Sigiriya Guide
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Are you dying to delve into the history of Sri Lanka? Schedule in a trip to Sigiriya! This cultural hub was named a world heritage site in 1982 and is home to several fascinating historical sites. The best-known of these is the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient ruin perched atop the famous Lion Rock. This isn’t all the region has to offer, however; Sigiriya has a wealth of sights and activities to keep every type of traveller happy!
Whether you want to marvel at the temples, wander ancient cities, or explore the national parks, you’ll find the ultimate mix of culture and adventure in Sigiriya. But what are the best things to see and do in the region, and what time of year should you visit?
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Culture, wildlife | 90mi | * * * | * ** * | * | ** * | * | * | * ** * |
Who should go to Sigiriya?
From ancient palaces to elephant safaris, the attractions of Sigiriya are diverse and varied. This means that every type of traveller can find an activity to suit them, and Sigiriya is a must-see for anyone hoping to learn more about Sri Lanka’s culture and history!
- Families
- Solo travellers
- Couples
- Groups
- Wildlife lovers
When should you go to Sigiriya?
For the best weather
The temperature in Sigiriya stays consistently high throughout the year, ranging from 26 – 30 C (79 – 86 F). The driest months, however, are from May to September. Visit at this time of the year for the least rainfall and sunniest skies!
To beat the crowds
January, July and August are the busiest months in Sigiriya, when many tourists time their travels with the holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit in April, May or June when the weather will be pleasant and the streets slightly emptier!
To see the animals
If you plant to visit Minneriya National Park you’ll want to time your visit for the annual elephant gathering! This incredible phenomenon takes place during the dry season months of July, August and September when hundreds of elephants gather to drink from the Minniyeria reservoir.
For the coolest events
The Deep Jungle Festival
Where?
When? August/September
More than just a music festival, Deep Jungle is an unmissable celebration of arts, music and outdoor adventure. This three-day festival has achieved global recognition for its efforts in supporting sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka and draws a vibrant, varied and international crowd. Artists perform in genres ranging from Reggae to Psytrance, and the festival also features traditional acts from Sri Lankan performers.
This extravaganza of action, excitement, music and food is a great place to try out new activities! Take part in kayaking, slack-lining, cycling and so much more, while marveling at the range of incredible dance, music and art exhibitions that take place throughout the festival. The Deep Jungle Festival is truly one-of-a-kind and the most memorable way to spend 3 days in Sigiriya!
Things to see and do in Sigiriya
Hike to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress
As the most iconic of Sigiriya’s historical sites, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Situated 200m off the ground atop the famous Lion Rock, this ancient palace is an unmissable historic site in Sigiriya. The fortress was originally the home of King Kashyapa and his harem and features exquisite paintings, carvings and tapestries. Dating back to the 5th century, the palace has since fallen into disrepair and only 20% of the original ponds, pavilions and gardens remain.
The views from the top take in the ancient ruins and gardens surrounding the palace, and the fortress itself is fascinating to walk around. Hike to the top to take in the spectacular scenery and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history!
See the elephants at the Minneriya National Park
The Minneriya National Park is one of the most popular in the region and is home to several incredible wildlife species. Although the park houses rare species, such as leopards and sloth bears, the park is best-known for its majestic elephant herds.
Just a 45-minute drive from Sigiriya, the Minneriya National Park is conveniently close to the town. This makes it the perfect spot for a day-trip from Sigiriya if you want to catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s incredible animals during your stay!
The best time of year to visit, however, is during the dry-season months of July, August and September, when the park plays host to an annual event known as ‘the gathering.’ Elephants from every surrounding district gather here in their hundreds to drink from the Minneriya Tank, an enormous reservoir in the very center of the park. These magnificent creatures congregate in groups of up to 700-strong to drink, feed and mingle – a truly unforgettable sight!
Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple
There are literally hundreds of temples dotted around Sri Lanka, but few are as unique or impressive as the Dambulla Cave Temple.
This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in all of Sri Lanka, despite having been around for more than 2000 years. The site has served as a fully functioning temple since the reign of King Valagamba and is well worth a trip if you’re staying in Sigiriya! Just a 30-minute drive outside the town, this awe-inspiring temple is comprised of five large caverns high up on the mountainside. If you brave the climb to the top, you’ll find numerous ancient statues and intricate murals within the caves!
Pick up some souvenirs at the Sigiriya Craft Village
Are you looking for something unique and quintessentially Sri Lankan to take home from your trip? Pay a visit to the Sigiriya Craft Village during your stay! Here you can browse traditional handicrafts, art, fabrics, ornaments and much more besides. Goods at the Craft Village can be bought for very low prices, making this the ideal place to shop for gifts and trinkets! This small market is located in the center of Sigiriya and is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs from Sri Lanka.
Go birdwatching at the Kaudulla National Park
This little-known national park is a bird-lovers paradise and is home to 160 incredible avian species, including large water birds such as the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant. If you’re a fan of all things feathered, hire a jeep for the day and set out on a birdwatching adventure while you’re in Sigiriya! The park is also home to several other amazing wildlife species and is especially well known for its elephant herds.
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Pidurangala Rock Temple
For the fit and adventurous, a trek to Pidurangala Rock is perfect for an active day outside of the town. Located just a few kilometers north of Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock is an enormous rock formation with incredible views from the summit!
Flex those calf muscles and climb the steep steps to see the temple and reclining Buddha, before making the steep climb to the top of the rock. And when we same climb, we mean it – make sure you wear decent shoes!
The whole trip should take you around 2 hours in total, or even less if you’re in good shape!
Where should you eat in Sigiriya?
Chooti Restaurant
Need to take a break from the midday heat of Sri Lanka? Check out Chooti Restaurant for a relaxed curry and beer! Chooti is conveniently located on the main street of Sigiriya and is a great place to grab some traditional fare for a reasonable price.
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Mili’s Restuarant
Try some of the best Kottu in Sri Lanka at Mili’s Restaurant in Sigiriya! This cozy restaurant serves fresh and tasty dishes, all cooked from scratch and served with a smile. This is a great spot in Sigiriya to grab a traditional bite for lunch after a morning of exploring the town!
Gamagedara Village Food
Gamagedara Village Food is one of the best places in Sigiriya to get your fill of the local cuisine, especially if you go for their buffet! With delicious curry for unbeatable prices, Gamagedara is especially popular among budget backpackers in Sigiriya.
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Where should you stay in Sigiriya?
Stay in the center
To be close to historical points of interest such as Pidurangala Rock and the Sigiriya Museum, look for a room in the center of Sigiriya. This is the most convenient place to be if you want to spend your time soaking up culture, and also puts you within easy reach of the restaurants!
Stay on the outskirts of town
For a quieter experience in Sigiriya, find somewhere to stay on the outskirts of town. This way, you can experience total tranquility while still enjoying the attractions of Sigiriya with excursions into town.