Sigiriya
Sigiriya is located in the Central Matale District of Sri Lanka, 4 hours by car from Colombo, 3 hours from the International Airport in Negombo, next to Colombo and 3 hours from Kandy.
The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Rising dramatically from the surrounding forests and rice fields, Sigiriya is dominated by a massive rock fortress built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa.
Beyond its historical significance, Sigiriya also offers opportunities for nature lovers, with nearby attractions such as Pidurangala Rock offering panoramic views of Sigiriya and its surroundings. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and occasional sightings of elephants.
Overall, Sigiriya is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and natural beauty, offering a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Lion Rock
The Lion Rock is a massive column of granite of 180 m high.
Visitors can explore the remnants of the ancient city at the base of the rock, including the remains of gardens, reservoirs and other structures that once formed a thriving urban center. The gardens are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. They are divided into three distinct but linked forms: water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.
A long time ago, the rock was hidden underneath a large forest, but after storms and landslides, it turned into a hill. King Kashyapa, who ruled from AD 477 to 495, chose this hill for his new capital. He built his palace on top of it and painted colorful pictures on its sides.
Halfway up the hill, at one of the panoramic views, he made a giant lion-shaped entrance. The name “Sigiriya Lion Rock” comes from this royal palace entrance. The original entrance was through a massive brick sculpture of a lion’s head. Only the paws of this sculpture remain at the foot of the rock today.
I recommend visiting the rock a couple of hours before sunset. During the day, it can be really hot in Sigiriya, making it even harder to reach the top. The climb is already an adventure itself. Be prepared for steep staircases, small pathways and beautiful terraces offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Also, the view over the area with the sun going down is breathtaking and relaxing.
The entrance fee is 36 USD, possible to pay with Credit Card or cash.
Opening Hours ticket shop – From 5.00 am to 5.00 pm every day - you can leave on the top untill after sunset.
Notice : It’s better to arrive early in the morning before 9am or late in the afternoon.
It may hard to climb during noon due to strong solar heat (only some months of the year)
Dress code: You do not need to cover up to visit this site. It is an archeological site, not a religious one.
Pidurangala Rock
Rising majestically beside Lion Rock, Pidurangala is a massive rock formation that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a unique view on the Lion Rock. It's not as famous as the Lion Rock, but it offers stunning views of Sigiriya Rock, surrounding forests and distant mountains.
One of the highlights of Pidurangala Rock is its ancient Buddhist monastery, over 2,000 years old. At the summit, visitors can explore the ruins of this monastery, including a sleeping Buddha statue nestled in a cave.
The hike to the Pidurangala Rock summit can be challenging, with steep pathways and rocky terrain, but the reward of reaching the top is well worth the effort. It's recommended to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water for the journey. Some sections of the climb may be particularly demanding, leading to small queues at these tricky spots.
Pidurangala Rock is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography, offering breathtaking views as the sky transforms with different colors. Whether you're a nature lover, history lover or adventure seeker, Pidurangala Rock promises an unforgettable experience.
I suggest catching the sunrise from Pidurangala Rock. The climb to the top takes around 45 minutes to an hour, so be sure to check the sunrise schedule for that day. The path is lit for easy walking, the entrance fee is 500 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately 2.5 euros). The ticket office opens at 5 am and closes at 6 pm, but you are free to stay at the summit as long as you like.
Dress code: You do not need to cover up to visit this site. It is an archeological site, not a religious one.
The ideal time to visit and hike Pidurangala is during the dry season, typically from late December to early April. For the most spectacular sunrise or sunset views, March is the prime month, with minimal chances of cloud cover.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, located one hour East from Sigiriya, is the former second capital of Sri Lanka and houses the remains of the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Many people see this place as one of the true Sri Lankan cultural hotspots. It reflects the true culture and heritage of the country.
Exploring various ancient sites in the area is made easy with a single entrance ticket. Simply purchase one ticket and present it at the entrance of each different site you wish to visit. The ticket office is located next to the museum.
The main most popular sites are:
The Royal Palace
The Shiva Devale No. 2
The Audience Hall
The Sacred Quadrangle
The Swimming Pool
The Dagaba Kiri Vihara
… many more
We only visited 4 of the sites in this area, driving from place to place with a tuk tuk.
Polonnaruwa is a fun place to visit for half a day, also, the drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa is fun! Ask your driver to stop at the temples along the way and if you are lucky, you can even spot wild elephants.
Fun fact: When the rice is harvested, they place it on the warm asphalt to dry. Before nightfall they sweep it all together and fill bags of rice for transport.
Dambulla
Dambulla is located 20 minutes from Sigiriya and is famous for having the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to visit this, but you should!
Where to stay?
There are many amazing hotels in Sigiriya. Many of them have a view on the Lion Rock.
My personal favorite hotel in Sri Lanka was Nelu Villa in Sigiriya. Located in the rice fields, the view on the Lion Rock is just amazing. The pool area is also in the middle of the rice fields. Perfect place to relax and enjoy the views and nature. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Book in advance, this place is often sold out!
The entrance of the Lion Rock is only a 15 min walk. The Pidurangala Rock is only a 15 min tuk tuk drive away. The main street of Sigiriya is no more than a 5/10 min walk, easy to go out for dinner or drinks!
Rastaurant is a fun place to have drinks and food. Amazing atmosphere, good music and delicious food!
