The Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's Palace in the Clouds
Looking for the ultimate guide to Sigiriya? From all your essential travel information to what to know before you go, the main things to see and do at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, plus responsible travel tips, accommodation recommendations and more, we’ve got you covered!
UPDATED - July 2024
Rising from the lush jungle cover of Sri Lanka's central plains, Sigiriya Rock is truly a breathtaking sight to behold.
This towering 200m sheer rock, thrust upwards from an otherwise flat landscape and often skirted by a veil of mist that shrouds it in mystery, is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
And a wonder it is, given that it’s both a geological marvel billions of years old and also home to an ancient palace and fortress built in the 5th century by a greedy King.
Today, Lion Rock, as it's affectionately known, is steeped in human myth and legend about Kings and monks, triumphs and defeats, and the historical importance of Buddhism to the local area.
For travellers seeking to understand the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, a visit to Sigiriya (and neighbouring Pidurangala) is a must-do.
Hiking to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to explore the ancient ruins and enjoy the vistas over the misty forests, lakes and villages below has become somewhat of a rite of passage for travellers to Sri Lanka, and something we think every visitor to the country should do.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting Sigiriya, including essential travel information, what to know before you go, what to see while you’re there, plus responsible travel tips, accommodation recommendations, and day trips from Sigiriya to nearby Sri Lankan highlights.
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SIGIRIYA PLANNING GUIDE
WHERE | Sigiriya Rock Fortress, central Sri Lanka
HOW TO GET THERE | Book your transport here
ACCOMMODATION | Stay at Hotel Sigiriya, Lakmini Lodge or Back of Beyond Pidurangala
WHAT TO SEE | Sigiriya summit, Royal Gardens, Mirror Wall, Lion Paw staircase
BEYOND SIGIRIYA | Explore Dambulla Cave Temple, Kaudulla National Park, or Polonnaruwa historic site
SIGIRIYA ROCK TRAVEL GUIDE | FEE, OPENING HOURS & WHEN TO VISIT
SIGIRIYA ROCK HISTORY
Sigiriya’s history is long and varied; once the volcanic plug of a long-dead and eroded volcano more than two billion years old, it’s been home to Mesolithic humans and reclusive Buddhist monks and has been theorised by some historians as the Alkamandava or City of Gods, described in the ancient Sanskrit Ramayanaya
But it’s the murderous tale of the 5th century King Kashyapa I, that saw Sigiriya suddenly rise to spectacular prominence in Sri Lanka’s history. See, what happens when you’re the ambitious —but illegitimate — eldest son of the King, and your younger (but more legitimate) brother, Mogallana, is the rightful heir to the throne?
You hatch a plan to kill your father by imprisoning him behind a wall and exile your brother to India before assuming the throne yourself, of course!
King Kasyapa knew that this wasn't likely to be the end of the story though, and that his brother would eventually summon an army to reclaim what was rightfully his. In preparation, he moved the capital from the ancient (and flat) city of Anuradhapura, transforming the unlikely rock into an immense resting lion staircase, stately palace, and elegant gardens.
The King’s Palace in the Clouds would only last 18 years though; eventually, his forces were defeated and Kashyapa died (by suicide or murder remains to be seen) in 495 AD. The fortress was eventually passed back to monks, while his legacy has millions of tourists flocking to its wonders each year
SIGIRIYA ROCK ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING HOURS
Entry to Sigiriya is USD $36 per person (as of 2024).
The Sigiriya ticket office is located on a side street next to the main fortress entrance (location here) and is open from 5:30 am - 5 pm (2024 opening hours).
It’s easily missed, so make sure you visit this first to purchase your tickets before you make your way into the complex (don’t make the mistake of heading up the stairs without one, or you’ll need to turn around and retrace your steps again to get one!).
Payment is possible in both cash and by card (this differs from our first visit in 2016 which was cash only), and while there is a Bank of Ceylon ATM next to the ticket office, don’t rely on it working (it wasn’t when we were there).
Once you’ve purchased your ticket, head to the ticket scanning booth at the bridge over Sigiriya moat, before entering the complex.
There are also public toilets located next to the entrance.
IS THE SIGIRIYA TICKET PRICE WORTH IT?
There’s plenty of debate amongst travellers as to whether the (admittedly very steep) entrance fee for Sigiriya is worth it.
Obviously, it’s up to your budget and interests, but we visited on our first trip to Sri Lanka in 2016 and splurged on visiting the fortress with absolutely no regrets - it really is a super unique and interesting historic site akin to The Vatican in Rome, or Louvre in Paris - and no one has an issue paying an entrance fee there.
The entry fee for Sigiriya also includes entry to the Sigiriya Museum, which explains the ancient city’s history and some of its top attractions.
The fees for entry at Sigiriya (and other cultural sites around Sri Lanka) all go into the Central Cultural Fund, which funds the maintenance, research, and conservation of monuments and sites all over the country.
While many people recommend heading to neighbouring — and much cheaper — Pidurangala (read our guide to Pidurangala here) for epic Sigiriya views instead, what Pidurangala lacks is the ancient history, frescoes, and beautiful grounds of its more expensive neighbour.
If exploring culture and history is something you love, we’d recommend making the visit to Sigiriya.
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT SIGIRIYA, SRI LANKA
Sigiriya is best visited during the dry season, between late December and early April, with March being the optimum in terms of visibility and weather conditions.
That said, this is also very much the hottest part of the year; we visited Sigiriya in mid-April and let’s just say there isn’t really an adjective to describe how stiflingly hot and humid it was, even by 8 am!
Pack as many fluids as you can, and sunscreen and a hat are necessities too.
Do also keep in mind that as this is also peak tourist season, large crowds should be expected. We’ve even heard stories about the stairs becoming so jammed that the 1-hour climb became more like 2-3!
THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya is open between 5:30 am - 6 - 6:30 pm each day (the ticket office closes at 5 pm - the exit time depends on many factors, but you’ll start to be ushered out at 6 pm).
We visited Sigiriya in the early morning when we went, but these days we’d actually recommend going at sunset for a number of reasons:
YOU’LL MISS SUNRISE ANYWAY | The gates open at 5:30 am, however, the Royal and Water Gardens are covered in shadow, so we head to enjoy, and there’s an hour's hike to the top, so sunrise is a no-deal anyway. You can, however, get some great sunset action by climbing later in the day.
YOU CAN VISIT PIDURANGALA AT SUNRISE | While the views from Sigiriya are epic, you can't really beat the view from Pidurangala of Sigiriya and the Central Plains, best viewed at sunrise. Visiting Sigiriya at sunset and Pidurangala at sunrise is how we’d tackle the two ourselves!
BEAT THE HEAT | Obviously, climbing to the top of Sigiriya in the late afternoon/evening means a good chance of avoiding much of the harsh heat of the day. Visiting at sunset also guarantees that you’ll enjoy some cooler weather on your descent, instead of the searing sun of the early morning hike.
LESS CROWDS | Most people tend to visit Sigiriya in the morning through the afternoon; a sunset hike avoids these crowds.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Sigiriya gives you 360° views of the Central Plains, so you’re not necessarily dictated by where the light’s coming from (particularly for those interested in photography)
TIP | If you do decide to visit at sunset, make sure you purchase your tickets before 5pm and enter the park soon to avoid missing out.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLIMB SIGIRIYA ROCK
This really depends on your level of fitness and desire to explore every nook and cranny of the site.
Those with a reasonable level of fitness who are also stopping to look at things along the way should be able to complete the 1000+ steps to the top in 60 minutes.
However, do also factor in some decent extra time to wander along the gardens, explore the ruins at the top (we spent about 40 minutes up the top), and about 30 minutes for your descent. All in all, we’d recommend setting aside at least 3 hours for your visit.
WHERE TO STAY IN SIGIRIYA
HOTEL SIGIRIYA
One of Sigiriya’s premiere hotels, Hotel Sigiriya offers five-star luxury overlooking the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The rooms are large, modern and comfortable, and the on-site restaurant is top-notch, however, the hotel’s key feature is the stunning pool overlooking the fortress.
If you’re looking to splash out, you can’t go past Hotel Sigiriya.
BOOK | Hotel Sigiriya
LAKMINI LODGE
Where we stayed during our 2023 trip to Sigiriya, Lakmini Lodge is minimal, modern, and affordable.
Run by the most lovely local family, the hotel features spacious rooms, a wonderful breakfast, and a rooftop that offers exceptional views over Sigirya.
It’s also well located, close to local restaurants, and within a short tuk-tuk ride to the Sigiriya entry.
BOOK | Lakmini Lodge
BACK OF BEYOND TREEHOUSE
We stayed in a treehouse at Back of Beyond Pidurangala (check their website here), a sustainable eco-lodge in the heart of the national park and only a two-minute walk from the beginning of the Pidurangala hike.
We recommend staying here if you’re looking for a unique experience in the Sigiriya/Pidurangala area!
BOOK | Back of Beyond Pidurangala
HOSTEL
Alternatively, for those on a strict budget, One Night Hostel is a good option. Located around 1km to Sigiriya, and 2km to Pidurangala, it’s a super central location.
Standard 6-bed dorms (which are air-conditioned!) will cost around LKR 1,500 ($8 USD per night).
BOOK | One Night Hostel Sigiriya
The Ultimate guide to Pidurangala: The best view of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT SIGIRIYA ROCK
THE SIGIRIYA MUSEUM
Entry to the Sigiriya Museum is included in your ticket price, and it’s worth a visit to gain some background context to Sigiriya and its long and varied history.
The Museum includes a large 3-D model of Sigiriya Rock, explanations of ancient (and extremely valuable) trading routes with the rest of the world, and plenty of photos of the early excavations undertaken by British archaeologist HCP Bell (who excavated many of Sri Lanka’s cultural sites) in the late 19th century.
Sigiriya Museum is a photography-free zone.
THE ROYAL GARDENS
While most people flock to Sigiriya for the Rock Fortress itself, the stunning former royal gardens that surround the area are also more than worth your time.
The gardens are peaceful and lush, with picturesque terraced gardens, lovely water fountains and features, and several natural boulders scattered through. They’re also considered to be amongst the oldest landscaped urban gardens in the world and made use of highly advanced technology of the time.
THE WATER GARDENS
The water gardens are the first you pass through as you enter the Sigiriya complex; a symmetrical collection of pretty pools and water features, former bathing lagoons and island pavilions that are fed by a sophisticated network of underground ducts and hydraulics systems that were engineering marvels for the era.
THE BOULDER GARDENS
Where the Water Gardens have the classic beauty and symmetry you’d also expect to see at any former royal palace in Europe, the Boulder Gardens are far more in the line of the ‘Angkor Wat jungle temple’ style, with narrow winding paths that twist through and past a series of ancient natural boulders.
These boulders once formed the foundations of the monastery the monks of Sigiriya called home centuries ago, and at one point in time their surfaces would have been adorned with Buddha relics and shrines.
Today, you can still see plenty of evidence of ancient monastic life here along the walls, caves, and rock shelves.
THE FRESCOES | SIGIRIYA DAMSELS
Potentially one of Sigiriya’s most famous, and celebrated, attractions, the frescoes wall is home to the so-called ‘Sigiriya Damsels’; 21 beautiful, scantily clad women with rather ample bosoms offering fruit trays or flower petals painted right onto the rock face.
The ladies are rumoured to be either apsaras (celestial nymphs), King Kasyapa’s concubines, or even the figure of Tara, an important figure in Tantric Buddhism. Protected from the elements by the overhanging rock, the images are still stunningly vibrant and fascinating to look at.
Photography is banned here to protect the Damsels — flash photography is highly damaging, and unfortunately, previous tourists have ignored warnings not to use it, so no one gets nice things now — and we’ve heard plenty of stories of cameras being confiscated without return, so don’t risk it.
THE MIRROR WALL
Once thought to be so polished that the King could see his own reflection in the stone, the mirror wall is a lot less shiny these days.
That doesn't mean it’s insignificant though — it’s covered with the scrawls of ancient graffiti by the visitors to Sigiriya over the the 1500 years, with poems, visitor impressions, and tributes etched all over it like a huge ancient guest book, dating from as far back as the 7th century.
Note | Due to the historical significance of some of this graffiti, visitors are prohibited from scrawling their own tributes today. Please respect this by not drawing on the walls yourself (nor on any culturally significant structure around the world).
LION PAW STAIRCASE
These are the paws that give Sigiriya its Lion Rock nickname; two gigantic lion paws that guard a narrow staircase. Once upon a time, the 5th-century stairway would have led one up from these paws and into the gaping mouth of the lion.
Ascending to the final summit through Lion’s mouth was meant to be a symbolic reminder to Buddhist devotees at the time that Buddha was Sakya-Sinha or Lion of the Sakya Clan, and his truth was as powerful as a Lion’s roar.
The Lion’s head collapsed long ago, leaving only these paws and initial stairs behind, though you can still see the various construction grooves or pegs along the way!
THE SIGIRIYA SUMMIT
The final part of the Sigiriya summit, up the narrow metal staircase that seems to be precariously nailed into the rock face, can be a little anxiety-inducing for those with a fear of heights. However, once you step out into the open space of the fortress summit the views over the emerald canopy below are absolutely worth it.
The ruins of King Kasyapa’s fortified palace are scattered about here, though they’ve been whittled down to mere foundations and aren’t overly impressive to wander around.
What you’re really here for is the views, and with Pidurangala in the distance and lush jungle carpeting the plains below as far as the eye can see, it’s a breathtaking sight, and a just reward for hiking up more than 1,000 stairs.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SIGIRIYA
YOU’LL NEED A REASONABLE LEVEL OF FITNESS
The climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress is not for the faint hearted; it’s a pretty gruelling hour-long stair incline in pretty stifling heat and humidity, and we guarantee that even the fittest amongst you will find it a sweaty, somewhat breathless hike.
At the risk of sounding like your mum, be prepared by knowing your limits, having lots of water and sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat ready.
Those with a fear of heights may also find it a somewhat challenging hike - but it’s very safe and totally worth it, in our opinion.
ACCESSIBILITY IS AN ISSUE
The only way to the top of the Sigiriya is via a steep stair-climb of about an hour. In short, it’s unfortunately not very accessible.
If you have issues with mobility or steep inclines, unfortunately this might be a spot you'll have to pass on.
Fortunately, you could still definitely explore the grounds of the fortress, and there are still plenty of viewpoints to see the rock fortress from ground level.
IT’S POSSIBLE TO VISIT WITH KIDS, BUT COME PREPARED
Visiting Sigiriya with kids is possible, but comes with caution.
Firstly, if your children are 3 or under, we suggest packing a child carrier or backpack for the stairs to the summit. Pack extra fluids, as you’ll need them.
Children will need ample sunscreen applied, and sun protection is necessary as the sun is oppressive come 9 am.
At the summit, there are no safety barriers so keep a close eye on your childrens movements, especially when explore the ponds in the southern corner of the summit.
PAY ATTENTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY SIGNS
Photography is actually banned in a few places along the Sigiriya hike, particularly along the frescoes wall. The signs are pretty hard to miss, and they’re there assist in the protection and preservation of the centuries-old rock paintings, so please don’t ignore them.
Management is very strict on this rule now, and have been known to confiscate cameras (without return) if you ignore this.
DON’T RIDE THE ELEPHANTS
In a modern world, we shouldn’t need to tell you this, but don’t partake in any elephant rides.
Rides are offered on the outskirts of the Sigiriya complex and we’ve seen many a foolish tourist take one. Don’t be one of them - it’s cruel, unethical and simply pathetic behaviour (read why here).
DON’T DISTURB THE SIGIRIYA WASPS!
As you walk through the grounds of Sigiriya, you’ll notice warning signs about wasps in the area — these are not to be taken lightly! There are a number of large wasp nests throughout the grounds and in the rock walls, and there are, unfortunately, a few attacks each year.
Supposedly, there’s a locally-held belief that they’re actually King Kashyapa’s reincarnated army back to guard his fortress. Whether you believe this or not, the best way to avoid getting stung is by walking very quietly and avoiding aggressive gestures, particularly along the stairs. There are also protective mesh cages visitors can use during a wasp attack.
Don’t let this put you off though— we didn’t encounter any issues during our visit.
THERE’S NO REAL DRESS CODE
Unlike other cultural sites in Sri Lanka (including neighbouring Pidurangala), Sigiriya isn’t a sacred religious site or temple, so you won't need to cover up too much.
That said, do remember that clothing in Sri Lanka tends to be more on the conservative side… and as per the above note on wasp attacks, you might want to wear longer clothing as a protective measure whilst here!
HOW TO GET TO SIGIRIYA
To save time and for ease of travel, we recommend travelling to Sigiriya from Dambulla, mid-way between Kandy and the ancient rock fortress (and also home to the famous Dambulla Rock Temples).
We haven’t listed travel options from some Sri Lankan cities, like Jaffna, as it simply doesn’t make sense to attempt to travel from these in one go either due to travel times or it just being an unnecessary faff!
For a full Sri Lanka itinerary including both Dambulla and Sigiriya, don’t forget to check out our 3-week route guide!
To plan and pre-book your Sri Lanka transport, click here.
HOW TO GET FROM DAMBULLA TO SIGIRIYA
From Dambulla, you have two transport options:
BY BUS | At the Dambulla Main Bus Station, take the regular bus service to Sigiriya (they run every 30 minutes between 6:45 am - 6:00 pm).
The journey will take about an hour, and tickets should set you back about LKR 100 per person, one way. The final bus stop is also just a 5-10-minute walk from the main ticket counter for Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
BY TUK TUK | Alternatively, you can also grab a tuk-tuk in Dambulla for anywhere between LKR 1,000-1,600 depending on how well you can (respectfully) negotiate your fare..!
The tuk-tuk journey will take about 30 minutes, and is a good option for those basing themselves in Dambulla but who want to see Sigiriya (particularly in early morning light!).
HOW TO GET FROM KANDY TO SIGIRIYA
If you’re travelling from Kandy (check out our Kandy guide here!), your easiest and most budget-friendly route is to travel the 72km to Dambulla by bus, then onto Sigiriya from Dambulla using the directions listed above.
BY BUS | Take the direct bus to Dambulla from the Kandy Central Bus Station (opposite the train station). The journey should take up to about 2.5 hours and buses depart every 30 minutes or so. There are both express and regular (stopping all stops) services.
The bus will set you back about LKR 500, which is roughly USD $2 per person. At Dambulla, swap to a Sigiriya bus service (or tuk-tuk), as listed above.
BY TUK TUK | We don’t recommend this as the overall cost will be expensive and unnecessary given the public transport options
HOW TO GET FROM COLOMBO TO SIGIRIYA
Unless it’s unavoidable, we really don’t recommend travelling from Colombo to Sigiriya as it means spending an entire day swapping between multiple buses or tuk-tuks. If you do need to take this route, here are the details:
BY BUS | Take a bus from Colombo Fort to either Anuradhapura or Kurunegala (bus #15) and again, change at Dambulla. You can also take bus #87 or #759.
Tickets will set you back around $2-3 to Dambulla, and the total journey to Sigiriya will take about 6-7 hours.
BY TRAIN | There’s no direct train from Colombo to Dambulla. The only option is to travel from Colombo Fort to Habarana, and then organise private transport from there. Again, not really worth it in our opinion.
A Traveller’s guide to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s capital of culture
THINGS TO DO AROUND SIGIRIYA | DAY TRIPS FROM SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya forms one point of the so-called Sri Lankan ‘cultural triangle’ of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, and both are worth making visits to whilst you’re in the area.
Here are our recommendations for further explorations around Sigiriya:
PIDURANGALA ROCK
Pidurangala Rock, just 3km from Sigiriya Fortress, provides travellers with a historic cave complex of its own, a tenth of the crowds, and the most incredible view looking back over the famous Sigiriya rock.
The story goes that when King Kasyapa arrived in Sigiriya in the 5th century, he discovered Sigiriya was already an established monastery complex. Wanting to claim Sigiriya for himself, he built them an alternative monastery at nearby Pidurangala Rock. The new site was to be a ‘golden monastery’, or ‘Aran gala’, a name which would later become Pidurangala and literally means "offered piles of gold”.
Like Sigiriya, much of this early monastery has crumbled away over the last few hundred years, but watching in awe as the sun lights up the misty forests and villages of the vast central Sri Lankan landscapes in golden hues is a magical experience all the same.
POLONNARUWA
Just an hour away from Sigiriya by tuk-tuk, the ruined city of Polonnaruwa was once the powerful capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, this was the thriving commercial and religious epicentre of the country. Today, the ruins of many temples, palaces, and religious buildings can be explored and the ancient site is vaguely reminiscent of the Angkor temples of Cambodia, just not as grand or well preserved.
That being said, the site is still wonderful to explore.
Our visit coincided with the hottest month, April, so exploring the site was tough due to the oppressive heat. We actually hired a tuk-tuk to drive us in between the best spot (which, if you've explored Sri Lanka in April heat, you’ll understand!), which made exploring mildly possible.
Alternatively, the best way to explore the Polonnaruwa complex is via bike.
THE DETAILS
Where | Polonnaruwa
Cost | Polonnaruwa entry: LKR 3,750
Recommended tours | Polonnaruwa + Mineriya day tour from Dambulla , Polonnaruwa day trip from Colombo
DAMBULLA ROCK CAVE TEMPLE
We’d probably recommend making the trip to Dambulla Rock Cave Temple on your way to or from Sigiriya, considering Dambulla is the entry/exit point of most adventures to the rock fortress.
The UNESCO World Heritage Royal rock temple complex of Dambulla is home to some of the most impressive historical artwork in Sri Lanka, and a must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary.
There are five separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some dating back over 2,000 years. Murals cover over 2,100 square metres of cave walls, depicting Buddha’s life, while the views overlooking the surrounding valley, (with Sigiriya in the distance!) are just beautiful.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dambulla cave temple complex
Opening hours | 7 am - 7 pm every day (ticket counter closes 5 pm)
Cost | LKR 1,500
Recommended tours | Sigiriya and Dambulla private full-day tour from Colombo , Dambulla Cave Temple + Village Tour
Where to stay in Dambulla | Search and book Dambulla accommodation here
SAFARI WITH THE ELEPHANTS AT KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK
The grassland plains of Kaudulla National Park, just an hour’s north of Sigiriya, are some of the best elephant-spotting lands in the whole of Sri Lanka. Over 200 elephants call the park home, along with a scattering of crocodiles, monkeys, and a few shy leopards.
The advantage of Kaudulla is that it can be visited year-round (Sri Lanka’s other famous parks close depending on the season) — so you are pretty much guaranteed an elephant encounter on your Sri Lanka travels should you end up coming here.
Safaris are generally half-day, can be taken in the morning or afternoon, and include pick-up from your accommodation in Sigirya or Dambulla. Book here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Kaudulla National Park
Cost | USD $50ish pp
BOOK | This exceptional tour of Kaudulla National Park
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF SIGIRIYA
To make the most of your Sigiriya experience, you can also book guided tours of the complex. These often include stops at other key highlights, such as Dambulla or Polonnaruwa, and there are also options to make it a day trip from Colombo, if time is of the essence.
Our guided tour recommendations for Sigiriya are:
From Colombo | Sigiriya & Dambulla private day excursion
From Kandy (2 day tour) | ‘Ethos of Ceylon’: 2-day cultural triangle tour
From Dambulla | Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya private day tour
DAYPACK ESSENTIALS | WHAT TO TAKE TO SIGIRIYA
Here are a few items we recommend bringing on your Sigiriya hike:
WATER | Bring your own water bottle for the hike (say NO to plastic, peeps!). We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world
HIKING BOOTS / PROPER SHOES | We definitely recommend wearing a pair of hiking boots, or some sneakers/trainers for the hike.
CAMERA | The grounds and views at Sigiriya are completely insta-worthy, so make sure you bring your camera to snap some bangers. We used the Sony A7RII
HEADLAMP | If you’re coming down after sunset, we recommend bringing a headlamp to help guide the way
SUNGLASSES, HAT, SUNSCREEN | Honestly, we’re not exaggerating when it comes to the force of the sun and heat here! Don’t visit without sunscreen, sunnies, and a hat unless you want to have a pretty terrible time.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AT SIGIRIYA
Ensuring that your travels don’t cost the planet or its important cultural sites is super important. Here are a few simple measures to take to ensure your visit to Sigiriya is as responsible and sustainable as possible:
TAKE A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | Plastic is not allowed at Sigiriya (although this is very loosely enforced), so bring plenty of water in your own water bottle for the climb to the top. We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps and bathrooms in India!).
It’s the best investment we’ve ever made, and we haven’t bought a bottle of water anywhere in the world for almost two years.
TAKE YOUR RUBBISH OUT | We hope that as responsible humans, you guys won’t take any plastic into Sigiriya with you — but if you do, do the right thing and take it out of the site with you as well.
DON’T TAKE ELEPHANT RIDES | Thankfully, elephant safaris aren’t a thing at either the actual Sigiriya or Pidurangala attractions - but they do still operate through the surrounding town.
We witnessed several tourists taking elephant rides which was disappointing to see in 2019, that’s for sure. If you don’t know why it’s unethical, read our guide to animal-friendly travel here
READ | Our top responsible travel tips , our guide to animal friendly travel , 39 essential Sri Lanka travel tips
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPLORE OF SRI LANKA WITH THESE GUIDES
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach, Ahangama Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
Have you been to the Sigiriya rock fortress yourself? Visiting soon? Share your Sigiriya stories in the comments below!
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