Join me for this complete guide to climbing Lions Rock, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka and why it should be part of your Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Looking as if it is escaping out of the forest and pushing up towards the sky, Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is widely known as the eighth wonder of the world, and rightly so.
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Sitting at the top of the rock at an elevation of around 200m (400ft) above sea level are the ruined remains of the ancient 5th century AD Sigiriya Fortress.
Sigiriya is in central Sri Lanka. The base of the rock is surrounded by beautiful gardens, water fountains and the Sigiriya water gardens. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a very popular destination for visitors to Sri Lanka.
The ancient city of Sigiriya is part of the cultural triangle in Sri Lanka’s central province along with the Dambulla Cave Temples, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
To experience the UNESCO site to its full, a climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress is highly recommended and the rewards when you get to the rock summit are well worth the effort.
Preparing to climb Lion Rock
Climbing to many people means trekking up a hill or mountain, but when you climb Lion Rock, it is mainly stairs with handrails to help you, making it an easier ascent.
Best time to climb Lion Rock
The ticket office opens at 7 am and if you can, get there as soon as possible, as it is cooler in the early morning.
While there is shade at the Lion Terrace on the way up, when you get to the summit, there is very little shade from the sun. Try to avoid climbing between 11 am and 2 pm as at that time of the day, the sun can be relentless.
I also found that early morning is good to avoid the stairs being too crowded. The weather can also have the same effect. The first time I climbed, it was a bit overcast and it wasn’t too busy.
The best times of the year to climb Lion’s Rock are from November to March during the dry season. The weather is more favourable and less likely to have rain. However, that does not stop you from going at other times, just be careful if it has been raining as it might make the stones a bit slippery.
I climbed Lion Rock in February and late May; the May climb was actually easier and the views were more spectacular.
Weather conditions and what to expect
Being in the central province of Sri Lanka, the weather at Sigiriya can be hot and humid. Midday temperatures can soar, so it is better to avoid tackling the Lion Rock then and go for early morning or late afternoon if you are not a morning person!
Essential items to carry for the climb
It is wise to wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Shorts and a moisture-wicking t-shirt or shirt are ideal. If you want to take fancy Instagram shots at the top, maybe carry your extra clothing in your bag and pop it on top of your clothes when you get to the summit of the rock.
While I have seen people climb up in flip flops and even heels (!), it will be easier and safer to wear trainers, walking or hiking shoes. I wore Merrell Kahuna Sport Sandals which were perfect.
If it is really hot, wear a hat or baseball cap to avoid getting heatstroke. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Pop all your personal belongings like your camera, snacks, wallet, and water in a small backpack. It might be worth taking a rain poncho with you in case of a sudden shower.
Whatever bag to take, make sure you can close it. The monkeys on the way up tend to have light fingers and will try to pinch anything they can. I take an Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack which folds away to a small pouch when I am not using it.
Don’t forget to take a water bottle with you to keep you hydrated as you climb. There are no stalls or shops on the way up or on the top, so get everything before you start.
There are also no loos apart from at the main entrance.
How much time do you need to climb Sigiriya?
This really does depend on your fitness levels and how many stops you take. You also have to factor in how fast other people are climbing. Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours to do the Sigiriya hike justice. If you have a private or tuk tuk driver, ask them to wait for you in the carpark where there is shade and places to get a snack.
Physical Fitness Requirements
I know this is the one thing that always worries me… am I fit enough to make it to the top?
The climb to the top of Lion Rock does involve going up a series of stairs, some of them are quite steep. I would reckon a moderate level of fitness is best. When I first climbed Lion Rock in 2022, I admit I wasn’t very fit and arrived at the top rather red-faced and a bit out of breath, but I managed it. Just take it slowly and you will get there.
If however, you have mobility issues, health conditions or really do not like heights, it might be worth giving climbing Lion Rock a miss. Maybe chat with your doctor before you leave for Sri Lanka.
You might also like: Why Amazing Sri Lanka Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Entry tickets and fees
There is an entrance ticket to pay which you must do before entering the Sigiriya complex.
The entrance fee for foreigners and Sri Lankan nationals do vary. I know the extra cost for foreigners can be frustrating, but I think the experience of climbing Lion Rock justifies it.
Currently (January 2025) the price for an entrance ticket for a foreigner is US$ 35. Cash is more acceptable (dollars or Sri Lankan Rupee) so remember to bring enough to buy the tickets you need, though there is an ATM at the entrance. Your ticket price includes entrance to the Sigiriya Museum
Security measures and regulations
Before you enter the grounds, you will have to go through a security checkpoint. There is one line for locals and another for foreigners. Sometimes they check your passport, so have it handy.
Your bag and belongings will be checked. Items that are prohibited are things like large backpacks, sharp objects and drones. Much as the drone shots from the summit would be amazing, drones are not allowed.
Tour guides and audio guides
Wandering the site on your own can be enjoyable and there are explanation boards along the way. However, if you want to delve deeper into the historical and cultural significance of Lion Rock, you can hire a knowledgeable tour guide.
You can also rent an audio guide at the ticket counter, giving you recorded information at different points of interest along the climb. I have to admit I haven’t seen anyone with these, but it is an option.
Climbing Lion Rock
Now that you have your tickets, guide if you are using one, and security all in place, it is time to make your way to the base and start your climb.
There are over 1,200 steps to the top of Lion Rock and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, so it is wise to pace yourself. It is not a particularly difficult hike, but depending on the time of day you climb, it is good to take some breaks.
Entrance through the Water Garden to the Boulder Gardens
The first part is quite gentle as you walk from the entrance through the Water Garden to the Boulder Gardens. There are a few sets of steps and it is a relaxing walk along the pathways through the manicured lawns and pools which are amongst the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
The view is awe-inspiring as the Lion Rock appears in front of you. The long straight red cinder path leads your eye towards the rock. It is perfect for an Instagram shot, even if you have to wait for everyone to get out of your way!
The Boulder Gardens to The Lion Terrace
Just before you get to the Boulder Arch, there are two natural caves on either side of the pathway. The caves were prepared as places for the Sangha (followers of Buddha’s teachings) during the first Buddhist monastery phase before King Kashyapa, dating back to 477 AD.
On the wall of the left cave is an early Brahmi script and a limestone seat which would have been used by meditating Buddhist monks.
Climbing the steps through the Boulder Arch, you feel as if you are entering the fortress. The climb up from the Boulder Gardens to the Lion Terrace starts on steps cut into the rock. Be careful they may be a bit slippy if there has been rain.
After that, there is a metal staircase with handrails. Just below the Lion Terrace is a lower terrace where you can take a breather and marvel at the views.
The Lion Terrace
When you get to the Lion Terrace you will find shade and places to sit and admire the two colossal lion paws which flank the next set of steps. It is not known what happened to the rest of the lion, but the paws remain guarding the entrance to the palace. They create a natural Lion Gate – and another great place for Instagram shots!
Opposite the lion’s paw, through the trees, you can see Pidurangala Rock. About the same height as Lion Rock, it is a great place to either watch the sunrise or sunset over Sigiriya (and if you are on a tight budget is a less expensive climb for budget travelers).
You can take a break at the Lion Terrace before the final ascent to the top of Sigiriya rock fortress.
The Summit
As you go up, the metal staircase is split in two. Keep to the right as you go up. The stairs have bannisters to hold on to and wire mesh sides.
When you round the corner on the last staircase to the summit, you may be a little disappointed at the brick construction in front of you. If you just walk a little further up, you will see the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lush green countryside.
Not only that, you see the layout of the royal palace and realise the vastness of the site. Take some time to walk around the different levels. See where they took showers, the massive throne, and the layout of the rooms and buildings At the the swimming pool, you can even dip your feet in and get a fish pedicure!
I am still in awe of how it was built and functioned over 1,500 years ago, it rightly deserves it name of the Sky Palace.
When you are ready to descend, you can make your way back down the metal staircase and take the walkway towards the Mirror Wall. The walkway is one of the best places for an Instagram shot with the rock on one side and the landscape and surrounding area beyond.
The Mirror Wall
The “Mirror Wall” is a highly polished wall on the rock face like a mirror. It was originally used for reflecting light and as a defensive feature with light reflecting off it.
It also has great literary significance for the Sinhala language. Over the centuries – roughly the 7th – 13th centuries AD – ancient inscriptions and graffiti have been left by travellers who admired the location, views and the palace. These are now protected by wire so you cannot mark your presence, so please do not even think about it!
The Sigiriya Frescoes
Just past the mirror wall is a spiral staircase taking you up to a sheltered pocket of the rock. On the rock walls are depict vibrant paintings of celestial maidens. The Sigiriya Frescoes were painted over 1,600 years ago and are of King Kasyapa’s harem. They are adorned in the finest jewellery and even after all this time the colours are rich and clear. Although only a few frescoes remain, they are a remarkable display of ancient artistry and skill.
The area is protected from the sun, wind and rain to preserve it. Photography is also forbidden and you could face a heavy fine if you take any photos. There is a guard on duty to make sure.
Back Down Again
After seeing the frescoes, you can make your way back down, which is a lot easier than climbing up.
You can take time to wander through the gardens, or head back to your vehicle. There are several stalls selling Sigiriya souvenirs, water and other Sri Lanka gifts.
Sigiriya Lion Rock: History
So how did an ancient fortress end up at the top of the Lion Rock?
Before it was an ancient palace, the rock caves and shelters around Sigiriya were used as a Buddhist Monastery. The Buddhist monks lived in the caves and carved channels that were used to stop dri This was from around the 3rd Century BC to the 1st Century AD.
Roll forward to 455 – 473 AD, when King Dhatusena ruled Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as it was then). He had two sons; Kasyapa and Moggallana. Kasayapa, the elder son, was born to a non-royal concubine. However, Moggallana was his son with the royal consort, which made him the rightful heir to the throne.
Kasayapa decided to overthrow his father, usurp his brother and make himself King. At the time the capital of was Anuradhapura, but Kasayapa moved it and made Sigiriya the new capital.
So where better to have your palace complex than on top of a 200-metre-high hulk of granite in the middle of the jungle? It would protect Kasyapa from any possible attack from Moggallana. The reign of King Kasyapa lasted from 477 to 495 AD.
In 495 AD, King Kashyapa’s army was defeated during a battle with the army of his brother Moggallana. Kashyapa took his own life rather than face imprisonment or being killed.
After his death, the Lion Rock Fortress was used, once again, as a monastery until it was abandoned in the 14th century. It is now viewed as one to the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
UNESCO World Heritage Site status
The Ancient City of Sigiriya was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1982:
“The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.” – source UNESCO World Heritage Site
Other Attractions near Sigiriya
Sigiriya Museum
Near the entrance to the complex is the Sigiriya Museum. Your entrance ticket includes entry to the museum, though you can buy a ticket for the museum and not climb Lion Rock.
There is an amazing array of objects that have been discovered through archaeological digs including items from King Kashyapa’s time. There are photographs, a model of the site and a recreation of the frescoes.
It is a fascinating introduction if you go before your climb, or a way of putting everything in perspective if you go after.
Pidurangala Rock
For an amazing view of Sigiriya, head over to Pidurangala. It is a more difficult climb than the Sigiriya rock climb and a bit more of a hike, but well worth a day trip.
For the budget-conscious, it is less expensive. Women will need to take a sarong and to cover their shoulders as there is a Buddhist temple near the entrance. This can be rented from the ticket office. Once you have passed it, you can remove the sarong and continue your climb. On the way up, there is a reclining Buddha statue.
There is a tricky bit of climbing at the summit. Once you get to the top of Pidurangala, you will have awesome views of Sigiriya and realise the climb was worth it.
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Just over an hour’s drive from Sigiriya is the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, another of the UNESCO sites in Sri Lanka.
The site is vast, and really you could spend the whole day here. Visit the Royal Palace, the Council Chamber, the Royal Baths and much more. Even the Lankatilaka Vihara with the Headless Buddha where Duran Duran shot some of their “Save a Prayer” video. The video also featured some stunning aerial views of Sigariya.
Where to Stay near Lion Rock in Sigiriya
Two of my favourite places to stay near Sigiriya are Jetwing Vil Uyana and Aliya Resort & Spa. Both are luxury resorts, but very different. Vil Uyana is set in beautiful tranquil paddy fields and the Aliya Resort & Spa has amazing views of Sigiriya.
Other places to stay near Sigiriya
Use this Sri Lanka Travel Tips to plan your adventure!
- Plan your trip with these Sri Lanka Travel Guides.
- Get the best deals on flights with Skyscanner.
- Find the perfect place to stay in Sri Lanka on Booking.com.
- Buy your e-sim before you go with Airalo.
- Explore more about Sri Lanka with local experiences.
- Don’t forget to arrange your travel insurance.
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