the summit leads to the wall called Frescoes of Sigiriya which is one of the best things to do in Sigiriya.

The Sigiriya frescoes are home to ‘Sigiriya Apsaras’ – 21 women painted on rocks. Apsaras are celestial nymphs that King Kashyapa’s had in his kingdom. Although the frescoes are dazed with time, some of them still are vibrant with beautiful details. 

Photography at Sigiriya Frescoes is banned.

Mirror Wall

Once thought to be so polished that the King could see his own reflection in the stone, the mirror wall is a lot less shiny these days.

That doesn’t mean it’s insignificant though — it’s covered with the scrawls of ancient graffiti by the visitors to Sigiriya over the 1500 years, with poems, visitor impressions, and tributes etched all over it like a huge ancient guest book, dating from as far back as the 7th century.

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Sigiriya Rock Entrance Fee

Entry to Sigiriya USD $30 per person.

The Sigiriya ticket office is located next to car parking and near the complex entry so it cannot be missed easily. The ticket office is open from 6:30 am – 6 pm.

Note: Payment is in cash only.

When to visit Sigiriya Rock | Best Month to visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya is best visited from December to March which is the dry season and the weather is generally pleasant. I visited in mid-November and it drizzled all throughout the day and there was notable cloud cover that impacted the visibility from the summit.

March onwards the weather gets hot and humid and will majorly impact the hike.

Do also keep in mind that good weather months draw large tourists too.

Best time of the day to visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya is open between 7 am – 7 pm every day. It is ideal to visit early morning when the weather is pleasant. However, most crowds choose this time and it may get crowded even if you start at 7 am. 

I heard a lot of tourists say that although it may be hot and humid around sunset, it is a better time to visit due to the negligible crowds and the great sunset view! Worth trying, I would say.

Time taken to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Although this totally depends on the level of fitness and time taken to explore every part of the fort base, it generally takes between 60-90 minutes to cover the 1100 stairs.

I spent over 3 hours during my visit with the guide who took us through every nook and corner + explained the importance.

Hiking Sigiriya

Hiking Sigiriya is one of the top things to do in Sigiriya.

The only way to the top of the Sigiriya is via a steep stair climb, the last portion being on very steep metal stairs.

If you have issues with mobility or fear of steep inclines, I would suggest you skip it. You can certainly explore the base but then the entry fees become too much for it.

Photography at Sigiriya Rock

Photography is prohibited in certain areas of Sigiriya and there are signs portraying the same – such as the Frescoes. Management is very strict on this rule now and has been known to confiscate cameras (without return) if you ignore this.

Sigiriya is also a no-drone zone and in case you want to fly the drone, you need special prior permission.

Monkey Menace at Sigiriya

There are armies of monkeys in the entire area. While they are harmless and non-ferocious, they are notorious in case you are carrying food. They get attracted to open and closed food packets in hand and will chase you down and snatch them. It is best to not eat food during the hike.

Do not Disturb Sigiriya Wasps

Sigiriya has large wasp nests throughout the grounds and in the rock walls. There are warning signs about wasps in the area and it is best to keep a distance from them whilst they may sting you! There have been instances of wasp attacks on tourists in Sigiriya.

The best way to avoid getting stung is by walking very quietly and avoiding aggressive gestures, particularly along the stairs.

THINGS TO DO AROUND SIGIRIYA | DAY TRIPS FROM SIGIRIYA

Sigiriya is part of the ‘cultural triangle’ of Sri Lanka and most visitors explore Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa, as it is the same area. If you are staying near Sigiriya, the following are the possible Day trips from Sigiriya.

Polonnaruwa

Just one hour away from Sigiriya is the ancient capital city of Polonnaruwa. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, Polonnaruwa was the thriving commercial and religious epicenter of Sri Lanka.

Although the city now lies in ruins, the remnant foundation of civilization can be explored. Polonnaruwa has a fascinating history and is very similar to the Angkor temples of Cambodia.

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple

Dambulla Caves are yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is home to some of the most impressive historical artwork in the country. Spread over five separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, the murals cover every inch of the caves.

Safari at Minneriya National Park

The grassland plains of Minneriya National Park offer an exciting sighting where herds of elephants gather together – sometimes over 150. Overlooking the beautiful Minneriya lake, the giants paint a beautiful picture.

Three-hour safari is available that can be taken in the morning or afternoon, and include pick up from your accommodation in Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala is a historic cave complex that overlooks Sigiriya. It is also a famous hiking spot giving unparallel views of Sigiriya.

The ruins of the monastery still lie here and visitors can explore the same.

Also Read: One week in Sri Lanka (Itinerary and Guide)

HOW TO GET TO SIGIRIYA

In order to save time, it is ideal to stay in Dambulla and then travel to Sigiriya by private vehicle.

Getting to Sigiriya from Dambulla

By Bus

From the Dambulla Main Bus Station, buses leave for Sigiriya at a regular intervals of 30 minutes. This is a one-hour journey and the bus drops visitors 10 minutes walk away from the Sigiriya ticket counter.

By Tuk-Tuk

It is possible to hail a tuk-tuk in Dambulla. It takes about 30 minutes and is a good and cheap option than a taxi.

Getting to Sigiriya from Kandy

If you’re traveling from Kandy, it is best to travel to Dambulla first and then to Sigiriya from Dambulla using the directions listed above.

WHERE TO STAY AT SIGIRIYA

There are many options for staying around Sigiriya. However, I would suggest staying in Dambulla for the ease of getting to Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. I stayed at Jetwing lake Dambulla and which is an idyllic property with amazing views.

If you are traveling only for Sigiriya then these are the following options.

Resorts in Sigiriya: Atha Resort, Hotel Sigiriya

Treehouse in Sigiriya: Back of Beyond Pidurangala

Hostels in Sigiriya: One more Night Hostel Sigiriya

Homestay in Sigiriya: Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay

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SIGIRIYA HIKING TIPS | THINGS TO CARRY ON SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

Here are a few items I recommend bringing on your Sigiriya hike:

• Get your water bottle. The hike is exhausting and you need to hydrate yourself. So, get at least 1 bottle of water.
•  Get your hiking boots on. Although you will see locals in flip-flops climbing up the summit, I strongly recommend wearing a pair of hiking boots, or sneakers/trainers for the hike.
• Do not forget your camera. The entire area is beautiful and you must capture the photos.
• Save yourself from the heat. Carry a cap/hat/scarf and sunscreen.

FAQs FOR THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA

Is the Sigiriya ticket price worth it?

The steep price of Sigiriya entry is always debatable. However, the popularity is evident with over a million visitors every year. According to me, the price is worth it as it helps maintain the site and also funds further research, excavation, and conservation.

Does Sigiriya have a dress code?

Sigiriya isn’t a sacred religious site or temple, so visitors can be comfortable by wearing shorts. However, keep in mind the heat depends on the time of the visit and it is always better to cover up your shoulders. Pants are also better as a protective measure against wasps!

What is the required fitness to hike Sigiriya Rock Fortress?

The climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress is not for the faint-hearted; it’s a pretty grueling hour-long stair incline in pretty stifling heat and humidity, and it is most likely that even the fittest will find it a sweaty and tiring hike.

However, it is very safe and totally worth it.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA

•  Carry your own refillable water bottle. Thankfully most hotels in Sri Lanka use a glass water bottle for guest rooms so it is easy to fill up your bottle while traveling. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
•  Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be conservative in clothing as the country is conservative in culture.
•  Do not feed the local monkeys.

Disclosure: I was invited by Destination Sri Lanka to explore the country and visiting Sigiriya was part of the itinerary. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and my own. Special thanks to the team for taking take of everything during this trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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