Overview

Rising dramatically 200 metres above the surrounding plains, Sigiriya — or Lion Rock — is arguably Sri Lanka’s most spectacular archaeological site. This ancient fortress was built during the reign of King Kashyapa I (477–495 CE), who chose this imposing granite monolith as the site for his new capital after seizing the throne from his father.

Today, Sigiriya stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning in Asia.

History

The history of Sigiriya stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation in the surrounding caves dating to around 3000 BCE. Buddhist monks used the rock shelters as meditation retreats from the 3rd century BCE onwards.

The fortress as we know it today was constructed by King Kashyapa I, who reportedly fled to the rock’s summit after orchestrating the murder of his father, King Dhatusena. After Kashyapa’s death in 495 CE, the site was returned to the Buddhist monks and served as a monastery until the 14th century.

What to See

The Water Gardens

Begin your visit at the western entrance where you will find the beautifully symmetrical water gardens. These are some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, featuring sophisticated hydraulic engineering including fountains that still function during the rainy season.

The Frescoes

Partway up the rock face, a sheltered gallery houses the famous Sigiriya frescoes depicting celestial nymphs. Of the estimated 500 original paintings, only 22 survive, but they remain remarkably vivid after 1,500 years.

The Mirror Wall

Below the frescoes, the Mirror Wall was once polished to such a sheen that the king could see his reflection. Ancient visitors scratched poems and commentary into its surface — some of the oldest surviving Sinhalese prose.

The Lion’s Paw Entrance

Two enormous lion’s paws flank the final stairway. These are all that remain of a colossal lion figure through whose open mouth visitors once entered the upper palace.

The Summit

At the top, the remains of the upper palace sprawl across 1.6 hectares. The views are extraordinary — on a clear day you can see as far as the central highlands.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive early: The gates open at 7:00 AM. Arriving at opening time means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes: The climb involves approximately 1,200 steps and takes 1.5–2 hours.
Bring water: There are limited facilities on the rock itself.
Watch for wasps: Hornet nests are occasionally found on the rock face. Follow ranger instructions.
Allow half a day: Most visitors spend 3–4 hours at the site.