Sigiriya Sri Lanka
Add Sigiriya Sri Lanka for your Holiday Tour Plan. Find Things to do in Kitulgala Sri Lanka – Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Visit Pidurangala Rock, Ancient Gardens, Dambulla Cave Temple, Village Tour, Hot Air Ballooning. Get Special Discounts, Best Hotels Offers, Private Car & Driver, Tour Packages & Itineraries.
Page Content:
– Things to Do in Sigiriya
– Itineraries & Tour Packages
– Private Car and Driver
– Hotels & Resorts
– Location Map of Sigiriya
– Tourist Attractions
Sigiriya also known as The Lion Rock Sri Lanka is a rock fortress and a palace which is 169 KM From Colombo located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. It was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best preserved city centre in Asia.
SIGIRIYA 169 KM From Colombo
Sigiriya Sri Lanka Things to Do and See
Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, climb the iconic Lion Rock for breathtaking views, discover the intricate frescoes, stroll through the beautiful water gardens, and visit the nearby Sigiriya Museum for historical insights.
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. The climb to the top involves ascending steep staircases carved into the rock. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and the Lion’s Paws. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the Sigiriya Museum
Before or after your climb, visit the Sigiriya Museum to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of Sigiriya. The museum showcases artifacts, models, and informative displays that detail the construction, cultural heritage, and archaeological findings of the site. It provides a comprehensive context to the magnificent rock fortress.
Visit Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock, located near Sigiriya, offers a less crowded but equally rewarding climb. The ascent is slightly challenging but manageable, leading to a stunning panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding countryside from the summit. Pidurangala also has historical significance, with an ancient monastery and a reclining Buddha statue at the base.
Explore the Ancient Gardens
The gardens at the base of Sigiriya Rock are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. They are divided into water gardens, boulder gardens, and terraced gardens. Stroll through these beautifully designed spaces to admire the sophisticated ancient engineering and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
A short drive from Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex consists of five caves adorned with impressive Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings. The site offers a spiritual and historical journey, as well as scenic views from the top.
Enjoy a Village Tour
Experience rural Sri Lankan life by taking a village tour near Sigiriya. These tours often include a bullock cart ride, a traditional boat ride on a local lake, and a visit to a village home where you can learn about local customs, agricultural practices, and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
For a unique perspective of Sigiriya and the surrounding area, consider taking a hot air balloon ride. These rides offer a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscape, ancient ruins, and wildlife. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Cultural Triangle from above.
Ayurvedic Spa Treatments
After a day of exploring, unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment. Many resorts and wellness centers in the Sigiriya area offer massages, herbal treatments, and wellness therapies based on ancient Ayurvedic principles. It’s a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate during your trip.
Sigiriya Sri Lanka Itineraries & Tour Packages
Discover Sigiriya with tailored itineraries and tour packages, including guided climbs up Lion Rock, visits to ancient frescoes, explorations of lush gardens, and immersive cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka’s historic heartland.
Book Private Car & Driver Guide
Book a private car and driver guide for a personalized Sri Lanka experience. Enjoy flexible itineraries, expert local knowledge, and comfortable travel. Explore top attractions at your own pace with convenience and ease, ensuring a memorable journey.
Top 5 Sigiriya Sri Lanka Hotels & Resorts – Accommodations
Sigiriya offers a range of hotels and resorts, from luxury accommodations with stunning views of Lion Rock to charming boutique hotels. Enjoy modern amenities, serene surroundings, and easy access to the area’s historic and natural attractions.
1. Jetwing Vil Uyana
A luxurious eco-resort set amidst wetlands, paddy fields, and forests, Jetwing Vil Uyana offers elegant villas, a spa, fine dining, and stunning views of Sigiriya Rock.
2. Heritance Kandalama
Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Kandalama is a unique eco-friendly hotel built into a cliff face, offering spacious rooms with panoramic views, a spa, multiple dining options, and a swimming pool.
3. Water Garden Sigiriya
A luxurious resort featuring stylish villas with private plunge pools, Water Garden Sigiriya offers beautiful landscaping, a spa, fine dining, and breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
4. Aliya Resort & Spa
Located close to Sigiriya Rock, Aliya Resort & Spa offers modern accommodations, a large swimming pool, multiple dining options, a spa, and recreational activities, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
5. Sigiriya Village
Nestled in a lush tropical garden setting, Sigiriya Village offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and close proximity to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and other attractions.
These hotels and resorts offer a range of luxurious and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay while exploring the cultural and natural beauty of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
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Location & Map of Sigiriya Sri Lanka
- PROVINCE: CENTRAL PROVINCE
- DISTRICT: MATALE DISTRICT
- POPULAR FOR: CULTURAL, LION’S ROCK, THE WATER GARDENS, FRESCOS
- WEATHER: 32 °C
Sigiriya Sri Lanka Tourism Attractions
History of The Lion Rock Sri Lanka
Earlier The Lion Rock Sri Lanka was a rock-shelter mountain monastery which was donated by Buddhist devotees. Later King Kassapa renovated it by building gardens and palace. After his death it was again used as a monastery.
Human habilitation in Sigiriya at its earliest was found to be nearly five thousand years during the Mesothilic period.
Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These have been made within the period between the third century B.C and the first century A.D.
In 1831 Major Jonathan Forbes of the 78th Highlanders of the British army while returning on horseback from a trip to Polonnaruwa came across the “bush covered summit of Sigiriya”. Sigiriya came to the attention of antiquarians and later archaeologists.
The Sigiriya complex itself consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts which are surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The city is based on a square module.
Structure of the The Lion Rock
The Sigiriya Lion Rock Sri Lanka is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
Frescos of The Lion Rock Sigiriya
The Sigiriya Lion Rock Sri Lanka is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
The Gardens of The Lion Rock
The Sigiriya Lion Rock Sri Lanka is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
The Mirror Wall of The Lion Rock
The Sigiriya Lion Rock Sri Lanka is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
Sigiriya Photo Gallery
Explore the Sigiriya Photo Gallery for stunning images of the iconic Lion Rock, ancient frescoes, and lush landscapes. Discover breathtaking views of this UNESCO World Heritage site and the surrounding natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
Beautiful Sigiriya Video’s
Enjoy beautiful Sigiriya videos showcasing the majestic Lion Rock, ancient frescoes, and lush surroundings. Experience aerial views, scenic landscapes, and the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. Perfect for travel inspiration!