Things to see in Sigiriya
There are three key things to see in Sigiriya. All of which require you to be reasonably active, &/or enjoy walking…
The main places to visit are:
- Pidurangala Rock
- Sigiriya Rock (also known as Lion Rock)
- The Dambulla Cave Temple Complex
It is actually possible to do all three in one day (as I did). If you do this, then be prepared for a fair bit of hiking. Even the temple complex has a bit of a steep climb to the top.
You will require around 1.5 hours for each of these three activities. Obviously depends on your fitness level, but I would say that this gives you ample time to take a gentle speed up & down. It also leaves you enough time to hang around & explore at the summit & around the caves at The Dambulla Cave Temple Complex.
Whether you are staying in Dambulla or Sigiriya to explore the area (see my weigh-up here on which area to stay in), you can hit all of these within a day or two. Dambulla & Sigiriya are just under a 40 minute drive away from one another.
1. Sigiriya Rock
As one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks & a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock offers a well-maintained climb via steps.
At the summit, you’ll discover the remnants of a 5th-century palace along with breath-taking 360-degree views.
The entrance fee for international visitors is 10,000 LKR, which is a little pricy for the area! If you are willing to pay that, I would say it is well worth it to see the impressive ruins at the top (& a few monkeys on the way up).
2. Pidurangala Rock
Just a 25-minute walk from Sigiriya, Pidurangala offers a more rugged & adventurous ascent. The hike is complete with some light scrambling near the top.
It’s far less crowded & costs only 1,000 LKR to enter, making it the budget-friendly choice.
The summit rewards climbers with stunning panoramic views, including a clear vantage point of Sigiriya Rock itself.
If you would like to read my full Sigiriya vs. Pidurangala Rock analysis, then you can read it here.
You’re fine to hike up in shorts, but do make sure to take a scarf or something to cover your legs as there is a small temple that you pass on the way up.
3. Dambulla Cave Temple Complex
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a series of intricately decorated caves filled with carvings, statues & frescoes of Buddha from 1st century BC.
The climb to the caves is a moderate hike, but the spiritual atmosphere & the impressive ancient murals make it worth the effort.
Make sure to cover your shoulders & knees here, as these are Buddhist temples.
Things to see in Sigiriya
When visiting Sigiriya, be sure to climb at least one of the rocks & to visit The Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. You can easily hail down a TukTuk to get between the sites.
Sigiriya also has a sweet road of cafes & restaurants on Sigiriya Road, if you’re looking for somewhere to stop for lunch. I recommend a sweet little spot called Pradeep Restaurant. They offer local food & a nice viewing point of the street, where you can watch elephants walking up & down the parade.
Enjoy your trip!
