Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Be sure to experience the stunning Sigiriya, a unique combination of history, art, and adventure in an awe-inspiring rock fortress. Hopefully you’ll think this is great too, where we offer incredible Arugambay tours at the best prices, and that’s just for starters. Are you into surfing, hiking or heritage? We’ve got you covered with bespoke, customizable tour packages.
Now, let’s step into the magical world of Sigiriya.
Why is Sigiriya so special?
Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, is a spectacular ancient rock fortress that rises almost 200 meters from the jungle floor. It was a royal palace, then a Buddhist monastery, and is now one of Sri Lanka’s key historical landmarks.
What makes it especially captivating is not just the view from the top (which is certainly memorable), it is the entire experience: the most fabulous frescoes, the mirror wall, the lion’s paws chiseled into the rock and the beautifully landscaped water gardens below. It is a magical place that gives the impression that you have stepped into a fairytale.
The Story Behind the Rock
The tale of Sigiriya is as interesting as Sigiriya itself. Back in the 5th century, when King Kasyapa conquered and dethroned his father, he constructed his palace atop of rock. To avoid retribution, he fortified Sigiriya into an impenetrable fortress. Then, he was defeated, and a Buddhist monastery was built on the site and occupied for almost another thousand years.
This means that when you climb Sigiriya you are not just climbing a rock, you are walking through 1500 years of history stacked up in layers.
What to Expect When you Go
Sigiriya is both a physical challenge and an immersive experience. The entire climb, to an appropriately Wi-Fi free rock, should take around 1.5 to 2 hours (more or less depending on your pace and fitness) and is best accomplished in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and tours.
Some highlights:
– The Water Gardens: The symmetrical shape of the ancient gardens and the orderliness at the entrance give you an idea of the grandeur that awaits.
– The Boulder Gardens: The large natural stones and boulders show the start of the climb.
-The Frescoes: Midway up the rock face, the famous Sigiriya maidens are painted rather brilliantly on the rock.
-The Lion’s Gate: Two huge lion’s paw prints mark the last step up, which is really impressive!
-The Summit: At the peak, you can see the ruins of the ancient royal palace, a royal throne, and a 360° panoramic view of the central plains of Sri Lanka.
How to Get There
Sigiriya is in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, about 3.5-4 hours from Colombo, and only 30 minutes from Dambulla. You can easily get to Sigiriya by car, bus, or train (to a nearby town) and will typically combine the trip with a visit to Kandy, Polonnaruwa, or Arugambay, if you are travelling east.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season, from December-April and June-August. At this time of year, the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see the view from the summit, and you’ll have excellent trekking conditions.
If you decide to go when it’s not peak season, don’t worry, it will be open year-round, and you might enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temperatures (although a little rain may be possible).
What to Bring
Here’s a quick packing list to consider ahead of time so that your trip is as smooth as can be,
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for walking or hiking
- A hat (the climb doesn’t have a lot of shade)
- Water (bring extra and you will need it!)
- Camera or phone
- Sunscreen
- A light rain jacket (especially in the rainy season)
Things to Do Nearby
Don’t just stop there, Sigiriya is just one of many tourist attractions in the area:
- – Pidurangala Rock: An equally stunning climb that gets you the best views of Sigiriya
- – Dambulla Cave Temple: 30 minutes away, another UNESCO site and temple with ancient murals and Buddha statues.
- – Minneriya National Park: Known for the “elephant gathering” and perfect for safari.
Some of our Sigiriya tour packages offer a combination of attractions so you can experience more without the stress.
Why Book with Us?
We have gone further to focus on experiences you will remember, not simply tours. We support you with a package that is:
Sigiriya is one of those unique places where history, culture, and nature converge in a stunning way. Whether you’re a first time visitor or returning to experience it again from a different angle, this long-ago rock fortress is worth the trip.
Are you ready to climb the Lion Rock? Consider our Sigiriya Tour Packages and other unique experiences including Arugambay, Kandy, Ella and others. Let’s see how we can create a trip as memorable as the rock!
So, if you’re ready to see and experience Sigiriya, allow us to develop an itinerary tailored for you. We provide the best value for Sigiriya tours and with customization for the things you like or want to do within your budget. Whether you are here to surf, explore or escape to relax, we can be at your service! Click here to see our packages
