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 natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Trade routes are explained, showing Sigiriya's connections with the Gulf, China, India and the Roman Empire.

Look for the wonderful black-and-white photos of British archaeologist HCP Bell and his somewhat reluctant family exploring the site soon after its rediscovery. The museum is near the main ticket booth. No photographs are permitted inside.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sigiriya attractions

1. Main Entrance

0.21 MILES

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

2. Water Gardens

0.3 MILES

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…

3. Royal Gardens

0.39 MILES

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

4. Main Exit

0.48 MILES

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

5. Boulder Gardens

0.56 MILES

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…

6. Cobra Hood Cave

0.6 MILES

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…

7. Frescoes

0.6 MILES

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…

8. Mirror Wall

0.6 MILES

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…

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