Sigiriya
Ancient rock fortress and palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning frescoes and the famous Lion's Paw entrance.
Overview
Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress and palace complex located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most visited historical monuments in Sri Lanka, attracting thousands of tourists each year.
The site was built by King Kasyapa (477-495 CE) as his royal palace and capital. The complex includes the remains of an upper palace on the flat top of the rock, a mid-level terrace with the famous Lion Gate and mirror wall, and the lower palace with its elaborate gardens and water features.
Key attractions include: - The famous Lion's Paw entrance - Ancient frescoes of the Sigiriya maidens - The mirror wall with ancient graffiti - Elaborate water gardens - The summit palace ruins - Stunning panoramic views
The site is particularly famous for its ancient paintings (frescoes) that are similar to the paintings found in the Ajanta Caves of India. The mirror wall, which was once so highly polished that the king could see his reflection, now contains ancient graffiti written by visitors from the 6th to 14th centuries.
Highlights
- Ancient rock fortress
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Famous frescoes
- Lion's Paw entrance
- Mirror wall
- Water gardens
- Panoramic views
Travel Tips
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Wear comfortable shoes for climbing
- Bring water and snacks
- Hire a guide for detailed historical information
- Best time for photography is early morning or late afternoon
Nearby Attractions
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Minneriya National Park
- Pidurangala Rock
- Habarana
- Polonnaruwa
Location
Quick Information
- Location
- Matale District, Central Province
- Opening Hours
- 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
- Entry Fee
- Foreigners: $30, SAARC: $15, Locals: LKR 50
- Best Time to Visit
- January to April
How to Reach
- By Air
- The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (170 km away)
- By Road
- Well-connected by road from Colombo, Kandy, and other major cities
- By Train
- Nearest railway station is Habarana (16 km away)
Weather
- Summer
- Hot and dry (March to May)
- Monsoon
- Heavy rains (October to December)
- Winter
- Mild and pleasant (December to February)