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Sri Lanka’s most recognizable landmark, Sigiriya Rock looms 200 meters above the plains, an ideal position for a fortress.
Palace on the rock
However, when the usurper King Kasyapa built his base here in the 5th century he didn’t build merely a fortress but a fabulous palace on top of the rock, complete with pleasure gardens below.
Wonderful view
One thing that remains unchanged over the centuries is the magnificent view from the top, over miles of jungle and rolling hills.
Lion's Paws and frescoes
Today only ruins of the palace remain, but features such as the massive Lion’s Paws and radiant frescoes of beautiful damsels give visitors a glimpse of its former splendor.
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who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Sigiriya by contacting one of our Sri Lanka specialists
- 617-223-4190
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Sigiriya
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Sigiriya, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Sigiriya
- Minneriya National Park 9 miles away
- Dambulla 10 miles away
- The Cultural Triangle 17 miles away
- Polonnaruwa 18 miles away
- Pallepola 25 miles away
- Anuradhapura 36 miles away
- Kandy 47 miles away
- Trincomalee 54 miles away
- Passikudah 56 miles away
- Nuwara Eliya 68 miles away
- Hatton 74 miles away
- Horton Plains 79 miles away
- Bandarawela 80 miles away
- Adam's Peak 81 miles away
- Negombo 82 miles away
- Colombo 95 miles away
- Uda Walawe National Park 101 miles away
- Wadduwa 106 miles away
- Yala National Park 108 miles away
- Sinharaja Biosphere 111 miles away
- Bentota 118 miles away
- Jaffna 130 miles away
- Tangalle 134 miles away
- Galle 138 miles away
- The Southern Coast 140 miles away
Photos of Sigiriya
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![Sigiriya, Sri Lanka]()
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka -
![Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka]()
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka -
![Sigiriya Rock Fortress]()
Sigiriya Rock Fortress -
![Views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress]()
Views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress -
![Views near Gammaduwa Village]()
Views near Gammaduwa Village -
![Sigiriya Rock Fortress]()
Sigiriya Rock Fortress -
![At the top of the Rock Fortress]()
At the top of the Rock Fortress -
![Sigiriya, Sri Lanka]()
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Accommodation choices for Sigiriya
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Sigiriya. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Vil Uyana, Sigiriya]()
Vil Uyana
Situated very close to Sigiriya Rock, Vil Uyana is Sri Lanka’s first stilted resort, set within abandoned paddy fields, forest and reedbeds teeming with wildlife. It's also well located for exploring Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
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![Luxury Tent, Aliya Resort & Spa]()
Aliya Resort & Spa
With views of Sigiriya Rock, excellent facilities and a fine forested setting, Aliya Resort is a peaceful base from which to explore the Cultural Triangle.
Ideas for experiencing Sigiriya
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Sigiriya, and which use the best local guides.
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Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa ![Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka]()
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
You will start your day by visiting the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the surrounding landscape. For many visitors, this is the most impressive site in Sri Lanka with stunning views from the top.
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