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Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle

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The ancient rock fortress and palace of Sigiriya (aka Lions Rock) is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. It has also been declared by UNESCO as the 8th Wonder of the world.

Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. From the 5th century BC, the fortress was used as a rock shelter mountain monastery, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha.

It is thought that the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) and most of the elaborate constructions on the rock summit date back to this period as well as defensive structures, palaces and gardens. There was even a royal bathing pool on the summit, which still fills with rain water.

An interesting feature of Sigiriya is the Mirror Wall. Made of a kind of porcelain, this wall was originally so well polished that the King could see his reflection as he walked alongside it. Today, the wall is partially covered with verses scribbled by visitors to the rock, some of which date from the 8th century. Similarly, the wall frescoes are clouded in mystery and the subject of many a legend.

Whether you are keen on art and history or not, a visit to Sigirya is a must for all to see the breath-taking views.

Sigiriya is a half day tour and generally best visited during the early morning or the late afternoon, when the sun is at its least fierce. It's a spectacular trip with something to tickle everybody's imagination. Due to the spiral staircase and flat rock surface the trip may be challenging for anyone without a head for heights.

Our trip to sigiriya in particular was fantastic - our guide spoke excellent English and was brilliant with the children.

Nicola, April 2013

Sigiriya rock a must of course and very interesting half day spent climbing it and enjoying the view.

Chris & Jane, February 2013

Sigiriya - go very early to escape the worse of the touts - a shock after being so off the tourist trail.

Diana, October 2012

Sigiriya Where else would you go to celebrate your 50th birthday - I'll never forget it - a great experience and the climb, whilst a bit hairy in places was not a difficult climb.

Gary, September 2012

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Map centered on Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

CURIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO SRI LANKA

Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.

Download Now

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Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
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    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
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