Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the most popular landmarks to visit during a route through Sri Lanka. The natural phenomenon is an enormous (200m) square-shaped rock, a former fortress of King Kassapa. We were blown away by the murals and gardens, and were even more shocked to find a swimming pool and palace on top of the rock itself! Find out how to climb the rock and where to stay for your trip.
To the Top of Lion Rock!
Lion Rock is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and is a must-visit in Sri Lanka! Prepare yourself for a little challenge and conquer the 1200+ steps to the top of the enormous rock fortress. We were a little bit nervous, but it’s much easier than it looks, and it’s an absolute must-do in Sri Lanka!
Note: The climb is marked with good paths and stairs; however, we recommend suitable shoes for the walk (good walking trainers are fine).
You’ll begin your ascent in the terrace gardens, which give you the most impressive perspective of the rock. From here, you’re looking directly up at the mammoth fortress; it really takes your breath away!
Tip: For this same view, but even more impressive, hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock, which is nearby. This is a great alternative, as you face Sigiriya Lion Rock head-on.
On our way up, we took a breather at the Sigiriya Frescoes (ancient wall drawings) and the mirror wall, where you can see impressive reflections and ancient graffiti. The most remarkable part of the climb, though, is the giant lion’s claws, which are carved out of the rock. You’ll find this right before the final part of the hike.
Once you’ve arrived at the top of the rock, enjoy the incredible 360-degree view over the whole area. Every corner has its own unique view. We enjoyed trying to spot some places we had just visited in Sri Lanka, which is easier when the weather is clearer.
Combine visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock together with Pollonaruwa, an ancient ruin city nearby. It takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to drive there or you can join an organized tour from Sigiriya.
Since Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of, maybe even the, biggest attractions in the country, they made the ticket prices (very) high for Sri Lankan standards. The entrance fee per person is around $35 USD (see all ticket options here).
We do think it’s worth it, but if you’re looking for a cheaper option, climb Pidurangala Rock instead. We were lucky enough to visit both, and each has its positives, so it’s hard to choose!
Best Time to Climb Lion Rock in Sigiriya
We recommend climbing Lion Rock between 7 AM and 9 AM to avoid the heat and crowds. The climb to the top will take about 45 minutes. Exploring the entire area around and on top of the rock will take approximately 2-3 hours. If you want to reach the top in time for sunrise, remember that you’ll be hiking up in the dark, so bring a torch.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring drinking water, and ensure your phone is charged (you’ll need it for photos and the torch if you’re hiking in the dark). It’s also best to arrange a driver or tuk-tuk in advance, so they can collect you from your hotel and take you directly to the rock.
Is the Hike to Lion Rock Difficult?
Getting to the top is quite the climb; however, there is a safe and well-maintained stair that leads all the way to the summit. We found this hike completely doable! Plus, you forget all about the climb once you’re witnessing the sensational views at the top. ;)
For a true bird’s eye view of Lion Rock, we recommend reserving your place on this hot air balloon ride. While we didn’t get the chance to try this, I think this would be such a unique experience!
Bees and Monkeys
When we visited Sigiriya Lion Rock, we encountered many monkeys along the way. They are pretty confident around humans and will likely take advantage of grabbing food and belongings out of your bag if possible. For this reason, avoid bringing any food with you and ensure your bag is tightly fastened.
Unusually, you’ll also see warning signs for bees along the route. There have been some past incidents of bees getting aggressive when travelers have flown their drones. So drones are, understandably, not permitted at Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Pidurangala Rock, an Alternative to Lion Rock
We were able to visit both rocks on our Sri Lanka itinerary. Both are unique in their own way, but if you’d like a direct view of Lion Rock, then climb upย Pidurangala Rock. The entrance fee is just 5 USD instead of 35 USD, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling on a budget. If you have the funds, try to climb both if you have the time.
Where to Stay near Sigiriya Lion Rock
There are numerous beautiful accommodation options near Sigiriya Lion Rock, with some offering direct views of the rock itself. We stayed at Hotel Sigiryiya, which had a fantastic view of Lion Rock from the pool. Waking up there every morning never got old!
For something more budget-friendly, you’ll find a wider choice of hotels in nearby Dambulla, which is only 30 minutes away. There are plenty of tours to Lion Rock from here, making it very easy to explore.
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Hi I am looking to visit Sri Lanka end of June for 7-8 nights with my husband and son who will be nearly 7. We are looking for a real adventure what do you recommend and what to avoid.
Hi Katy, there are so many incredible places for adventure, like going on a safari at Yala Safari Park and taking the Kandy to Ella train. June is also a great time for visiting the beaches on the east coast, such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. Weโve shared a few more of our favourite places here. Have an amazing trip!