Sigiriya Rock
(සීගිරිය)
Historic and Protected Site and Mountain
සීගිරිය
"Worth climbing all the way to the top (30 - 45 mins)."(26 Tips)
"... you need to visit in Sri Lanka. All of the Park is full of monkeys! It..."(5 Tips)
"Get here really early to see the lovely views"(29 Tips)
"One would hope for much better from a UNESCO World Heritage site."(4 Tips)
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91 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Dave McJanuary 3, 2019I lost count of the steps, but there’s a really lot of them. The step counter on my phone 📲 said 39 floors and I’m guessing that’s pretty accurate! You’ll be pretty tired at the top, enjoy the view!
Upvote13Downvote- Dave McJanuary 1, 2019It’s better to go when it’s really crowded. It’s a really lot of stairs and honestly I wouldn’t have made it all the way to the top if there wasn’t ‘traffic’ forcing me to stop along the way! ⛰
Upvote13DownvoteUpvoted Dec 23, 2024 - Dave McJanuary 1, 2019Be really careful, the stairs are the same size as my 8-y/o’s foot and well worn, so they’re not flat. If you take a tumble, you’re in real trouble. It’s a ‘must see’, but be careful. 🙏
Upvote9DownvoteUpvoted Feb 7 - Dave McJanuary 3, 2019The monkeys 🐒 look cute and innocent, but don’t get too close. One will steal the hat 🧢 off your head and when you chase him, his buddy will steal your sunglasses 🕶. You can’t win!
Upvote7Downvote - Mayura De SilvaDecember 3, 2015Worth climbing all the way to the top (30 - 45 mins). Witness the Frescoes paintings, The Mirror Wall, remains of the palace and spend more time on top to feel the amazing view around.
Upvote4Downvote - Dave McJanuary 1, 2019I don’t know how many stairs there are, I couldn’t remember what came after 1 jillion. Be careful, those ancient monks had really little feet, so the stairs while steep are really tiny.
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S PSeptember 25, 2018A grand /elaborate fortress Palace complex with gardens, ponds, wall paintings, caves and lots of stairs. Avoid going on weekends or public holidays, slow, long lineups and waits. A Sri Lanka top 10!
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Charlie RoustonJanuary 2, 2016Yes it is expensive, but the view is amazing. Don't forget to take some water, solar cream, a hat and good shoes (avoid flip flap). You might also try Pidurangala rock (500 lkr).
Upvote1Downvote- Alexandros PlexidasMay 16, 2018Great view on the top, very nice park in general and overall something you need to visit in Sri Lanka. All of the Park is full of monkeys! It should take you almost 1,5h to climb and descend the rock.UpvoteDownvote
Maros FiscorancFebruary 14, 2016Absolutely amazing. If you go to Sri Lanka you have to make it here or else why go. I wish my guide wouldn't have rushed me. I could have stayed there all day or at least until sunset. Amazing.
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Dwight Jason RonanApril 16, 2018MUST VISIT: Fees might be a little too expensive for foreigners. Nevertheless, the view from the top is breathtaking. Make sure to bring water and hat/cap/umbrella (since it will be very hot on top).UpvoteDownvote- Marissa CFebruary 18, 2016Steep climb to the top is worth it for views and the amazing frescos. Wear comfortable shoes, pack water / snack, and take it slowly.
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Ton van 't NoordendeAugust 11, 2014Breathtaking views! I would recommend to bring your own guide. There's a lot to tell about the rock, it's surroundings, defense and advanced irrigation systems. And don't forget the frescos.
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Joan Vidal BoschJuly 22, 2018Amazing place! UNESCO monument! They just need to improve the explanations and the signs
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Josh GellersJuly 13, 2017A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to come early (7:30am) to beat the crowds.
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Anar KučeraAugust 22, 2016Definitely a must with amazing view from the top, try to start your climb as early as possible to avoid heat and sun during your climb. Also gets very busy after 9am.UpvoteDownvote- Jenna Rose RobbinsOctober 24, 2013This site is awesome -- in the true sense of the word. It's mind-blowing to think how the structures could have been completed back in their day. If only we could see how the lion statue once looked!Upvote3Downvote
- Wilson Favre-DelerueFebruary 8, 2019Tourist infested landmark with shabby - if not outright dangerous - access infrastructure. One would hope for much better from a UNESCO World Heritage site. And passable views once atop.
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Ghawadi EhmaidNovember 19, 2014Unfortunately didn't have the chance to climb it as the weather didn't permit, but the shape of the rock looks amazing and the story behind building the fortress on top is very interestingUpvoteDownvote
Trave77erAugust 13, 2014Watch out for the swarms of angry bees and be prepared to run for the shelter! If a local says not to go up/down the steps - heed the warnings. We saw several tourists get severely stung.
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Noah WeissFebruary 5, 2017Worth the ride up from Kandy. Unlike any nature / historical sight we've ever seen.
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Ghassan AlkharboushJune 30, 2017Come after 7:30 and before 9 to avoid morning traffic. Coming in morning allows climbing under sunshade rather climbing under sunlight later in the day. Beautiful view.UpvoteDownvote
Sniper Food HuntJuly 12, 2015Spend 2 hours on top, taking photos and time lapse. Blue sky and windy. Ticket price USD30.
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Mavi DoukakiApril 15, 2017Breathing place! Be there as early possible (opens at 7) to climb easily to the top.
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Andrija RadivojevicJune 18, 2012This is should be 8th ancient world wonder! Just amazing when you see what people have made more than a thousand years ago and it still stands there. More amazing than cairo piramides for me!Upvote5Downvote
Justine gohMarch 20, 2017Weather is hot, and need some stamina to climb to the top. Do mind not to wear skirt, try to wear some comfort shirt and shoe as it require some climbingUpvoteDownvote
Pinar KayaNovember 14, 2012Breathtaking scenery from the level where the paws are. If you are not afraid of height, and brave enough to climb, climb up to the top for the impressive views!Upvote3Downvote- Ton van 't NoordendeAugust 11, 2014Very impressive and worth the trip. Awesome sights on top of the mountain. Be sure to check with your guide if the hornets are active. If so, don't go up all the way!Upvote1Downvote
SetenayFebruary 16, 2015Breathtaking view ✌️ You will be really tired and sweaty when you are trying to climb countless steps but definitely worth it 👍
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Andrei AghiMarch 3, 2017The view on the top is breath taking. The only negative part is the entrance cost,which in my opinion is too big.
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Fazlur RahmanApril 27, 2014For those who haven't visit the historical sites of sri lanka, opportunity for them to visit once in a life time. .. kasiyappa and Kingdom lies hereUpvote2Downvote
Kavindu GamageMay 6, 2015Wonderful ! Pick a good guide from a recomended place coz there are lots of things to know.And a guide is much needed.UpvoteDownvote
discovering-serendipity.comJanuary 14, 2011A UNESCO World Heritage site, the fortress was built by King Kassapa in the 5th century. Be sure to walk its gardens and see its stunning Frescoes. Entrance: LKR 50 (locals) & USD 25 (foreigners). Read moreUpvote6Downvote
Akil CumberbatchOctober 6, 2013In the afternoon heat climbing up the many steps can be very arduous but the view from the top is worth it.
Upvote7Downvote- discovering-serendipity.comJanuary 14, 2011A UNESCO World Heritage site, the fortress was built by King Kassapa in the 5th century. Be sure to walk its gardens and see its stunning Frescoes. Entrance: LKR 50 (locals) & USD 25 (foreigners). Read moreUpvote2Downvote
Andrea BarrezuetaOctober 31, 2017Really pretty rock with a mean climb that sucks, but it is worth the effort.
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Andrew PodznoevMay 11, 2015If you are not going to visit mirrow wall and museum, and want enter for free - swim across the moat. Crocodiles is a lie.Upvote2Downvote
Fazal BahardeenNovember 17, 2011Known as the Sigiriya Rock fortress.There's a gallery of frescoes painted on the rock and the "Lion Rock" at the northern terminal of the rock. The nearest Masjid is about 15Km's away Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Kim Kian WeeDecember 24, 2013One of the most magnificent sites in Sri Lanka. I highly recommend starting early so that you can beat the crowds.UpvoteDownvote
Sash MatashJanuary 14, 2015Climb much cheaper Pidurangala and enjoy the beautiful view on SiviriyaUpvote1Downvote- Ghassan AlkharboushJune 30, 2017For 2 men in their 20s that live a sedentary life style, climb up took 1.5 hours with little sidewalks and listening to other ppl guides talkingUpvoteDownvote
iAra VindOctober 9, 2011Go early morning. Other wise you will suffer the heat. So avoid it. Get up early and go at around 6.30 AM. DONT use flash while getting pic. Enjoy the climbing ;) tack care.UpvoteDownvote
Serguey GrafJanuary 10, 2014great place. niceview. local guides speaking english and very friendly..but keep in mind they tell nothing special about story of the king.UpvoteDownvote
Susan NataliaDecember 19, 2014Awesome place, great view from the top. Entrance fee is quite expensive (30 USD).UpvoteDownvote
Eda SandıkçıFebruary 5, 2015Go there in the afternoon to avoid the heat. A long climb up. Beautiful view.UpvoteDownvote
Priyanka BhatNovember 3, 2014The climb to the mountain top view is challenging but worth the effortUpvoteDownvote
Gamika NelDecember 30, 2015Nice place. Be there before the noon otherwise you will have to bear the heatUpvoteDownvote
Gus EJuly 15, 2016Superb, do not accept help getting up as they expect money. Highlight of the tripUpvoteDownvote
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The most visited historical site in all of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya...(Show more)
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"The gardens surrounding the Sigiriya museum are worth a glance. I would otherwise continue directly to the Sigiriya rock as in my opinion the museum has nothing to offer."
Ton van 't Noordende - 8.3
"If you look carefully, a lot of the large stones have been carved. They even dug under one and installed bracing that can be quickly knocked out to cause the giant stone to roll down the hill."
Dave Mc - 7.9
"The different villas blend in perfectly with the private nature reserve. It provides a unique experience. The staff is friendly although not as accommodating as you come to expect here in Sri Lanka."
Ton van 't Noordende
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