Sigiriya

The Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

This iconic fortress from the 5th Century AD, centred in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, is known as the 8th wonder of the world.

The ancient city of Sigiriya aka the Lion Rock was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982 and is a premier, must-do destination in Sri Lanka. The beautifully landscaped gardens, gravity driven fountains, architecture, and wall paintings serve as a showcase of the creativity and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lankans.

200m high palace with 1,200 steps

The citadel on top of Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa to protect himself from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne.

The rise to power by patricide made Kashyapa paranoid, leading him to develop Sigiriya rock into a complex city and fortress. After his defeat at the hands of his brother, the fortress served as a monastery till the 14th century, when it was abandoned for unknown reasons. It was briefly used as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy between the 16th and 17th centuries before being abandoned again.

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

History of Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that was envisioned and created by King Kashyapa. This site features landscaped gardens, water features and cave paintings. The ruins of the palaces on the ground and on top of the rock are a clue to what this once glorious stronghold would have looked like.

Sigiriya Boulder Gardens

As you make your way towards the towering Sigiriya Rock, you’ll first walk through a series of beautiful gardens. The water gardens, cave & boulder gardens, and terraced gardens at Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, so take your time to explore and appreciate them!

Sigiriya Water Fountains

There are 4 water fountains in the water garden. This engineering marvel has no mechanical parts and uses an ingenious system to create pressure for the fountains to work. Apart from their beauty, the fact that they work 1,500 years later, is a testament to the brilliance of the engineers.

Sigiriya Frescoes

After passing the gardens, you’ll climb a winding staircase that leads up to the frescoes painted on the Sigiriya cave walls. It’s believed that, originally, the paintings would have covered the entire face of Sigiriya, but the ravages of time have since destroyed a vast majority of them.

Sigiriya Mirror Wall

Past the Sigiriya Frescoes, you will walk alongside the Mirror Wall. In Kashyapa’s time, this was a heavily polished wall which was so mirror-like that people were able to see their reflection in it. Visitors across the centuries have left their mark on the wall, as notes and poems.

Sigiriya Lion's Paw

At the Northern end is the final ascent to the top. The 5th-century lion head that once towered over this entrance has been lost to the ages, and all that remains now are the steps and the lion’s paws. The summit is reached via a series of sturdy metal stairs.

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

14 days / 13 nights

The Sri Lankan Food Safari

During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved...

19 days / 18 nights

The Definitive Architecture Tour of Sri Lanka

This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...

15 days / 14 nights

Discovering Geoffrey Bawa and Sri Lanka

This Geoffrey Bawa discovery tour will take you on a journey of Bawa’s greatest works, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

8 days / 7 nights

Sri Lanka at a Glance

A great escape for the traveller seeking a short holiday in Sri Lanka covering key Wildlife and Cultural highlights.

15 days / 14 nights

A Tropical Wellness Journey in Sri Lanka

On this 2 week wellness break you will experience a carefully curated programme, designed to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul featuring bespoke, traditional...

8 days / 7 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 8 days

This holiday will take you on a quick journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting...

14 days / 13 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 14 days

This holiday will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

21 days / 20 nights

21 Days – Sri Lanka in Depth

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...

14 days / 13 nights

An Island Romance

Whether you are newlyweds or a couple rekindling their romance, this honeymoon holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect getaway! Experience breath-taking locations, luxurious...

14 days / 13 nights

Picture Perfect Holiday

This photography holiday will take you on a wonderful journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

14 days / 13 nights

All Aboard the Grand Sri Lankan Tour!

This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you...

10 days / 9 nights

Sri Lanka Highlights

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will cover most of the cultural, historical and entertaining highlights that Sri Lanka has to...

13 days / 12 nights

Arts, Culture and Everything Between

This art discovery tour will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s aesthetic aspects, and along the way you will have...

13 days / 12 nights

Sri Lankan Highlights & Pristine Maldives

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will cover most of the cultural, historical and entertaining highlights that Sri Lanka has to...

14 days / 13 nights

Tales of Sri Lanka ; Family Vacation

We have handpicked a variety of hotels with family or interconnected rooms mostly with swimming pools. You will spend minimum time to get to...

10 days / 9 nights

Two wheels are all you need!

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

3 - 4 Hours

Greatest Elephant Gathering Safari – Minneriya National Park

Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

3 hours

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Journey and Champagne Breakfast

Explore the skies of Dambulla heritage city in a hot air balloon, and watch the first rays of the sun gently kiss the misty...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

3 Hours

An Authentic Sri Lankan Rural Village Experience

Experience the authentic way of life, traditions, and livelihood of a typical Sri Lankan village with this holistic, non-touristic excursion.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

3 Hours

Red Soil & Water. Authentic Pottery Experience

Witness the ancient Sri Lankan art of clay pottery-making dating back thousands of years

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

4 hours

The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family

Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya

Dambulla

4 Hours

Bear Woods Safari and Lakeside Tea Time – Wasgamuwa National Park

‘Wasgamuwa’ is derived from ‘Walas Gamuwa’, meaning Bear Woods. So, if you visit the sloth bear woods today, why not enjoy a lakeside picnic...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Kandy

4 - 5 Hours

Cycle in the Shadows of the 5th Century Rock Fortress – Sigiriya

Uncover hidden villages while cycling around the 8th wonder of the world – Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

The Other Corner

Situated on a sizable 5-acre property close to the village of Habarana, these chalets are concealed from view, providing seclusion and sanctuary while you...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

BOB Pidurangala

This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya Jungles

Escape to a world where you can live luxuriously and embark on explorations to learn more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

EKHO Sigiriya

Considered one of the favourite stays in Sigiriya mainly for its location, .EKHO Sigiriya is in a destination like no other. Once the seat...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Aliya Resort & Spa

Celebrating one of Sri Lanka's most beloved animals, the elephant ('Aliya' in Sinhala), the Aliya Resort & Spa is set in the lush forests...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Heritance Kandalama

The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya Jungles

Escape to a world where you can live luxuriously and embark on explorations to learn more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Ayurvie Sigiriya Retreat

Ayurvie Sigiriya is a Sri Lankan retreat that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Kalundewa Retreat

Tucked away in a lovely 100-acre area, you might want to refer to this Dambulla hotel as your heavenly hideaway.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Ulpotha Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat

Go stay in Ulpotha if you need to restore your emotional, spiritual, or physical state.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Jetwing Lake

In front of Jetwing Lake lies the Siyambalawewa Tank in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. The hotel is illuminated by the constant sunshine that permeates...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Amaara Forest Sigiriya

Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Water Garden Sigiriya

Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...

Sigiriya

Vil Uyana

Overlooking King Parakramabahu I’s artificial lake, emerged in forest that speaks of so much history, Jetwing Vil Uyana sits amidst paddy lands and reed...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Heritance Kandalama

The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya

The Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

This iconic fortress from the 5th Century AD, centred in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, is known as the 8th wonder of the world.

200m high palace with 1,200 steps

The citadel on top of Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa to protect himself from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne.

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

History of Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya Boulder Gardens

Sigiriya Water Fountains

Sigiriya Frescoes

Sigiriya Mirror Wall

Sigiriya Lion's Paw

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

14 days / 13 nights

19 days / 18 nights

15 days / 14 nights

8 days / 7 nights

15 days / 14 nights

8 days / 7 nights

14 days / 13 nights

21 days / 20 nights

14 days / 13 nights

14 days / 13 nights

14 days / 13 nights

10 days / 9 nights

13 days / 12 nights

13 days / 12 nights

14 days / 13 nights

10 days / 9 nights

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

3 - 4 Hours

3 hours

3 Hours

3 Hours

4 hours

4 Hours

4 - 5 Hours

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

Private Touring

Exclusive, private and customised just for you

Every journey with Experiential Journeys is a privately guided tour and there’s room for spontaneity too!