Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா/சிங்ககிரி, pronounced see-gi-ri-yə) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 metres (590 ft) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Sinhapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City).
Monday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Thursday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Friday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Saturday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Sunday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Vladimir Davydov | Apr 14, 2018
Sigiriya Lion Rock is “Eighth Wonder of the World”, symbol of Sri Lanka. When I saw first time this view I stopped and my breath was stopped too. I didn’t move few hours (as I thought). I didn’t see anything before. Rock in the sky. Great history great place. I loved Sri Lanka with all my heart. I'll try to get back here as soon as I can.
Iromi Nawarathna | Apr 25, 2018
Amazing 360 view from the summit. Worth watching ancient arts. Have to be careful with steel stair case which has gaps between steps.Hence rainy days cannot be recommended. Restaurants near by need improvements regards to food quality,test and sanitary facilities.
giffarine indonesia | Mar 26, 2018
We did not reach the top. Only half way up. Still worth the climb. The climb to the mid section is a bit steep. I suggest to take the different path (the exit path from the mid section). Use guide is better, rate is negotiable, i got mind for 2000 rupee. Beware of street vendor and people who trying to offer help. And when you take picture with snake vendor, ask for price first before you do. Overall, is okay and worth the visit.
Elliot Ebeid | Mar 21, 2018
Incredible part of Sri Lanka, and well worth the visit. Expect a lot of people and waiting at various stages and also to be in the midst of thousands of school children. Ensure that you wear comfortable shoes and ones that have grip as the walk up are on stairs that are a bit worn and steel steps that have smoothed with age. Also, ensure you have water as there’s no vendors inside the site. Skip the tours, heard three different guides say different things to people passing me. Enjoy the site and soak up the feeling of the place and a quick google search will tell you everything you need to know about the place in 10 mins. Lastly, explore off the beaten track a bit, there’s some lovely areas that are quieter and quite picturesque.
Nicholas Eagle | Apr 2, 2018
As many others have said the cost of entry against locals is such a big gap, 4650 each which works out about £20 per person. The walk is not difficult and I'd say very safe... It's all railed off and at the higher points you have hand rails to hold onto. There is a halfway point where you can stop and enjoy the view before you make you way to the top. Worth going the extra distance to see the view... Considering the cost of entry ;) all in all good but could be a little cheaper.
Gohulan | Jun 6, 2018
A unique climbing experience right smack in the midst of a Dambulla. The views from Sigiriya Rock were just beautiful. We went further up the hill and enjoyed a hike or there were creeks and a mix of shady and sunny trails.
Steven Pakasathanan | May 18, 2018
Must have been place in the world! Really a great view with a fantastic atmosphere. Be careful of monkeys, they can rob your stuff ;) I can also recommend not to climb the Sigiriya Rock by itself. Rather you go up the Hill which is in front of the Sigiriya Rock, so that you have a better view straight to Sigiriya. Take a look a my pictures, so you might understand why :)
Amit Sinha | Jun 8, 2018
Good footwear, hat and sun cream are recommended for the 1,200 step ascent. We took things gently, working our way up several levels and stopping regularly to take in the stunning views and look at the frescoes which adorn the western side of the rock. A spiral staircase led us to frescoes in the Cobra Hood Cave which have been well preserved and are believed to be over 1,500 years old. The maidens are depicted in religious rituals and some believe they represent the many wives of the king.
Lakhwinder Singh | May 12, 2018
It is a wonderful experience having climbed the rock. The view from the top is breathtaking. Although I climbed the rock after the noon when it is 32 degrees these days, I wouldn't suggest anyone from the cold countries to try that, it is very dehydrating and you need a lot of water on your way up. These are around 1200 steps going to the top. It's not very hard, but you need strong will not to give up in the middle. Still, view from the middle where you see lion paws is awesome.. :)
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