Climb · 3 km
Sigiriya Rock
The 5th century Lion Rock: tickets, opening hours and the climb, stop by stop.
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Things to do in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock, the Pidurangala sunrise, elephant safaris and village tours: what's worth your time, and how to fit it into a few days.
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Short on time?
Read the 1, 2 or 3 day itinerary first. It puts everything below in the right order, so you climb in the cool and nap through the heat.
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Pick what you're into
Sunrise hike
Pidurangala Rock
The best view of Sigiriya itself, and what time to leave in the dark.
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Five viewpoints
Sunrise spots
Five places to watch the sun come up over the rock, from a proper climb to a lie in.
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Culture · 30 min
Dambulla Cave Temple
Five painted cave shrines above Dambulla town: tickets, hours and what to wear.
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Wildlife
Elephant safari
Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu: which park is best, month by month.
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Culture & food
Village tour & cooking class
Paddy fields, a canoe on the lake and rice and curry cooked on a wood fire.
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Planning
Sigiriya itinerary
One, two or three days, hour by hour, so you climb in the cool and rest through the heat.
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Planning
Best time to visit
Rain, heat, crowds and festivals, month by month.
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Planning
Where to stay
Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana? Which area suits your trip.
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Planning
Getting here
From the airport, Colombo, Kandy or Ella, by car, bus or train.
ExploreCan't find it here?
Ask us. Whether it's the best kottu in the village, a tuk tuk driver for the day, or whether the safari is worth it in the rain, we live here and we'll give you a straight answer.
Stay 3 km from the rock
A boutique guest house in Sigiriya, 3 km from the rock. Two A/C rooms with king size beds, a mini refrigerator and a verandah onto the forest. Book one room, or take the whole guest house.