Travel Plan
Climb Lion Rock

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · SIGIRIYA

Climb Lion Rock

A 200-metre rock fortress rising from the jungle, with 5th-century frescoes, giant lion paws and a palace on the summit.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
3 hours
Entry
Paid (foreigner ticket)
Best time
Opening time (7am)
Area
Sigiriya

1,200 steps past frescoes and the lion's paws to the summit.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Sigiriya, Matale District

  • From Dambulla: 30 minutes by car or bus.
  • From Kandy: About 2h30 by car.
  • Entrance: Tickets at the western gate by the museum.

The story of Sigiriya Rock Fortress

King Kashyapa built his palace on top of Sigiriya in the late 5th century after seizing the throne. He entered through a giant lion whose paws still guard the final stairway.

On the way up are the famous frescoes of celestial women and the polished Mirror Wall, covered in ancient graffiti poems. UNESCO listed the site in 1982.

Best time to visit

Best season

January to April and July to September.

Best time of day

Start at 7am or after 3pm.

Rain

Steps can be slippery after rain.

Tips before you go

  • Start at 7am to beat the heat.
  • Carry water and wear a hat.
  • Allow about 3 hours for the climb and gardens.

Best hotels near Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Luxury villas in wetlands.

See prices

Heritance Kandalama

Bawa-designed hotel by a lake.

See prices

Hotels in Sigiriya

Views of the rock.

See prices
All hotels near Sigiriya Rock Fortress

What's around Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Pidurangala Rock10 minutes by tuk-tuk.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple30 minutes.
  • Minneriya National Park30 minutes.

Questions travellers ask

How many steps?

About 1,200.

Is it hard?

Moderate; there are rest stops.

Is there a fear of heights?

Some stairs are exposed but have rails.

More in Sigiriya

Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Climb Lion Rock Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us