Sigiriya at a glance
What awaits you?
Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a breathtaking rock fortress from the 5th century and a genuine UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 200-metre-high rock once served as a royal palace and today impresses with frescoes, a gigantic lion gate and a view that you will never forget.
Where can you find it?
Sigiriya is located in the middle of Sri Lanka's Central Province and is a highlight not to be missed.
When can you go?
Daily from 07:00 to 17:30 (last admission at 17:00). Perfect if you want to enjoy the sunrise or avoid the hot midday sun.
How much time should you allow?
Around 3 to 4 hours to discover everything at your leisure - from the ascent to the frescoes and the beautiful gardens.
What is special about it?
- The frescoes: works of art that are over 1,500 years old.
- The Lion Gate: the monumental entrance that lives up to its name.
- The view: From the summit you have an incomparable panoramic view.
- The gardens: perfect symmetry and a masterpiece of antiquity.
What should you bear in mind?
- Wear comfortable shoes - the climb is tough!
- Don't forget to take water with you, especially if it's hot.
- Photography is permitted, but not of the frescoes.
- Be sure to take sunscreen with you
The Lions Rock in detail
Lion Rock in Sigiriya Sri Lanka is one of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the island's most spectacular landmarks and a popular postcard motif.
It is a 200 square meter monolith that rises 200 meters out of the ground in the heart of the country.
According to stories, in the fifth century AD, the then King Kasyapa had the center of his kingdom built on the rock to protect himself from possible attacks by his stepbrother Mugalan after he had his father imprisoned and killed.
When Kasyapa took his own life a few years later in a fight with his stepbrother, the latter became king and turned the fortress into a Buddhist monastery complex because he moved his seat of government back to Anuradhapura.
The complex was finally abandoned in the 14th or 15th century and only rediscovered by archaeologists from Great Britain at the end of the 19th century.
Ascent to Lion Rock - Sigiriya Sri Lanka
To get to the fortress (or the remaining remains) on the rock, you have to climb more than 1,200 steps. The steps can be climbed by anyone in around 45 minutes (it took us around 20 minutes), but you should remember to bring plenty of sun protection, sturdy shoes and water and set off in the early hours of the morning if possible.
Halfway up, a spiral staircase leads to the eighteen preserved frescoes on the west wall, where you can marvel at the famous paintings of the legendary cloud girls, among other things.
However, you are no longer allowed to photograph them for reasons of protection. The route then continues along a narrow path up the cliff, which is bordered by a wall to prevent falls. This wall is known as the mirror wall, on which visitors left short messages a thousand years ago. The last section leads past impressive lion's paws carved out of the rock.
Once at the top of the rock, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding area and can visit the ruins of the former fortress. However, you should watch out for monkeys that like to steal all sorts of things (especially food!) and hornets that can be quite aggressive at times. On the descent, you will then pass the so-called Kobra Cave.
Two aspects that deter many people from visiting Lion Rock are the entrance fee, which is high by Sri Lankan standards at 4,500 rupees (approx. 25 euros), and the mass of tourists who make the pilgrimage up to the rock every day, especially during the high season.
Entrance fees Sigiriya Rock Sri Lanka
4,500 rupees (approx. 25 euros)
Opening hours Lion Rock Sri Lanka
The Lion Rock in Sigiriya is open every day from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Sigiriya - Best time to visit
Due to the high temperatures in Sri Lanka, we recommend visiting Lion Rock as early as possible.
Firstly, the sun is not yet so hot on your face and secondly, there are not so many tourists on their way up early in the morning.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka, known for its impressive architecture, frescoes and beautiful gardens. It is considered one of the country's most important archaeological wonders.
King Kasyapa was the builder of Sigiriya in the 5th century. He built the fortress as his palace and refuge after coming to power in a coup d'état.
Sigiriya is best reached by car or bus from the larger cities such as Colombo or Kandy. There are also organized tours that include transportation.
The frescoes, also known as the "sky maidens", are masterful murals that reflect the art and culture of the time and are one of the highlights of a visit to Sigiriya.
The best time to visit is from December to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant.
The ascent takes around 1 to 2 hours and is moderately difficult. People with a fear of heights or health restrictions should approach the ascent with caution.
Visitors should be respectful of the site, avoid litter and do not leave graffiti. Photography of the frescoes is restricted.
You should allow around 3 to 4 hours to explore the fortress and the surrounding gardens at your leisure.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended as they offer deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
Nearby are the Dambulla cave temple, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the Minneriya National Park, famous for its herds of elephants.
Light, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and a sun hat are recommended. Water and sun protection are also important.
One of the most famous legends is that of King Kasyapa, who killed his father and built Sigiriya to escape his half-brother's revenge.
Sigiriya is protected by government and international efforts, including regular restoration work and strict visitor guidelines.
The gardens of Sigiriya are a combination of water, terraced and rock gardens, which are impressive examples of ancient landscape architecture and invite visitors to stroll and explore.
Useful links
Official website of Sigiriya Sri Lanka https://sigiriyatourism.com/
Fancy more?
Would you like to delve deeper into the history of Sirigiya? With a little more knowledge, your visit to the lion's den will be even more unforgettable!
The history of Sigiriya
Imagine you are standing in the middle of the vast plains of north-central Sri Lanka, the air is warm and the horizon seems endless. Suddenly, a huge monolith rises up in front of you, seemingly out of nowhere - this is Sigiriya. A rock that towers over the land like a mighty guardian, rising 200 meters into the air and surrounded by a mystical aura. This rock, also known as the "Lion Rock", is not only a geological wonder, but also bears the traces of a glorious and tragic past.
Sigiriya is more than just an impressive sight - it is a monument to history, a place that has endured for centuries and tells stories of power, treachery, art and visions. This gigantic rock was once the center of a magnificent kingdom that flourished under the reign of King Kasyapa in the 5th century. Today, the rock fortress of Sigiriya is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Why is Sigiriya so fascinating? Perhaps it is the combination of natural beauty and human engineering that makes this place so unique. At the top of the rock is the ruins of an ancient palace, surrounded by elaborate gardens, water features and the famous frescoes that once adorned the walls. These frescoes, known as 'sky maidens', are one of the few surviving examples of early Sinhalese art and reflect the splendor and cultural richness of ancient Sri Lanka.
However, Sigiriya was not always a place of peace and beauty. It is also a story of power struggles and betrayal that took place in the shadow of the rock. King Kasyapa, who had this grandiose palace built, lived in constant fear of imminent attack - a circumstance that ultimately led to his downfall. The Lion Rock, once a symbol of royal power and splendor, was abandoned after Kasyapa's death and fell into oblivion, only to be rediscovered centuries later by curious explorers.
Today, Sigiriya attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to explore the ruins and immerse themselves in the stories that these ancient walls whisper. It is a place that has stood the test of time, a testament to human ambition and artistic creation that lives on through the centuries in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya is more than just a historical site; it is a journey into the past, a glimpse into the dreams and tragedies of a king whose visions became reality on this rock. And as you climb the steep stairs that lead you to the top of the rock, you can almost hear the footsteps of Kasyapa himself, who walked the same path centuries ago - a king who believed that his legacy would survive in the clouds.
The origin of Sigiriya: a kingdom on a rock
If you imagine what Sigiriya looks like today - an imposing rock fortress towering majestically over the vast plains of Sri Lanka - then imagine what it was like over 1,500 years ago when this visionary city rose from nothing. But the story of Sigiriya is not just one of architectural wonder; it is also a story of power, betrayal and a king determined to create his own paradise on earth.
The story of Sigiriya begins with King Kasyapa, one of the most fascinating yet tragic figures in Sri Lankan history. In 473 AD, Kasyapa ascended the throne, but his path to the throne was anything but honorable. As the illegitimate son of King Dhatusena, Kasyapa was not the rightful heir to the throne. But driven by ambition and influenced by the scheming Migara, the commander of the army and his brother-in-law, Kasyapa committed an unforgivable act - he had his own father bricked up alive to secure the throne for himself.
Kasyapa's act of patricide, an unforgivable crime in Buddhist doctrine, isolated him from his people and the monks who had great influence on society. Amidst feelings of guilt and fear of retribution from his half-brother Moggallana, who had fled into exile, Kasyapa decided to build a new capital far away from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura. This gave rise to the vision of Sigiriya, a fortress that would serve both as protection and as a symbol of his divine power.
But why a rock of all things? It was not only the natural defense that this place offered, but also the symbolism that attracted it. The rock of Sigiriya - Sīhāgiri, the 'Lion Rock' - was perfect for building an impregnable fortress to protect Kasyapa from his enemies. But it was more than that. Kasyapa wanted to be worshipped as a god-king, and what better embodiment of this ambition than a palace floating above the clouds, an image of Alakamanda, the city of the gods?
In the years that followed, an army of craftsmen, engineers and artists worked to turn Kasyapa's vision into reality. What they created was nothing less than a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design. The rock was surrounded by a double wall and a moat to protect the city from attack. The upper levels of the rock were transformed into elaborately terraced gardens that were irrigated by an ingenious water supply system. At the top of the rock, the workers built Kasyapa's palace, a magnificent structure reached by a monumental statue of a lion. This lion, which watched over the entrance, gave the rock its name and was also a symbol of the king's power and courage.
But Sigiriya was not just a military base. It was also a place of culture and art. The famous frescoes of Sigiriya, which covered over 2,600 square meters of the rock face, depicted celestial maidens and reflected the aesthetic richness and cultural sophistication of the time. Today, these frescoes are one of the few surviving examples of early Sinhalese art and evidence of the artistic flowering that took place under Kasyapa's rule.
But despite all his efforts, Kasyapa could not escape the shadow of his crime. His reign was characterized by paranoia, and the fear of his brother's return never left him. Finally, in 495 AD, the decisive battle against Moggallana took place. Betrayed by his own troops and facing certain defeat, Kasyapa committed suicide and his dream of a divine kingdom on earth crumbled.
After Kasyapa's death, Sigiriya was abandoned and fell into oblivion for centuries. The city, which was once the center of a kingdom, was reclaimed by nature and the rock remained as a lonely sentinel over the landscape until it was rediscovered by explorers centuries later.
Sigiriya is today a symbol of the ambitions and tragedies of a king who tried to escape his fate. It is a place where the lines of myth and history intersect, and a testament to the greatness and fall of an era long gone.
The architectural masterpiece: building a heavenly palace
Looking up at the majestic rock of Sigiriya today, it's hard to imagine what it must have been like when this incredible structure was built over 1,500 years ago. But imagine thousands of laborers working tirelessly under the blazing Sri Lankan sun, creating stone by stone one of the most impressive architectural feats of the ancient world.
The construction of Sigiriya was not just a technical challenge; it was a demonstration of Kasyapa's unwavering will and vision to build a kingdom in the clouds. Work began around the second year of his reign and lasted four intense years. The rock, which had been inhabited by wandering monks and hermits for thousands of years, was transformed into the centerpiece of a magnificent palace surrounded by a well-designed city complex.
The first thing the workers did was to clear the dense forest surrounding the rock. Trees were felled, the undergrowth burned, and the rock was cleared of anything that might hinder construction. But the challenges did not end there. The steep cliff and the almost vertical climb to the summit presented enormous logistical hurdles. And yet they managed to get millions of bricks, tons of mortar and countless building materials to the top of the cliff.
The walls of the palace on the top of the rock were built from these bricks, and it is amazing how well these constructions have survived the centuries. The bricks themselves were made from a special mixture of clay and quartz, which gave them exceptional durability. They were fired in specially constructed kilns and then carried to the summit in an endless chain of workers.
But Sigiriya was more than just a palace; it was an expression of power and art. One of the most impressive aspects of the structure are the frescoes that once adorned the rock face. These frescoes, now known as 'sky maidens', probably depicted goddesses or idealized women and are a remarkable example of early Sinhalese art. They were applied on a specially prepared layer of plaster, which was covered with a protective drip ledge to drain the water and preserve the colors. Although only a fraction of these frescoes survive today, they give a vivid impression of the artistic sophistication and cultural richness of the time.
Another impressive feature of Sigiriya is the sophisticated water system that irrigated the palace gardens. This system included reservoirs, canals, fountains and even fountains that were operated by the use of pressure and gravity. The gardens themselves were masterpieces of landscape design, with geometric shapes harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings. The gardens were not only places of peace and beauty, but also symbols of the power of the king, who was able to control and shape nature.
One of the most famous features of Sigiriya is the Lion Path - a monumental staircase that leads to the palace at the summit and was carved into the rock through the mouth of a giant lion. Unfortunately, all that remains today are the gigantic lion's paws that once guarded the entrance. This lion symbolized the strength and courage of Kasyapa and gave the fortress its name - "Lion Rock".
The palace itself was built on top of the rock - a structure that was unique both in terms of architecture and location. It was a palace that hovered above the earth like a castle in the sky, a place where Kasyapa felt safe, surrounded by his gardens, ponds and pavilions. The central hall of the palace was probably the most magnificent part of the structure, surrounded by terraces that offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
But Sigiriya was more than just a palace on a rock. It was a complete city, surrounded by fortifications, an elaborate road system and residential areas for the royal courtiers and garrisons. The walls and moats that protected the city were strategically designed to keep out intruders, while the inhabitants lived within the walls in relative safety.
Today, when you visit Sigiriya, you can explore the remains of this magnificent structure. It is a testament to the engineering and artistry of a bygone era. As you climb the steep stairs and enjoy the view from the summit, you will understand why Sigiriya is considered one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world - a place where history and legend merge and the spirit of Kasyapa still seems to watch over the rock.
The fall of Sigiriya: betrayal and oblivion
The story of Sigiriya is not only that of a monumental palace, but also that of a dramatic fall, marked by betrayal, fear and oblivion. What was once built as one of the most magnificent and secure fortresses in the ancient world was to be abandoned to its fate just a few years after its completion - due to one of the most tragic intrigues in Sri Lankan history.
King Kasyapa, the builder of Sigiriya, ruled with a mixture of power and fear. His reign was overshadowed by the guilt of having killed his own father in order to ascend the throne. This terrible crime burdened him deeply, and despite all the splendor he created, he could not escape the weight of his deeds. Sigiriya, his masterpiece, was not only an expression of his power, but also a refuge from the demons of his past and the ever-present fear of retribution.
The fear of his half-brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne, haunted Kasyapa until his last days. Moggallana had fled into exile in India after Kasyapa usurped the throne. There he gathered support and waited patiently for the right moment to take his revenge and assert his claim to the throne.
In 495 AD, after almost two decades of rule, the inevitable confrontation finally took place. Moggallana returned with an army, determined to overthrow his brother. However, Kasyapa, who had built his defenses on Lion Rock, decided to leave the safety of hiding and face his fate on the battlefield. Perhaps it was pride, perhaps it was a desire not to escape his fate - whatever the reason, it was to be his last mistake.
The battle of Sigiriya was short but devastating. Betrayal played a crucial role: during the decisive moments of the battle, Kasyapa was abandoned by his own troops, who believed their king had taken flight. Without the support of his army and surrounded by enemies, Kasyapa saw no other way out than to take his own life. With a single blow of his dagger, he put an end to his life and sealed the fate of Sigiriya.
After Kasyapa's death, Sigiriya was abandoned. The palace on the rock, once a symbol of immeasurable power and divine ambitions, was left to decay. The magnificent halls, the frescoes, the ornate gardens - all fell victim to nature, while the once vibrant city gradually fell into oblivion.
It is tragic to think that a structure of such splendor and importance, built in such a short time, was just as quickly neglected. The rock, once inhabited by the most beautiful women in the land and the most powerful men, became a refuge for wild animals. Birds nested in the remains of the palace walls and the magnificent gardens were transformed into dense jungle.
For centuries, Sigiriya remained a lonely and deserted place. The locals avoided the rock as they believed it was haunted by evil spirits and demons. Stories about the ghostly appearance of the fallen king and his cursed city spread throughout the region, which increased the fear of the place.
However, the name Sigiriya did not disappear completely from memory. It lived on in the legends and myths of the region, as a warning of the fate that befalls those who stray too far from the paths of the gods. It took many centuries for the true story of Sigiriya to come to light again, but until then the lion rock was a symbol of the transience of human power and ambition.
When Sigiriya was finally rediscovered by European adventurers in the 19th century, it was nothing more than a ruin - a silent witness to a bygone era, overgrown by the jungle and almost forgotten. The magnificent frescoes had faded, the walls were crumbling and the gardens, once the pride of the palace, were little more than overgrown ruins.
But even in its decay, Sigiriya exerted an undeniable fascination. It was a place that told stories - stories of power and splendor, of betrayal and downfall. And it is this mixture of beauty and tragedy that makes Sigiriya one of the most fascinating places in Sri Lanka, a monument that has stood the test of time to remind us of the greatness and frailties of humanity.
Rediscovery in the jungle: Sigiriya awakens to new life
Imagine it's the early 19th century and you're a British officer traveling through the dense, unexplored jungles of Sri Lanka. Your goal? To hunt elephants, a sport that was very popular with the colonial rulers. But as you venture deeper into the wild heart of the country, you come across something unexpected - a gigantic rock formation jutting out of the dense greenery. The locals who accompany you tell you of a cursed place, a rock that was once the home of a cruel king. Your interest is piqued and you decide to explore this mysterious monument. This was the beginning of the modern rediscovery of Sigiriya.
It was Major Jonathan Forbes, a British officer, who "rediscovered" Sigiriya in 1831 when he came across the rock during one of his explorations. Forbes was fascinated by the stories the locals told him and decided to investigate the site further. What he found was overwhelming: a monumental rock towering over the surrounding landscape, surrounded by the remains of an ancient city. Massive stone walls were partially overgrown by the jungle, and the rock itself seemed to be imbued with a ghostly presence.
Forbes' report of his discovery piqued the interest of other European adventurers and explorers, and soon Sigiriya became a popular destination for explorers seeking to uncover the secrets of this mystical place. But it wasn't just the size of the rock or the ruins of the city that captivated the explorers - it was the impressive frescoes discovered halfway up the rock.
In 1875, it was T. H. B. Blakesley, a civil service employee, who discovered the first evidence of the frescoes. While looking at the rock with binoculars, he noticed a series of bright colors that seemed to shine out of a sheltered niche in the rock. On closer examination, it turned out that these were amazingly well-preserved murals depicting nude female figures - the now famous "sky maidens" of Sigiriya.
The frescoes triggered a wave of interest. Who were these women who were immortalized here in vivid colors centuries ago? What story did they tell? The discovery of these frescoes marked the beginning of intensive research into Sigiriya, which eventually led to the site being recognized as one of the most important archaeological wonders in the world.
Another significant moment in the exploration of Sigiriya was the attempt to explore the "inaccessible" fresco chambers. In 1889, Alick Murray, also from the civil service, undertook the dangerous mission to reach the chambers. As the locals refused to help him - for fear of the spirits and demons that supposedly inhabited the rock - Murray had to hire Tamils from South India who, with drills and courage, cut holes in the rock by hand and inserted iron bolts to attach a ladder. It was a dangerous and difficult task, but in the end Murray was able to view and document the frescoes at close range.
Over time, Sigiriya became not only a destination for explorers and adventurers, but also a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich and complex history. The discovery and documentation of Sigiriya helped to correct many misconceptions about the country's history and culture. European explorers, who previously had little understanding of Sri Lanka's historical significance, began to realize that they were dealing with a country whose history was as ancient and fascinating as that of the great civilizations of Europe and Asia.
Over the years, systematic excavations and conservation work have been carried out to restore Sigiriya to its full glory. The frescoes have been secured, the ruins uncovered and the entire complex has been explored and mapped. Today, Sigiriya is a national symbol and a place of significance not only to Sri Lankan history but to all of humanity.
The rediscovery of Sigiriya is a story of curiosity, adventure and scientific discovery. It is a story that shows how a place that was once forgotten could return to the world's consciousness - not only as a fascinating piece of archaeology, but as a living testimony to Sri Lankan history and culture.
For today's adventurous travelers, Sigiriya not only offers the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these early explorers, but also to experience a deeper connection to the history and people of this land. As you climb the rock and gaze at the ancient frescoes, you will feel the echoes of the past - and the sense of being part of an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Today's Sigiriya: a world cultural heritage site for eternity
Today, Sigiriya is more than just an ancient ruin - it is a living monument, a place where history, culture and nature blend together in a unique harmony. When you visit the Lion Rock, you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims, explorers and travelers who have been drawn to the magic of this place over the centuries. Sigiriya is not just a testament to the past; it is a living part of Sri Lanka's identity and a symbol of the everlasting beauty of human creation.
Sigiriya has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, a recognition that underlines the extraordinary cultural and historical significance of this place. But what makes Sigiriya so special today? Why is it a must-see place for anyone visiting Sri Lanka?
First of all, there is the sheer majesty of the rock itself. Even from a distance, Sigiriya is impressive - a gigantic monolith that rises 200 meters above the surrounding plain. As you get closer, you discover the details that make this place so unique: the carefully preserved ruins of the palace, the ornate gardens that are still fed by the original irrigation system, and the mystical frescoes that have retained their vibrancy after all these centuries.
For the modern world, Sigiriya is a place of learning and inspiration. Archaeologists, historians and art lovers flock here from all over the world to learn more about the techniques and materials used to create this marvel over a thousand years ago. Sigiriya is a living laboratory for the study of ancient architecture and engineering, and ongoing conservation work is helping to ensure that this knowledge is preserved for future generations.
But Sigiriya is not only interesting for experts - it is also a fascinating destination for adventurers and culture lovers. The climb to the top is a challenge, but every step is an experience. As you climb the narrow steps carved into the rock, you'll always have the opportunity to stop and take in the breathtaking views that await you. From the ornate water gardens at the foot of the cliff to the sheer rock faces adorned with the remains of frescoes, every moment on the way up tells its own story.
When you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view that is simply unforgettable. From up here, you can see for miles across the dense vegetation and rolling hills that stretch to the horizon. It's easy to understand why King Kasyapa chose this place for his palace - it not only offers protection, but also an unparalleled view that lifts the spirit.
But Sigiriya is not just a place to marvel at - it is also a place where you can immerse yourself in the culture and history of Sri Lanka. The locals are proud of this heritage and are happy to share their stories and knowledge with visitors. The guided tours of the site are informative and often full of fascinating anecdotes that help you understand the deeper meanings of the artifacts and structures.
The preservation of Sigiriya as a World Heritage Site is a joint effort supported by the Sri Lankan government, international organizations and the local population. The challenges are enormous - the tropical climate, the vegetation and the constant stream of visitors are putting a strain on the site. But the efforts to protect and preserve Sigiriya are proof of the esteem in which the site is held worldwide.
For many visitors, Sigiriya is more than just a tourist highlight - it is a spiritual place, a place of reflection and peace. The connection between man and nature that can be felt so strongly here invites us to pause and reflect on the timeless beauty and transience of life. Sigiriya reminds us that great works are not only created through power and wealth, but through vision, dedication and a deep connection to something beyond ourselves.
For Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is a symbol of national pride, a place that represents the country's rich history and cultural diversity. It is a place that connects the past with the present and gives people the opportunity to discover and appreciate the wonders of their own culture.
When you visit Sigiriya, take the time to look at the details - the fine carvings in the walls, the subtle shades of color in the frescoes, the tranquility of the gardens. Every aspect of this place is a window into a time long past, and yet it feels so alive and present. Sigiriya is not just a place you visit - it is a place you experience, a place you feel and a place that stays with you forever.
