Climbing Sigiriya A Journey through History and Beauty

The climb up Sigiriya Rock is strenuous but not difficult. There are 1200 steps to the summit. Depending on your fitness, crowds and level of interest, it will take 45-60 minutes to reach the top. Along your journey, you will discover ancient wonders at every turn. Marvel at the ladies of the Sigiriya Frescoes, their enigmatic smiles holding secrets from the king’s harem. Decipher the ancient graffiti on the Mirror Wall, extolling the beauty of this ancient marvel. Take a break at the impressive Lion Staircase and imagine the sphinx-like colossus that gazed out over the lush plains below. Then, the most challenging part of the climb begins as you ascend the steep steps, clinging precariously to the side of the rock. Finally, as you reach the summit, a breathtaking vista unfolds - a stunning 360-degree panorama from the Sky Palace, a testament to your triumph over this ancient and beautiful masterpiece.

FAQ - We answer your questions about Sigiriya here

Tips for climbing Sigiriya

Choose the Right Time: Plan your climb during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Plus, the sunrise or sunset views from the top are simply breathtaking.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Opt for light, breathable clothing as you'll be ascending a steep rock formation. Also, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip to navigate the sometimes uneven and steep terrain.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the climb. The ascent can be physically demanding, especially in the Sri Lankan heat.
Take Breaks: Pace yourself during the climb. There are designated resting spots along the way where you can catch your breath and admire the surrounding scenery. Don't rush; enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Mind the Steps: Sigiriya features a series of steep stairs and narrow pathways. Be cautious while climbing, especially if you have mobility issues or a fear of heights. Take your time and watch your step.
Learn the History: Before you embark on your climb, take some time to learn about the fascinating history of Sigiriya. Once you reach the top, you'll appreciate the ancient ruins and frescoes even more knowing their significance. See our excellent books advertised on this page.

SIGIRIYA - Book

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Sigiriya in this beautifully illustrated book. In Part 1 travel back in time and meet the key players who shaped the rock fortress's history. Part 2 contains a comprehensive Site Guide with hundreds of photographs and descriptions of the ruins.

Where to Buy This Book

Respect the Environment: Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so please respect the rules and regulations in place to preserve it. Avoid littering, stay on designated paths, and refrain from touching or damaging the ancient structures.
Capture the Moments: Don't forget to bring your camera or smart-phone to capture the incredible views from the top of Sigiriya. However, remember to be present in the moment and take in the beauty first hand rather than solely through a lens.
Be Mindful of Crowds: Sigiriya is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. If possible, try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful climb.
Enjoy the Descent: After reaching the summit and exploring the ancient ruins, take your time on the way down. Descending can be just as rewarding as ascending, offering different perspectives of the surrounding landscape.

Thing to Look For While Climbing Sigiriya

Boulder Gardens

The first stage of your climb starts at the end of the Fountain Gardens where you enter the Boulder Gardens via a series idyllic little stairways, some through leaning boulders,There are a several caves and small platforms at this level which were once colorfully decorated.
Climbing Time: 5 - 10 minutes.
Climbing Space: Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Easy

SIGIRIYA - Novel

Palace intrigue, passion, deceit, betrayal and tragedy. Set fifteen hundred years ago, this compelling novel weaves historical facts into a remarkably entertaining story of fate, dangerous alliances, enduring friendships, and forbidden love. Available in Ebook and Paperback.

Where to Buy This Book

Terraced Gardens

Many little caves dot the Terraced Gardens . These were once richly decorated and furnished with benches for visitors to rest and admire the tranquil surroundings. On top of many of boulders in these gardens were many brightly colored pavilions.
Climbing Time: 15 - 20 minutes.
Climbing Space: Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Moderate

Mirror Wall

The first stage of the challenging climb commences through the Terraced Gardens to the Mirror Wall. A series of steep stairs, lead up through a number of terraces to the grand Zig-Zag staircase, which leads to the Mirror Wall . At the top of the Zig-Zag stairs is a platform where to can catch your breath and admire the scenery.
Climbing Time: 15 - 25 minutes
Climbing Space: Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Hard - Very Hard

Sigiriya Frescoes

A narrow spiral metal staircase leads up to the beautiful Sigiriya Frescoes , depict the ladies of King Kasyapa's harem. Painted over 1600 years, they are the highlight of any visit to Sigiriya and are well worth the effort to see them.
Climbing Time: 3 - 5 minutes.
Climbing Space: Narrow
Climbing Difficulty: Hard

Lion Staircase

The climb from the Mirror Wall past the Sigiriya Graffiti to the Lion Staircase is difficult. The marble stairs are wide but very steep. While climbing, peek over the parapet wall and admire the grandeur of the gardens below that were once abloom with colorful trees and plants and roaming wild deer and peacocks.
Climbing Time: 15 - 25 minutes
Climbing Space: Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Hard - Very Hard

Sky Palace

This is the most challenging part of the climb and most likely to give you jelly-knees and vertigo as you climb up a narrow steel gantry on the exposed side to the rock to the summit and Sky Palace . If you look below you, you will see the grooves carved into the rock surface by the ancient builders to provide the footing for the original staircase.
Climbing Time: 5 - 15 minutes
Climbing Space: Narrow
Climbing Difficulty: Hard - Very Hard

Around the Summit

You are now at the Sky Palace on top of Sigiriya Rock . Look around you and marvel at the magnitude of the structures you see around you. Image how ancient workers built them. They too, would have had to climb this massive rock to construct a Sky Palace worthy of their king.
Climbing Time: 30 - 60 minutes
Climbing Space: Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Moderate

Climbing Down Sigiriya

The climb down is not as strenuous as the climb up.

Climbing Time: 15 - 25 minutes
Climbing Space: Narrow- Wide
Climbing Difficulty: Hard

Amenities

Access: These climbs are not recommended for disabled persons. There is no wheelchair access, and there are many steps to climb, many of which are uneven.
Refreshments: Refreshments stands are near the main entrance and exit. There are no facilities while climbing. Take your own supply of non-alcoholic drinks with you and dispose of your rubbish responsibly.
Toilets: There are clean toilets at the main entrance and exit. There are no toilets within the site or while climbing. Tip the attendants. This is how they make a living.

Taking Photographs

No flash photography of the Frescoes is allowed!

There are no other restrictions in taking photographs while climbing Sigiriya Rock.

Tour Guides

The Sigiriya site is well sign-posted, but tour guides can still be helpful. They know the place well. Negotiate the duration of the tour and its price (between $15-25) before you start. A good tour should take approximately 3-4 hours. Anything less than that will probably be a direct trip to the summit and back. It is a common courtesy to tip the guide.

Note: These guides can be persistent. If you are not interested, say "NO THANK YOU" courteously but firmly. They will probably try a few more times and then give up.

Sigiriya Weather

Sigiriya weather is hot and humid tropical climate, and is general unpredictable. The best time of the year to visit Sigiriya is January to March (February is the best month). The best time to climb Sigiriya is early in the morning or the late afternoon. The maximum daytime temperature range is 28 - 32°C (82 -90°F).

What to Wear

Dress in loose cotton, linen or breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are an excellent idea to protect your eyes. Closed footwear or at least firmly fastened footwear is strongly recommended. Don't forget a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Your Safety at Sigiriya

The climb up Sigiriya Rock is very strenuous. It should not be attempted by any person who is unfit or suffers from a medical condition that could be aggravated by strenuous exercise or heat. Those who have acrophobia (fear of heights) should seriously consider their situation. Some sections of the climb ascend the exposed vertical side of the rock.