Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 metres high.

Climates of Sigiriya

In Sigiriya, the summers are short, hot, and overcast; the winters are short, warm, wet, and mostly cloudy; and it is oppressive year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 69°F to 93°F and is rarely below 65°F or above 99°F.

Traveling from Colombo to Sigiriya

Sigiriya has many tourism places and beautiful, Eye-pleasing views, places to visit. Most popular place is sigiriya rock. If you come for the vacation to sigiriya, there are many hotels, Resorts and so many Historical places and so many outdoor activities to do for your enjoying. 

If you are planning a vacation in Sigiriya. You want to reach from Colombo to Sigiriya, the best way is by Bus or Train. Then you will be able to experience the beauty of the surroundings. Or you can use private vehicles. Add it to your list of places to visit if you're looking for a chilled out, relaxing few days in Sri Lanka.

Top Attractions in Sigiriya

• Sigiriya Rock (400m)
• Royal gardens (400m)
• Sigiriya museum (1km)
• Loin’s paws (1.8km)
• Pidurangala Rock (2.4km)
• Spice garden inamaluwa (10.4km)
• Dambulla Cave Temple (19.4km)
• Minneriya National Park (19.5km)
• Ritigala (35.8km)
• Kaudulla National Park (44.1km)

Other Attractions little far from Sigiriya

• Polonnaruwa (56.6km)
• Anuradhapuraya (73.9km)

Sigiriya Rock          

Sigiriya Rock or the Lion Rock is an ancient fort located in the Matale District in central Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is in the Matale District of Central Sri Lanka and lies between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane at the height of 370 metres. It consists of a citadel and has ruins of palaces, the Lion Gate, gardens, moats, the Mirror Wall, and many beautiful frescoes (paintings made in wet plaster on walls). The place got its name from the Lion claws, carved at the entrance of the Lion Gate. You can reach the Sigiriya Fortress either by bus or by train, from the main towns of Dambulla or Habarane.

Loin’s Paws

Perhaps the most iconic structure of the Sigiriya fortress, Lion’s Paws is situated just before the summit of Sigiriya Rock. As the name suggests, the structure is composed of two gigantic paws, flanking a staircase that leads to the royal palace.

Pidurangala Rock

The Pidurangala Rock is a few kilometres away from the famous UNESCO site, the Sigiriya Rock. It is known for the view of Sigiriya Rock from the top of the rock, the white temple situated at the base of the cliff, and the enormous reclining Buddha statue located under an ancient boulder.

Sigiriya museum

Sigiriya Museum is at the base of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and was established in 2009. The museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits that belong to various periods in history - ranging from the prehistoric period to the reign of King Kashyapa when the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was constructed.

Outdoor Activities In Sigiriya

Elephant Rides

Apart from hiking to the summit of Sigiriya Rock or merely marvelling at this imposing structure from below, an unconventional way to sightsee at Sigiriya is by the elephant rides.

Hiking

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an ancient unique structure which is about 200 meters tall and consists of solid rocks. It is one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka and attracts lots of tourists all year round.

Lion Rock is another name for this fortification. It is mostly known thanks to Sri Lankan king Kashyapa I who strategically build a city around this hill of rocks and a palace on top of it. The palace is not there anymore, but some frescoes are still available to a tourist’s eye on the very top of the rock. Although you are not allowed to take pictures there, which is something to keep in mind.

You can also hike in the pidurangala rock.

Hot Air Ballooning Tour

Get this amazing opportunity to go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sri Lanka. Sail in the tranquil skies and enjoy the beautiful views of Kandalama and Dambulla. The tour is dependent on weather conditions. If you are staying at a hotel in a nearby city (Habarana, Kandalama, Sigiriya or Dambulla) you also receive a complimentary pickup from your hotel to the starting point.

Jeep Safari

Choose one of Sri Lanka's national parks—Hurulu Eco Park, Kaudulla National Park, or Minneriya National Park—for a half-day private jeep safari. With a dedicated guide by your side, you'll get the most out of your visit; you can move at your own pace and ask plenty of questions. You may see herds of Asian elephants or a variety of species of fish, amphibians, or birds.

Sigiriya History

Sigiriya was built by the fifth-century king Kashyapa I, who ruled the native Sinhalese dynasty, the Moriya. The imposing fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom until Kashyapa was defeated in A.D. 495.

Sigiriya Map

If you travel to sigiriya, you can refer the sigiriya map for find hotels, hospitals, easy roads & many more.

Sigiriya Hotels

Sigiriya is a beautiful & eye pleasing Area. If you’re travelling to Sigiriya, you will find a large number of hotels with modern amenities in the area.