Must-see attractions in Sigiriya

  • Visitors on the summit of Sigiriya Rock.

    Summit

    Sigiriya

    The spectacular terraced summit of the rock covers 1.6 hectares. This is thought to be the site chosen by King Kasyapa for his fortified capital after he…

  • Frescoes

    Sigiriya

    Halfway up the Sigiriya rock an open-air spiral stairway leads to a long, sheltered gallery in the sheer rock face. The paintings of the buxom, wasp…

  • Pidurangula

    Sigiriya

    This prominent rock about 1km north of the Sigiriya site, offers amazing views of Sigiriya from its wide summit. It's a 20-minute hike up to the top, past…

  • View from the ancient Royal Gardens towards Sigiriya Rock, also known as the Lion Rock Fortress. The gardens date from King Kassapa between AD 477 and 485.

    Royal Gardens

    Sigiriya

    The base of the Sigiriya rock is a beautifully landscaped area dotted with formal water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders that were once…

  • Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress and landscape in Sri Lanka.

    Sigiriya

    Sigiriya

    Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. A set of near…

  • Mirror Wall

    Sigiriya

    Beyond the Sigiriya frescoes, the path clings to the sheer side of the rock and is protected on the outside by a 3m-high wall. This wall (not the actual…

  • Lion’s Paws

    Sigiriya

    At the northern end of the rock, a narrow pathway emerges on to the large platform from which the site derives its name – Sigiriya (from sinha-giri) means…

  • Sigiriya Museum

    Sigiriya

    This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious…

  • Cobra Hood Cave

    Sigiriya

    This rocky projection down in the Boulder Garden earned its name because the overhang resembles a fully opened cobra’s hood. The plastered interior of the…

  • Boulder Gardens

    Sigiriya

    At the base of the Sgiriya rock and most easily seen after a visit to the summit, this collection of natural boulders once formed the bases of monastery…

  • Dakinigiriya Vihara

    Sigiriya

    Hire a bike and head out to this little-visited ruined monastery. Trails take you past a stupa, the standing monolithic stones of a prayer hall, several…

  • Water Gardens

    Sigiriya

    As you walk from the Sigiriya main entrance to the rock itself you pass a series of charming symmetrical water gardens, including curved tanks, bathing…

  • Main Entrance

    Sigiriya

    This is where you have your ticket checked and enter the main site.

  • Main Exit

    Sigiriya

    Most people end up here after their visit to the Sigiriya rock.

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