Sigiriya Travel Guide: Explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heart & Iconic Lion Rock
- Kate Colliety
- Jul 28
- 13 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Sigiriya has to be one of the most iconic destinations in Sri Lanka and surely on everyone's Sri Lanka Itinerary. Home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock named Lion Rock or Lion’s Rock, visitors flock to complete sunrise and sunset hikes.
When researching our trip the photos of Sigiriya drew us in and predictably (we’re suckers for a good photo), a few months later we were standing in the cultural jewel of Sri Lanka.
Unfortunately, as budget backpackers our funds didn’t stretch to climbing Lion’s Rock, instead we beelined for Pidurangala, a similar rock without the fortress or price tag! In fact, you get to view Lion’s Rock from above and see the classic screensaver view that convinced us to visit.
We then spent a lovely couple of days exploring the surrounding area, using the town of Sigiriya as our base. There’s lots to do in Sigiriya and the surrounding area of Dambulla, both are part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle which is full of archaeological sites, temples and cultural and historical significance.
Below we share our top Sigiriya Itineraries, top things to do including attractions not often visited by tourists, where to stay and where to eat!
Best Time To Visit Sigiriya
Luckily, Sigiriya is in the ‘dry zone’ meaning it’s less affected by the monsoons and has a steady climate of 23-30°C. The best time to visit Sigiriya is between January and April. These months receive minimal rainfall making it perfect for hiking. During peak season crowds will grow and hotel prices increase.
Therefore, we visited in November, apparently the wettest month in Sigiriya, sometimes we’re not the best at planning, but we had dry weather in the morning perfect for our sunrise Pidurangala hike at 6am then stormy weather building up over the afternoon. For us hiking and visiting attractions with fewer people warrants the occasional downpour.
Discover The Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka!
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How To Get To Sigiriya
Getting to Sigiriya from major Sri Lankan cities is straightforward using local buses, with Dambulla serving as the main transport hub. Here's your complete guide to reaching Sigiriya by bus.
From Kandy To Sigiriya
From Kandy the bus you want to catch is the number 41 heading to Dambulla which costs 500 LKR and takes 2 hours. At Dambulla bus station change to a local bus that takes 20 minutes to Sigiriya and departs once an hour (100 LKR). If you're using Kandy as your base check out this day tour.
Tip: Get off at Inamaluwa Junction (ask the conductor - it's about 10km before Dambulla town). Cross to the left side of the road and flag down any Sigiriya-bound bus. This saves 30-40 minutes and costs only 80 LKR.
From Colombo To Sigiriya
From Colombo bus station a few routes pass through Dambulla, including buses to Anuradhapura (#15), Kaduruwela (#48) and Trincomalee (#49). When navigating the buses we find it best to ask around to find the next one that departs. Expect to pay 200-300 LKR and allow 4-5 hours for your journey. Once in Dambulla a local bus (100 LKR) or taxi will take you the remaining 20 minutes or book this airport transfer to Dambulla.
Short on time? Book this day tour from Colombo to Sigiriya.
From Anuradhapura To Sigiriya
There are buses from Anuradhapura to Dambulla (#15 towards Colombo) that takes 2 hours and costs 300 LKR. Again, from Dambulla take a local bus or taxi the rest of the way to Sigiriya.
Looking For An Adventure? Hire Your Own Tuktuk
As much as we love navigating local transport, by far the best way to travel Sri Lanka is in your own steed aka a hired tuktuk! By hiring your own vehicle you get the freedom to travel where you want, when you want.
For us it is also the best adventure we have done to date and can’t recommend it enough! Use our code KandM for 5% off tuktuk rental. We drove to Sigiriya from Kandy and stopped off for one night in Dambulla, allowing us to see the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in Asia.
Where To Stay: Dambulla or Sigiriya?
Originally, we planned to base ourselves in Sigiriya to explore the area, however after a mishap and breaking both our phones, we had to head to Kandy to get them fixed. This meant we left later than we wanted and would have to drive in the dark to reach Sigiriya. Instead of gambling our lives with drunk drivers and trucks with no headlights we stopped over in Dambulla.
Although this wasn’t the plan we can now share whether you should base yourself in Dambulla or Sigiriya for your visit.
Overall, we think staying in Sigiriya is better and more catered to tourists but it depends on your travel style. Stay in Dambulla if you want an authentic local experience, but choose Sigiriya to be close to attractions like Lion’s Rock, restaurants and other travellers. Many travellers stay in Sigiriya and take a day trip to Dambulla, as it's only 20 minutes away and we think this is the best base for exploring the surrounding area.
Sigiriya Itineraries
2-Day Sigiriya Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Sigiriya and settle in. If you arrive in the morning you could join an afternoon Safari to Minneriya National Park which is home to large herds of elephants and takes 3-4 hours. As we entered Sigiriya a safari sign greeted us with African Savannah animals, zebras, lions etc… We found this hilarious although misleading but you will see wild animals, native to Sri Lanka.
Enjoy dinner in the centre of town, we recommend Soul Food, a vegan and veggie restaurant with views of Lion’s Rock, before heading to bed early in preparation for your Sigiriya sunrise hike.
Day 2
Wake up early (5am) and climb Lion’s Rock or if you’re on a budget climb Pidurangala. This is the perfect start to the morning and often when you return homestays provide a delicious local breakfast.
Head to the centre of Sigiriya for lunch then hire a tuktuk or drive to Dambulla, where you can explore the Cave Temple. The cave temple has 5 different caves dating back to 100 BC and is a prominent spiritual place for Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Entrance costs 2000 LKR and the site is open from 7am to 7pm, making this a great spot to watch the sunset.
Return back to Sigiriya to enjoy dinner and an early night, which is much needed after the Pidurangala Sunrise hike.
3-Day Sigiriya Itinerary
Day 3
If you have an extra day we’d recommend going to visit the Rose Quartz Mountains, which are a 30 minute tuktuk ride away. A shaded walk through the ironwood forests lead you to the largest Rose Quartz Mountain range in Asia. Although the rock isn’t bright pink it is still beautiful and a nice day trip from Sigiriya.
In the afternoon enjoy a tour round the traditional village in Sigiriya, where you'll experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life including traditional cooking demonstrations, bullock cart rides, and visits to local farming families.
Another thing that looks amazing is a hot air balloon ride over Sigiriya. This is something we would have loved to do. We’ve been on one hot air balloon ride before but floating over ancient fortresses and lush jungle would have definitely topped the flat landscape of Cambridgeshire.
Is A Day Trip To Sigiriya Worth It?
Yes, we think so! Sigiriya is not only architecturally and historically interesting, the surrounding landscape is beautiful. A day trip to climb Lion’s Rock or Pidurangala definitely should be on your Sri Lanka Itinerary!
Top Things To Do In Sigiriya
Want to create your own Sigiriya itinerary? We’ve put together a list of the top things to do so you can mix, match, and build your perfect trip.
Lion’s Rock aka Sigiriya Rock
The main reason everyone visits Sigiriya is to climb or see Lion’s Rock. The fortress that sits on top was built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, a strategic location, however it only lasted for 18 years. The hike up to the top takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and is a long winding staircase of stone steps.
Tickets to climb Sigiriya, which is usually done at sunrise or sunset for the best views and to avoid the heat, cost $36.
Many backpackers wince at this price tag, and so did we, so we opted to climb the cheaper Pidurangala Rock. Although it doesn’t have an ancient fortress perched on top we’d argue it has better views as you can admire Lion’s Rock in the morning light.
How To Get To Lion’s Rock?
Lion’s Rock is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Sigiriya, which you can either do yourself in a hired vehicle or take a tuktuk taxi which should cost 200 LKR. If you’re driving yourself, be aware elephants are active in the area, especially at dawn.
Sigiriya Museum
Included in the price of climbing Sigiriya Rock is the Sigiriya Museum. Here you can learn about the history, geology and architecture of the ancient city.
Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya is a must visit destination in Sri Lanka. A budget-friendly alternative to Lion’s Rock (1000 LKR/ $4) and incredible sunrise or sunset location. From the top of the 199m climb you are rewarded with sweeping views over dense greenery and an iconic view of Lion’s Rock (Sigiriya Rock).
The climb is easy to follow at the beginning, our head torches creating a narrow path of light as we scrambled up the steps. Even in the cool of dawn our backs began to sweat and heart rates quicken.
Once we reached the summit we enjoyed the sunrise which lit up Sigiriya Rock as well as woke up the resident monkeys. This is one of our top things to do in Sigiriya!
Pidurangala Rock is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Sigiriya, which you can either do yourself in a hired vehicle or take a tuktuk taxi which should cost 200 LKR.
Another popular thing to do is go on a safari to Minneriya National Park which is famous for its herd of elephants. We didn’t end up doing this as we drove the B35 Elephant Road instead to see wild elephants but if you don’t have your own transport, or want to risk getting trampled by an elephant this is a good safari choice.
Minneriya is less busy than Yala plus has a high chance of elephant sightings, we went on a safari around Wilpattu and didn’t see any, therefore we recommend Minneriya in Sigiriya for elephant safaris.
As you enter Sigiriya you will pass the traditional village experience that also includes a cooking class. We often skip these types of attractions, expecting them to be tourist traps but the reviews here are positive.
It includes a traditional cooking demonstration, bullock cart ride, and visit to local farming families.
Still Unsure? If you’re still unsure about the full village tour, then check out this Sri Lankan cooking class!
Day Trips From Sigiriya: Top Things To Do Near Sigiriya
The Dambulla caves in Sri Lanka have been designated with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and boast 5 caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues. The caves date back to around 100 BC and give a glimpse into the past.
The climb to the Dambulla Cave Temple involves around 360 steps, partially shaded but still challenging and best avoided during the heat of the day. Vendors line the path selling souvenirs, sarongs, and offerings, though we politely declined.
At the top, you’re rewarded with views over Dambulla town and surrounding farmland, plus peaceful gardens to explore before visiting the temple itself. At the top you need to cover your shoulders and knees as well as remove your shoes.
Inside the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, you'll find 5 richly decorated chambers that have been worshiped for over 2,000 years.
Tip: Wear trainers as Kate had to remove her birks on the way down to avoid slipping!
You can also explore the newer Golden Temple which is impossible to miss due to a giant golden Buddha sitting on top of it.
You can either catch the bus to Dambulla for 100 LKR or hire a tuktuk taxi. The drive takes 20 minutes.
Hidden away amongst Na trees, the national tree of Sri Lanka, is Asia's largest rose quartz mountain, Jathika Namal Uyana.
Locals and tourists visit Jathika Namal Uyana to explore the Na ironwood forests, which are bursting with life, the archeological ruins of an ancient monastery, and see the iconic pink mountain.
The mountain range appears pink due to the large amount of pink quartz which is estimated to be around 550 million years old. It has become a place of spiritual significance and is associated with love and healing.
The most convenient way to travel to the mountain range is via a private taxi or car. We hired a tuktuk and loved the scenic drive through rural villages. If you want to hire a tuktuk, we recommend tuktukrental.com (use code KandM for 5% off).
There are local buses from Dambulla, this would be best to ask around as we don’t actually know which one you need to catch.
Polonnaruwa
After the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 Polonnaruwa became the second capital of Sri Lanka. It was the central empire of Sri Lankan and home to the Sihalese Kingdom.
Exploring the site takes around 3-hours and you need to dress modestly, often removing shoes to explore inside buildings. The ruins include a vast number of temples, statues and buildings that have UNESCO World Heritage Site Status.
How To Get To Polonnaruwa From Sigiriya
The easiest way to visit Polonnaruwa is by tuktuk which will cost 10,000 LKR ($34), this also includes a drive around the ancient city and return trip.
Ritigala Archaeological Site
A less visited site is Ritigala, a mountain home to an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to the 1st century. Tickets are cheap at $5, however transport from Sigiriya costs around 5500 LKR ($20), unless you have your own. The climb up the mountain takes an hour where you follow a path passing the ruins.
This is a great budget alternative to Polonnaruwa if you have your own transport, without your own scooter, car or tuktuk we say miss this out and save the pennies for something else!
One thing we wished we did in Sigiriya is a hot air balloon ride. Seeing Lion’s Rock from above and the surrounding jungles really would be magical. We can imagine it looks like a movie set. Although we think this is one of the top things to do in Sigiriya it comes with a price tag of $200-$400.
If you’re not on a budget however you can book the hot air balloon ride here which usually starts in the morning at 5:30am and lasts 2 hours.
Aliya Resort and Spa is a top choice for couples seeking romance. The resort boasts a peaceful atmosphere with wellness-focused amenities such as a full-service spa, yoga classes, and an inviting outdoor pool. It offers gorgeous rooms with private balconies overlooking lush greenery.
This top 5 star hotel in Sigiriya offers a luxurious stay nestled in lush surroundings with spacious, elegantly decorated rooms. Perfect for couples and travellers wanting a luxury stay close to the iconic Sigiriya Rock. The onsite spa and pool provide relaxation after a day of exploration.
Best Mid-Range Hotels In Sigiriya
Sigiriya Kingdom Resort is a 4 star hotel that has spacious rooms with traditional decor and a family-friendly vibe. This resort is ideal for those travelling with kids or groups who want access to both Dambulla and Sigiriya. There is an indoor play area, kids’ pool and on-site parking, perfect if you’ve hired a car. The restaurant offers a wide range of cuisines suiting any palate.
Budget Places To Stay In Sigiriya
Another World Hostel is a vibrant, budget-friendly option perfect for backpackers and solo travellers. Located close to Sigiriya Rock, it offers a lively social atmosphere with activities like hikes and bonfires. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a relaxing lounge, making it a great choice for budget-conscious adventurers who want comfort and community.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget like we were, Rangana Guest House is one of the cheapest places to stay in Sigiriya. We stayed here for two nights and it’s perfect if you have your own transport. It is only a short 5-minute drive into the busy street of restaurants and only a 15-minute drive to the start of the Pidurangala hike.
Best Places To Eat In Sigiriya
Open: 6am-11pm
Cuisines: Local & Western
We ate here on our second night in Sigiriya, our first night was mediocre food so we won’t recommend it. We loved the vibe here, there is an upstairs open to let in the breeze and they serve a variety of foods. After the failed fried rice the day before we fancied something more western and went for a sandwich that was delicious!
Open: 8am-9pm
Cuisines: Vegetarian and Vegan
Price Tag: 500-1000 LKR
Soul food is a vegan and veggie hotspot in Sigiriya. It has views of Lion’s Rock making it the perfect lunch spot. They do a mean jackfruit burger as well as mushroom wraps and smoothie bowls.
Open: 7:30am-10:30pm
Cuisines: Local Sri Lankan
If you want authentic Sri Lankan food then we recommend the rice and curry at Wijesiri Family Restaurant. They give you a generous plate of rice with a delicious array of vegetables to try!
Tip: Some of the best breakfast food we had was from our homestay hosts. We were regularly cooked fresh coconut roti, egg hoppers and dhal plus given fresh juice!
Best Sigiriya Tours
How Much Did We Spend Visiting Sigiriya?
We spent two days exploring Sigiriya and the surrounding area, with a total cost of £69.63 for both of us (£34.82 per person). The biggest expenses were the activities
Accommodation was incredibly budget-friendly at just £5.61 per night for our homestay (Rangana Guest House), where we enjoyed authentic Sri Lankan breakfasts.
Food costs were reasonable, averaging £8-9 per day for both of us, including restaurant meals and snacks, although we had better food elsewhere in Sri Lanka. We think Sigiriya has become a bit too touristy and western cuisines are starting to take over.
This works out to roughly £18 per person per day.
Do not ride the elephants, unfortunately we saw two young kids on an elephant riding experience. These are unethical and we advise you not to do this!
Hire a tuktuk! We found our tuktuk was the best way to get around, giving us freedom to see what we liked, when we liked!
If you’re on a budget skip Lion’s rick and climb Pidurangala instead.
Don’t miss out on other attractions nearby such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and Rose Quartz Mountains.
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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