This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Thinking of visiting Sigiriya Rock? Our list of must-know things below will ensure you make the most out of this epic experience.
Sigiriya is at the top of most people’s Sri Lanka bucket list, but far too often they show up without planning and leave feeling like they missed something. I know this because I’ve met those people and after visiting Sigiriya multiple times, I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!
I’ve loaded this blog with absolutely all of the essential info for Sigiriya as well as bonus tips, tours, and information you won’t find anywhere else. So keep reading for the 12 things every traveler should know before visiting Sigiriya!
1. About Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock (also known as Lion Rock) is an ancient fortress that was built on top of and around a 200-meter (656-foot) rock.
The palace that was built on top of Sigiriya is believed to have been constructed between 1,500-1,600 years ago. However, the area around the rock has evidence of human settlements that date back over 5,000 years and into the prehistoric period. Trust me when I say that this rock has got more than just a little history.
It’s one of those places that’s so impressive it’s hard to wrap your head around until you see it yourself. Even before climbing all the way to the top, there are tons of ancient stone foundations that surround the rock itself to admire. In ancient times these were elaborate water systems, gardens, and houses for royalty. I couldn’t believe it at first!
There are also points of interest such as religious cave paintings and the famous mirror wall to stop and take in on the way up. The mirror wall is exactly like it sounds, a stone wall that was polished with special plaster so that the king could see his reflection. And yes, this is way before the invention of the kinds of mirrors we use today. But wait, it keeps getting better.
For me, the most impressive part of the complex is the palace on top of the rock. The main entrance is a giant lion that was carved into the rock itself and has stone steps that lead all the way up. Back when the palace was constructed, I can only imagine it was a sight to behold. There were parks, pools, dining halls, and an elaborate court for the king.
Of course, the views from the top of Sigiriya Rock are just as awe-inspiring. When I say you can see for miles I mean it, you can see for hundreds and hundreds of them on a clear day!
And as you can imagine, a rock with such important significance changed hands between kings quite a few times. The history is deep and I can’t really do it justice, which is why you should absolutely take the time to go see it yourself!
2. Where is Sigiriya Rock?
Located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock is about 4 hours northwest of Colombo. The small town of Sigiriya surrounds the rock and is a popular tourist hub for outdoor activities. Most Sri Lankans consider this area to be the heart of the country!
3. How much does it cost and what hours is it open?
You can explore Sigiriya from 5 am to 5 pm all days of the week (even on holidays!). They are very strict about having everyone off of the rock by 5 pm, so if you want to see the whole complex give yourself several hours.
Tickets are $35 USD per person and museum entrance is included in the price. If for some reason you’re only interested in going to the museum you can purchase tickets for $6 USD. Tickets can be bought at Sigiriya or online in advance here.
4. How hard is the climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock?
After visiting Sigiriya Rock, I gave it my own nickname of Sri Lankan stairmaster! In total it’s about 1,200 steps, so get ready for a decent challenge.
Those with knee problems will have to take it slow, but there are places to stop and rest along the way so it’s doable. Also, it gets really hot on that rock about mid-day so I recommend going early to beat the heat.
It took us about 1.5 hours to make it to the top of Sigiriya with some of that time spent to stop and take in points of interest. Depending on how quickly you move and what you stop to see along the way, this could easily take someone upwards of 3 hours. Again, this is just climbing the rock and not accounting for any time spent exploring around its base.
If you have a fear of heights, the climb up might be pretty rough at some points. While the steps are safe, they’re narrow but if you look down you’re (sometimes) greeted with hundreds of feet of air between you and the ground. That’s really only the final bit of the climb from the lion terrace to the palace though as the rest of the way up isn’t too bad. If you have a fear of heights, I still think you should give it a shot, but just be ready for a few heart-pounding moments.
Please remember to pack plenty of water as there is none available on the way up, wear a hat to protect you from the sun, and strap on your best shoes or hiking boots!
5. Where can I visit Sigiriya Rock from?
The three most common places to visit Sigiriya Rock are from Kandy, Colombo, and Sigiriya. From Kandy, the drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours, from Colombo about 3.5-4 hours, and if you’re staying in Sigiriya, it’s right next door.
6. What are the best tours that visit Sigiriya Rock?
From Kandy
Private Tour of Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temples from Kandy
I was a huge fan of this private tour since we not only got to explore Sigiriya Rock, but also Dambulla Cave, the best preserved and largest Buddhist cave temple in Sri Lanka!
The day started with pick up from our hotel in Kandy and we began making our way towards Sigiriya. There are a couple of bonus stops you can do or choose to skip. The first is Muthumariamman Temple, a gorgeous Hindu temple and the other is Ranweli Spice Garden. Both are nice, but honestly, I think unless you want to buy spices, you can skip the spice garden to spend more time at Sigiriya Rock.
Before visiting Sigiriya we stopped at the Dambulla Cave Temples which has to be one of the coolest Buddhist temples I’ve ever seen. Having a Buddhist guide really made a difference since he could give us an understanding of everything we were seeing from ancient cave paintings to statues.
The last stop of the day was none other than Sigiriya Rock which you know by now is absolutely epic. After taking tons of pictures and seeing just about everything there was to see, we sat back down in the air-conditioned van exhausted but smiling from a fantastic day.
This tour is a steal at $50 USD with a private guide and transportation. However, you will need to pay for the entrance ticket to Dambulla ($9 USD), Sigiriya Rock ($35 USD), and Muthumariamman Temple ($1 USD). Regardless, we couldn’t have been happier with our experience and think that booking this tour is a great choice for everyone!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this private tour from Kandy here!
Private Tour to Sigiriya Rock and Sunset Safari of Minneriya National Park from Kandy
This full-day tour is perfect for those who love adventure, want to see wild elephants, and are traveling in a small group. If you are short on time and want to see two of Sri Lanka’s highlights, this is the perfect tour for you.
The day starts with hotel pickup from Kandy. If you’ve never been to a Hindu temple, there’s an optional stop at Muthumariamman, a beautiful temple that is as colorful as it is interesting. You can also choose to spend an hour at the amazing Dambulla Caves.
The first big stop is Sigiriya and I like that since the tour leaves early, you get here before it’s too hot. In total, you’ll have about 3 hours to climb Sigiriya Rock, take photos, and admire this ancient city. This is the perfect amount of time for most people to leave feeling satisfied. Plus, you have wild elephants to see!
That’s right, it’s safari time! Making a quick transfer to a jeep, your guide will wait for you at the entrance to Minneriya National Park as you take a sunset safari to see elephants, lemurs, crocodiles, peacocks, and more. I love this park because it’s the best place to spot elephants in Sri Lanka!
Transportation and guides are included in the $89 USD price for your group, but you’ll need to budget extra for tickets to Sigiriya Rock and any other stops. As well, admission and the safari in Minneriya National Park is extra, which varies by group, but we found it was around $200 USD for 3 people.
This tour is the cheapest and most convenient way to visit two of the best places in Sri Lanka from Kandy!
Book this combo tour here and you can pay later!
From Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves, and Sri Lankan Countryside Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car
If you’re staying in Sigiriya, this tuk-tuk tour is your golden ticket to exploring Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temples with ease. It’s cheap and perfect for the solo traveler or those in a small group (up to three). If you would rather take a car instead of a tuk tuk you can do that too!
Starting the day with a climb up Sigiriya Rock, you’ll spend about 3 hours enjoying everything this ancient fortress has to offer. This it’s time for a lovely drive out into the country to visit a lake, rice paddies, and a local village. I love that this tour gives you the opportunity to get out of the touristy areas!
After saying your goodbyes to your new Sri Lankan friends, it’s off to Dambulla Caves. Easily one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, this ancient site is full of cave paintings, statues, and natural wonders.
This tour is crazy cheap at only $43 USD (per group of 3) by tuk-tuk or $58 USD for a car. This only covers your transportation and Sigiriya Rock ($35 USD) and Dambulla Caves ($9 USD) will need to be paid for separately.
If you’re staying in Sigiriya, look no further than this tour for a day of ancient wonders and cultural enrichment!
Book this budget-friendly tour from Sigiriya here!
From Colombo
Small Group Tour to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave from Colombo
While this tour may be a long day from Colombo, it’s absolutely worth it since it has two of the must-see locations in Sri Lanka. Buddhist temples and ancient fortresses here we come!
Depending on where you are in Colombo, pickup from your hotel will be anywhere from 6-7 am. I appreciate that the vehicle is air-conditioned, comfortable, and offers free WiFi to help pass the time as you journey north toward Sigiriya.
The first big stop is Dambulla Caves, an ancient Buddhist temple with hand-painted murals and stone statues. I was awe-struck the first time I came here and accompanied by a guide, there is so much to learn.
Continuing the day, you get about 2 hours to explore Sigiriya Rock with a guide. Again, in my opinion, this is the best way to do it. When seeing something like this, guides make a big difference in understanding just how incredible the fortress is. Especially at the top of the rock, they do an incredible job bringing the 1,500-year-old history to life.
You can book this fantastic tour in advance for only $70 USD. Entrance for both Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Caves are paid for separately, but all fresh fruit, snacks, and coconut water are included!
Book this tour from Colombo here to access FREE cancellation!
Related Read: If you’re headed to Mirissa next, read our tips on booking a whale watching tour in Mirissa to see blue whales!
7. Should you take a tour or visit on your own?
Let me say this straight off the bat, I think that Sigiriya Rock is best experienced with a guide whether that’s part of a tour or paying for one when you visit on your own. You just get so much more out of the experience.
A tour to Sigiriya Rock is absolutely worth it for most people just for the convenience of having a driver alone, but they also double as a guide! Especially if you’re coming from Kandy or Colombo.
If you’re staying in Sigiriya and only want to see Sigiriya Rock, then a tour probably isn’t necessary and you can get there with a local tuk-tuk. But if you also want to visit Dambulla Caves, I would pay for a tour like this one so you don’t have to bother with haggling drivers and instead have private transport.
If you happen to have rented a vehicle and can make it there on your own, that’s awesome! But if you’re coming from Kandy or Colombo, I would strongly suggest you stay the night in Sigiriya and not drive back the same day. If you do want to go back the same day, take a tour and avoid driving at night, there are lots of winding roads and you’ll be tired!
8. When is the best time to visit Sigiriya Rock?
Traditionally December through March is the best time to visit Sigiriya and Sri Lanka in general. It’s sunny, hardly rains, and is relatively cool – perfect travel weather!
Although visiting outside of those months doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Standing on top of Sigiriya Rock and watching a storm pass by hundreds of miles away is an epic experience.
As for the time of day, the earlier you can get there the better. That rock can get hot fast even first thing in the morning. There’s also hardly any shade, so (speaking from experience), you’ll be sweating quickly!
9. Is it suitable for everyone?
I would say most people will be able to experience Sigiriya Rock to its fullest, even if you aren’t in peak physical shape, just be ready to take things a little bit slower!
The stairs are no joke and what goes up must come down. I think most people will be feeling those 2,400 steps the next day regardless. If you don’t want to climb to the top, the area surrounding the rock is stunning and offers tons of fascinating history.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great activity for youngsters although I did see some kiddos struggling with the heights at various points. One poor dad had to piggy-back his son all the way up to the top and I guarantee that wasn’t easy. You’ve been warned, dads!
10. What do I need to bring/wear to Sigiriya Rock?
Even if a tour provides water, I would bring your own water bottle to make sure you have enough, I would say at least 3 liters.
Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes or boots are a must. Shorts and a T-shirt are perfect, but long-sleeved clothing will provide that extra layer of protection from the sun and will be necessary if you’re taking a tour that stops at a temple along the way.
Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, I would bring snacks or some spare cash to buy fresh fruit because you’ll work up quite the appetite.
11. What else can I do around Sigiriya Rock?
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is easily the best place to spot wild elephants in Sri Lanka along with a whole host of other critters. We have done several safaris here and loved every single one of them. Sri Lanka has some of the best outdoor experiences in Southeast Asia and the national parks are no exception!
Considering it’s only a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya, it’s something I think everyone should check out. We have a full guide on Minneriya National Park to read before you go!
Dambulla Caves
Another stunning piece of ancient history is the Dambulla Cave Temples. Slightly older than Sigiriya Rock, these temples house over 150 Buddha statues, statues of various Hindu gods, and hand-painted murals. It’s also the largest and most well-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. All of that makes it an easy recommendation in my book.
It’s only 30 minutes from Sigiriya, so getting there is easy, but to enter both men and women will need to have their knees and shoulders covered. Otherwise, you can either rent a sarong at the entrance or buy one from one of the many vendors. If you want to buy one, make sure to haggle the price down!
Sigiriya Town
The small town surrounding Sigiriya Rock is mostly hostels, hotels, shops, and restaurants, but it’s still a fun place to explore on foot. With the stunning backdrop of the rock, lush nature, and friendly locals I found this quaint little town wonderful.
If you happen to be staying for a couple of days check out our guide to Sigiriya for lots of ideas on things to do. There isn’t much of a party scene, but the Downtown Gastro Pub is one of the best places to grab a cocktail and delicious Sri Lankan food.
Related Read: Another attraction nearby is a different impressive rock! Check out our guide to Pidurangala Rock for more details.
12. Is visiting Sigiriya Rock worth it?
Yes, it absolutely is!
Honestly, I think if you’re traveling to Sri Lanka, it’s a must-see stop. Couple that with some great nearby activities like Minneriya National Park and Dambulla Cave Temples and you have one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
To visit all of the best places in Sri Lanka, you’re going to need a mode of transport. You have a few choices when it comes to getting around Sri Lanka:
Rent a Tuk-tuk
Easily the most popular (and most fun) way to travel around Sri Lanka. We actually rented a tuk-tuk on our trip and absolutely loved it! Tuk-tuks are easy to drive, cheap to rent, and the freedom that comes with your own wheels is unmatched.
If you do decide to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, be sure to go with a reputable company that provides quality tuk-tuks, such as Tuktuk Rental (who we rented from.) These guys not only offer an amazing service, but their tuk-tuks are actually rented from local families, providing income for the local community.
If you decide to rent from Tuktuk Rental, be sure to use the coupon code ‘DEST‘ for 5% off!
For more info, read our blog: The Truth about Renting a Tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.
Hire a Driver
If you’re only planning on going to a couple of destinations, then a private driver is not a bad idea. In the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, your driver can take you to your next destination. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
You can hire highly-rated drivers in advance to pick you up right from the airport when you arrive in Sri Lanka. This driver will take you to your hotel in Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, or Unawatuna. Whereas this driver will take you to Kandy.
Of course, every time you want to change destinations you will have to arrange for another driver (unless you book this driver who will drive you around for an entire week). Car transfer can easily be organized through your hotel.
Take Public Transport
This is a choice I only recommend for those on a very tight budget and with plenty of time. Public transport is everywhere in Sri Lanka in the form of public buses and trains. It is also very cheap, costing less than a couple of dollars per journey.
However, it isn’t the most comfortable way to travel. The buses don’t have air conditioning and neither do many train services. They can also be slow-moving, stopping every couple of minutes to pick up more passengers.
With that said, public transport is popular with budget backpackers, and it is mostly safe. This is one way to travel for those who want to get around as the locals do!
Thanks for reading!
Seeing and climbing Sigiriya Rock aka Lion Rock is one of those things you have to check off your bucket list. I was in awe of the history and the views from up here and I felt pretty accomplished after tackling the Sri Lanken stairmaster! Let me know if you’re planning this climb soon in the comments below.
Whether you’re already in Sri Lanka or in the midst of planning your trip, check out our other blogs about Sri Lanka for more travel tips and advice. I know you’ll love exploring here as much as we did!
5 BEST Colombo City Tours +Our Top Choice
17 Best Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka & COMPLETE Guide
The Truth about Udawalawe National Park (+Tips Before Visiting!)