Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Visit Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Visit Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

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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

Wall frescos, Sigiriya, Sri LankaToday 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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Audley Travel Specialist Niall

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Sigiriya by contacting one of our Sri Lanka specialists

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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.

Map of Sigiriya

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Sigiriya

    Photos of Sigiriya

    • Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
      Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
    • Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka
      Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka
    • At the top of the Rock fortress
      At the top of the Rock fortress
    • Sigiriya, Sigiriya
      Sigiriya, Sigiriya
    • Sigiriya rock fortress
      Sigiriya rock fortress
    • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
      Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    • Views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
      Views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    • Views near Gammaduwa Village
      Views near Gammaduwa Village

    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.

    • Luxury Tent, Aliya Resort & Spa

      Aliya Resort & Spa

      Medium

      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.

    • Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

      Vil Uyana

      First Class

      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.

    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.

    • Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka

      Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa

      Sigiriya

      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.