Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Sigiriya Lion Rock

 

Sigiriya Rock or Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient massive rock located in the northern Matale district of Central Province in Sri Lanka. Well known for hiking and historical significance. It is around 200 metre of height, dated back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495 AD). 


However, the place witnessed many landmarks like Boulder gardens, Terraced gardens, Mirror wall and Sigiriya frescoes. One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites full of frescoed walls, an impressive palace right on the top of the rock column. 

 

Things about Sigiriya Rock Fortress 

 

1. Hiking 

Sigiriya Rock fortress is truly an enjoyable ancient site through hiking. It is a 2.7 km long hiking trail and back trail near Sigiriya. Moderately challenging hiking route, usually takes 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete. During your hiking you are fortunate to visit and see different places under Sigiriya. 

 

When you start your Hiking you will reach different directions, initially you will reach;


  • Boulder Gardens: First stage of your climb, start at the end of the fountain gardens till the boulder garden. These are colourfully decorated and some of them contain many large open air pavilions. 
  • Terraced Gardens: Once you enter the boulder garden surely you should go through Terraced gardens. Consist of more small caves and each of them fully decorated and furnished with benches for visitors to take rest and enjoy surroundings. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach. 
  • Mirror Wall: Little challenging hiking route includes 15 to 20 minutes of journey. Mirror walls commence through terraced gardens. You will see 2 big brick stairways with several terraces to zig zag stairs. This zig zag stairs platform gives an immerse level of scenic views and helps to improve feelings. 
  • Sigiriya frescoes: 10 to 15 minutes of walking trail, a narrow spiral metal staircase from the mirror wall leads to the Sigiriya frescoes. Place witnessing more than painting which belongs around 1600 years old including depictions of ladies of King Kasyapa’s harem. Each of the paintings shows us the finest jewellery and beautiful dressings.  

2. Entrance Fees

Entrance fees usually charge $49 for adults and for children’s below the age of 18 half of the price adults. Sigiriya Rock Fortress bifurcated into; 


  • For Lion Rock; Sigiriya ticket price including Lion Rock museum will be around $35 US. 
  • For Sigiriya Museum; Ticket price is $6 US. It is only for those who are visiting the museum. 
  • Pidurangala; Pidurangala rock which is a different site, therefore you need to buy extra entry fees of LKR 1000. 

 

3. Steps in Sigiriya Rocks 

Sigiriya rocks contain 1200 steps or stairs to reach the top. In the middle of our summit we are going to explore many beautiful scenic and ancient sites like Sigiriya frescoes, Boulder gardens and terraced gardens. People or backpackers need to spend 1.5 to 3 hours to climb this summit. 

Usually Sigiriya opens daily at 7:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. If you are an enthusiastic backpacker better to visit in the months of July and August, when the wasp proof suites are available.

 

4. How old is Sigiriya Rocks? 

According to history, Sigiriya rock belongs to the 5th century old fortress in Sri Lanka. Based on some facts which are carved by the hill of hard volcanic rock. Total 600 feet from the land, recognised by the UNESCO world heritage site.

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