Jeep safaris to see wild elephants at Minneriya, famous for “The Gathering” of herds in the dry season.
- Upscale
- Experience
Why we marked it
- 5th-century royal fortress
- Frescoes, Mirror Wall and Lion’s Paws
- Around 1,200 steps to the summit
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s most famous sight: a 200-metre granite rock topped by the ruins of King Kashyapa’s 5th-century palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to expect
Climb past the water gardens, the painted frescoes and the polished Mirror Wall, through the giant Lion’s Paws and up to the summit, around 1,200 steps in all.
Good to know
- Go at opening time to avoid heat and crowds.
- Foreign visitors pay a much higher fee than Sri Lankans; sri Lankan citizens pay a much lower local rate; bring your NIC.
- Bring water and wear good shoes.
- Not ideal if you are afraid of heights.
Where it is
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
More spots in Sigiriya
All of SigiriyaThe Cultural Triangle branch of Hangover Hostels, a social base for climbing Sigiriya and Pidurangala.
- Budget
The rock next to Sigiriya, with the best view of the Lion Rock itself, best climbed at sunrise.
- Budget
- Experience