The 5 best things to do in Sigiriya!
Sigiriya is a unique destination in the inland of Sri Lanka. The town is situated in the middle of the jungle, where you can find ancient rock formations offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Sigiriya is on many travelers' lists and is definitely a place you should not miss!
Good to know: Sigiriya is especially known for the Lion Rock, which we will discuss more in the tips. Besides climbing rocks, there isn’t much else to do in Sigiriya. We therefore recommend not staying too long or making a day trip from another location in Sri Lanka. We took a day trip from Kandy and for us this worked out well.
How to get to Sigiriya?
From Colombo/Negombo
There are no direct local buses or trains from Colombo and Negombo to Sigiriya. With the local bus, you will need to transfer at least twice, but it is the cheapest option. You can also choose to take a local bus or train to the city of Dambulla near Sigiriya and then take a taxi from there. This way, you often only need to transfer once. There are also tourist buses running from Colombo to Dambulla. You can easily book tickets for these through Bookaway.
You can also choose to take a taxi. You can ask your accommodation to help you arrange a taxi driver. Additionally, you can book a ride from Colombo or Negombo using the Uber and PickMe apps.
From Anuradhapura
There are no direct local buses or trains from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya. Therefore, it is best to take a taxi. You can ask your accommodation to help you arrange a taxi driver, or you can book a ride using the Uber and PickMe apps.
From Kandy
There are no direct local buses or trains from Kandy to Sigiriya. Therefore, it is best to take a taxi. You can ask your accommodation to help you arrange a taxi driver, or you can book a ride using the Uber and PickMe apps.
Tip: We chose to take a day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya with a taxi driver. If you don't have much time, this will save you time. A driver can also take you to all the highlights along the way. It's fun to do a Spice Tour during the trip!
Arrange a ride through Uber or PickMe
Uber and PickMe both operate on the same concept. Uber is widely used globally, while PickMe is only used in Sri Lanka. One advantage of these apps is that the price is clear upfront. Our experience with Uber and PickMe is that sometimes you have to wait a bit to find a good driver. We've had instances where the driver stayed still and didn't come to us or went the wrong way. It can also happen that the driver calls you and asks for a higher price. In such cases, it's important to make clear arrangements and possibly book another driver.
What to do in Sigiriya?
You can definitely enjoy a full day in the Sigiriya area. We've listed the best tips for you.
1. Climb the Lion Rock
The Lion Rock is often the main reason travelers visit Sigiriya. It is a massive rock that rises above Sigiriya. From the top, you have a stunning view of the surrounding greenery. The Lion Rock is rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the 5th century AD, King Kasyapa decided he needed a place to live. He chose the Lion Rock and built a palace on top. According to researchers, the king enjoyed the company of many women in the palace. Some murals depict semi-nude women. The entrance to the rock once had the shape of a giant lion, hence the name Lion Rock. Today, only the lion's claws remain.
To climb the Lion Rock, you pay around $35. You can admire the remains and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding area from the rock. The climb is relatively easy via a staircase, though it is often very crowded, so you might end up queuing. Another option is to climb Pidurangala Rock, our next tip!
2. Admire the Lion Rock from Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock is a rock formation located next to the famous Lion Rock. During the time when King Kasyapa built his palace on Lion Rock, monks sought a peaceful place to meditate and chose Pidurangala Rock.
The great thing about Pidurangala Rock is that it offers a stunning view of the Lion Rock and the surrounding jungle. The path to the top is not monotonous; you'll climb over large boulders along the way.
An entrance ticket costs about $3, making it much cheaper than Lion Rock. However, the downside of Pidurangala Rock is that you miss out on the remains of the old palace.
Tip: At the beginning of the hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock, there is a temple. Remember to cover your shoulders and knees when passing by.
Tip: If you're short on time and traveling on a limited budget, we recommend climbing only Pidurangala Rock.
3. Visit the Royal Cave Temple in Dambulla
Dambulla is a city rich in history and impressive temples. High in the mountains of Dambulla, you'll find the Royal Cave Temple. You can walk up to the temple through stairs. At the top, you can enjoy views of the green mountains and explore five caves filled with Buddhist statues and paintings. After visiting the temple, you can walk down the other side, where you'll find a museum and a massive golden Buddha overlooking the city.
A ticket for the Royal Cave Temple costs around $8.
4. Spot elephants in Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka's stunning national parks. The park features a large artificial reservoir called Minneriya Tank. This reservoir was created by humans for water storage to support irrigation and farmland in the surrounding area. Many travelers visit the park to witness ‘The Gathering.’ During the dry season, hundreds of Asian elephants gather at Minneriya Tank to graze and drink. In addition to elephants, you can also spot deer, crocodiles, birds, monkeys, and buffaloes.
5. Enjoy delicious curries at Island Vibes
This charming restaurant is housed in a cozy wooden hut. At Island Vibes, you can enjoy a variety of local curries. They often have a curry buffet, allowing you to sample different curries at once—a great way to experience the local cuisine. In addition to being a restaurant, Island Vibes also operates a hostel.
Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?
Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?
About the authors
