Sigiriya Rock

The mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock, is a monolithic rock standing 200 meters tall with 1,200 steps to climb.

In 1857, the frescoes of the Sigiriya Ladies were discovered, and excavations of the site were conducted from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

At the summit, the ruins of an ancient royal palace remain. Historically, it is said that King Kashyapa, known as the "mad king" who murdered his father, built the palace on this rock over seven years out of fear of revenge from his brother, King Moggallana. However, 11 years later, he was attacked by his brother and is believed to have taken his own life.

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1.2 Water Gardens
There are canals surrounding the walls of Sigiriya Rock and its gardens. These canals seem to have functioned as a cooling system for the entire garden.

3.4 Photo Spots
The paths for ascending and descending are different, so don't forget to take photos along the way.

5 Narrow Railings and Steep Stairs
It can be dangerous when crowded or during rain, so a raincoat is recommended over an umbrella.

6 Lion's Terrace
Located midway up, the Lion's Terrace features lion's forepaws made of bricks and mortar. Between them lies a staircase, which serves as the entrance to the palace. It has been confirmed that a lion's face once existed here.

Unfortunately, due to a sudden storm, we were unable to reach the summit this time.

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⚠️ It is recommended to climb wearing comfortable shoes.

⚠️ As of late December 2015, photography of the Sigiriya Ladies is prohibited, regardless of whether flash is used.

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Access
📍 Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

📍 Approximately 150 km or about 3 hours and 30 minutes by car from Bandaranaike International Airport.