Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya: Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Scattered across the central plains of Sri Lanka are the country’s most important historical and archaeological sites. Sigiriya is easily the most recognisable, identified by its towering rock formation with an ancient fortress perched atop its flat mount.

However, Sigiriya is also close to two other impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites forming a triangle: the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Together, these make up Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heartland. If you’re interested in exploring more of the fascinating history and surprising geology of the teardrop shaped island, then spending a few days in and around Sigiriya should be a priority for your Sri Lanka itinerary.

This post is going to look at how to explore Sigiriya and the surrounding area. I spent five days based in Sigiriya, with day trips to Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Ritigala. I’m going to detail everything you need to know about visiting the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

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Why I Based Myself in Sigiriya

Sigiriya is perfectly located in the middle of the cultural triangle and offers the perfect base for exploring the area. The village has plenty of high quality accommodation for reasonable prices and lots of good restaurants too.

It’s also a lot quieter than bigger towns like Dambulla and Habarana, and I liked the “local feel” that staying in a home stay and eating at local restaurants had in Sigiriya. I found the locals extremely friendly and it really made my time in Sigiriya extra special.

It’s also ideal to be close to Pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya Rock for sunset or sunrise hikes. Plus, it’s easy enough to do day trips from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and Dambulla either by public transport or tuk tuk.

While some people tend to stay a night in Dambulla, a night in Sigiriya and then a night in Polonnaruwa, I found it was easier just to base myself in one place and organise everything from there.

How to Get to Sigiriya

Sigiriya is off the main A6 highway, so you’ll likely have to transfer buses at least once to reach it. There’s no train service to Sigiriya. However, being in the middle of the country, it’s quite easy to reach from various places.

Dambulla is the main transport hub for Sigiriya. It has buses running every hour to Sigiriya from the Dambulla Bus Stand for 100 LKR or you can take a tuk tuk for around 2000 LKR (US$7). The final bus stop in Sigiriya is just a 10 minute walk from the entrance of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but you can also hop down closer to your accommodation, just let the driver know.

From Kandy to Sigiriya

From Kandy, take a bus heading to Dambulla. There are both normal buses and AC buses. The AC bus costs 500 LKR (US$2) while the local bus will cost a little less. The journey time should take 2-3 hours.

Once you arrive at Dambulla Bus Station, you’ll find local buses heading to Sigiriya every hour for 100 LKR (US$0.50). This journey travels via Inamaluwa Junction and takes around 30 minutes.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Short on Time? Try These Day Tours from Kandy:

From Colombo to Sigiriya

Ask around the Colombo bus stand for buses heading to Dambulla (it may be #49 Trincomalee bus, #15 bus to Anuradhapura, or #48 bus to Kaduruwela). A local bus might take around 5 hours for the journey, but you can also find AC buses which will shorten the journey to about 3.5-4 hours via toll roads.

From Dambulla, take a bus or tuk tuk to Sigiriya as above.

Read more: How to Spend 24 Hours in Colombo

From Trincomalee to Sigiriya

From Trincomalee, you can take any bus heading towards Colombo. Ask if they’re passing through Dambulla (bus #49 is ideal as this definitely does). Either get off in Dambulla itself or get off a bit earlier at Inamaluwa Junction (the turnoff for the Sigiriya Road). The journey should take about 3 hours and cost 500 LKR (US$2).

In Dambulla, jump on a bus heading to Sigiriya or flag the bus down at the Inamaluwa Junction (make sure you’re standing on the left side of the road for the bus to pullover on its way to Sigiriya). From the junction, the bus costs 80 LKR to Sigiriya and you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for it.

Read more: Guide to Trincomalee: Sri Lanka’s Underrated Beach Destination

From Anuradhapura to Sigiriya

From Anuradhapura, there are regular buses heading to Dambulla and the journey should take about 2 hours and cost 300 LKR (it’s usually #15 bus heading to Colombo). From Dambulla, hop on a bus to Sigiriya as described above.

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya village has exploded in recent years with plenty of accommodation. While you might not notice from the main road, there’s hundreds of home stays, guesthouses and resorts tucked away in the forest down skinny back roads all over the area.

There’s something for every budget, with reasonable prices because of the high competition. Here’s my recommendations in order of price (budget to high-end):

Freedom Home Stay | This is where I stayed for five days and, for the price, it’s incredible value. They offer two large en-suite rooms with a patio near the family home. The family are beautiful and serve a delicious breakfast every morning. The husband is also a tuk tuk driver and he took me on all the day trips I outline below for a good price. Check prices here.

Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay | Just a 5-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance, this home stay offers a handful of double and single rooms amongst a pretty garden. With a shared patio area, friendly hosts, and a delicious breakfast served every morning. Check prices here.

La Dolce Vita | A rustic, homely property with modern comforts, this boutique hotel has an outdoor pool, private patios for the rooms, and a restaurant serving daily breakfast. It’s located 2km from Sigiriya Rock. Check prices here.

Atha Resort | An exceptionally rated resort just 3km from Sigiriya Rock, this place features an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. The beautiful rooms overlook the garden, some with private balconies. Check prices here.

When to Visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya is best visited during the dry season, from December until April, especially in terms of visibility and weather conditions. However, it will be extremely hot during these months, so you’ll likely want to be exploring early in the morning and late in the afternoon with a midday siesta.

Keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so you should expect large crowds at most sites and long wait times for climbing Sigiriya Rock.

The wet season runs from May until November, but you might still be lucky with sporadic dry patches. It’s also incredibly humid during these months and afternoon storms are common. I was there in late August and had relatively good weather during the day, and just some stormy afternoons. It’s difficult to predict the ever-changing weather in Sri Lanka!

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Where to Eat in Sigiriya

Kenoli Restaurant | One of the most delicious rice and curry joints I visited in Sri Lanka, the couple running this small restaurant are super friendly and excellent cooks. Well-known as one of the best places to enjoy local food, it’s home cooked Sri Lankan cuisine at its best.

Liya Restaurant | Right next door to Kenoli, this place might not have the same reputation but I ate here plenty of times and it was always good. The family running this place are super friendly and always up for a chat. The serving portions are huge and good value for money.

The Lion’s Choice | Located on the main road in Sigiriya, I happened upon this place on my first day in town. The rice and curry was delicious and featured some very obscure local delicacies to try. They’re also happy to change the menu to suit vegans.

Best Things to Do in Sigiriya and Around the Cultural Triangle

While the main attraction of Sigiriya is the famous Lion Rock Fortress, there’s plenty of incredible historical sites to explore in and around town. Both Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be done within a day in Sigiriya, while the other major attractions will require a day trip.

Here’s the best things to do in Sigiriya, with everything you need to know to visit each of the attractions.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Fortress)

Brief History: Lion Rock Fortress is the fortified palace built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, perched on the imposing Sigiriya Rock seen from miles around. The King moved the capital to the more strategic location of Sigiriya, from the plains of Anuradhapura. The Palace in the Clouds only lasted 18 years though, before it was forgotten, until British colonialists rediscovered it with the help of locals.

How to get there: Sigiriya Main Entrance is on the west side of the complex and within walking distance from Sigiriya town (about 1.5km depending on where you’re staying)

Ticket price: US$35 for adults (including the Sigiriya Museum)

Opening hours: 5am to 5pm every day (you can stay inside the park after 5pm, but tickets must be purchased before 5pm)

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset is ideal if the clouds are clear as you’ll avoid the searing sun and some of the day trip crowds, but sunrise is equally nice if you don’t mind an early morning

How long is the hike: Those with a reasonable level of fitness who are also stopping to look at things along the way should be able to complete the hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock in an hour. You should also factor in about 30-45 minutes at the top, and half an hour for the descent.

Is it worth it? The price is enough to make many backpackers think twice about visiting Sigiriya Rock. And while I agree the ticket price is steep, I’d have to say it’s still worthwhile. For Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is on par with what Machu Picchu is for Peru, as it’s main archaeological attraction. I just hope (as do others) that the money is going back into research and conservation efforts. If the price is really out of your budget, just stick to visiting Pidurangala which is far cheaper and offers just as beautiful views, but lacks the historical significance.

Things to See at Sigiriya Rock

The Sigiriya Museum is included in the price and located close to the entrance. Very few people actually bother with it, but it does offer a nice overview of the history, geology, and architecture of the ancient city. Then, you’ll pass many of the landscaped royal gardens as you walk towards the giant rock, which consist of terraced pools.

The first set of steps through the rocks will take you up to the famous lion paw staircase, which is how the Lion Rock Fortress got its name. From there, you’ll be looking up at the narrow metal staircase that seems to be precariously nailed into the side of the rock. You need to ascend these stairs to finally reach the flat plateau of Sigiriya Rock.

The ruins of King Kasyapa’s fortified palace have been reduced over time to mere foundations. While it can be difficult to imagine what it would have looked like at its peak, the terraces are still worth exploring for different vantage points.

The highlight of the climb up to the top of Sigiriya Rock is for the panoramic views. You’ll be able to see across to Pidurangala Rock and the forested plains home to elephants and other wildlife.

You have to descend the same way to exit. However, if you’re visiting for sunset, the main entrance will be closed after 5pm, and you’ll have to follow the signs indicating the exit for after hours.

Good to Know

There are many steps (over 1000) to reach the top, including some steel ladders with steep drops, so those with a fear of heights or physical difficulties may not make it to the top.

Unlike other attractions, Sigiriya doesn’t have a strict dress code because it’s not a temple or place of worship, but ensure you wear comfortable clothing and footwear for walking.

There are toilets and an ATM at the main entrance.

Pidurangala Rock

Brief History: When King Kashyapa discovered Sigiriya in 5th century, he wanted to move the monks to Pidurangala so he could build his palace on top of Lion Rock. The monks obliged and the monastery was built into caves around Pidurangala Rock.

How to get there: The car park and entrance is about 4.5km from Sigiriya town on the west side of the rock. A tuk tuk will cost about 1500 LKR (US$5) for the return trip from your accommodation, including wait time for the climb up and back.

Ticket price: 1000 LKR per adult

Opening hours: 5am to 6pm every day (you can stay at the top after 6pm, but tickets must be purchased before 6pm)

Sunrise or sunset? Many people recommend sunrise for Pidurangala, as you’ll likely get to enjoy the view with only a few others. In the wet season, you’ll also likely avoid the stormy afternoons. However, I went for sunset and equally enjoyed it.

How long is the hike: The hike up to Pidurangala is steep and covers some rough terrain. Most people will be able to make it to the top in about 45 minutes, although fit people could do it in 20-30 minutes or less with no breaks. It only takes about 15 minutes going down.

Is it worth it? For the much cheaper ticket price than Sigiriya Lion Rock, Pidurangala is definitely worth it. The view of Sigiriya Rock is unbeatable and if you’re visiting at sunset or sunrise, it’ll likely be one of the most memorable things you do in Sri Lanka.

Things to See at Pidurangala Rock

The hike starts at Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya, a white temple at the base of the rock. This is where the ticket office is and the endless stairs begin up to the top. You’ll also need to cover up just to walk through this area, so bring a shawl or borrow one from the monastery.

From there, you’ll ascend some steep stairs and then follow a rough jungle path over rocks and tree roots, and through caves. On the way, you’ll pass Pidurangala Temple, of which the most impressive sight is a 12m reclining Buddha lying under a rock face.

From there, the hike gets even more adventurous. The last 10 minutes requires some basic bouldering and climbing over large rocks. The final push requires a bit of a scramble up to the top, and then a short walk through the last bushes to the open views awaiting above.

The panoramic views are arguably more impressive than those from Sigiriya Rock, as you’ll have an incredible view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock, which glows with the rising or setting sun. You can also gaze out over the forested plains of Minneraya and Kaudulla National Parks.

Most people take a seat on the rock face to watch the sun rise or set. You need to return the same way. Expect some queues at the rock scrambling section, if there’s lots of people about.

Good to Know

You’ll need good walking shoes to attempt this hike, especially ones with decent grip. Sandals won’t really cut it on this trail.

If you’re heading up for sunrise, it’s best to explore the temples on the way back down when you have some sunlight. It’s also a good idea to carry a headtorch, if you’re visiting at sunrise or sunset as the path isn’t overly well lit.

Polonnaruwa

Brief History: Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It was home to the Sinhalese kingdom that expanded across Sri Lanka from 1070 until 1232, with the city of Polonnaruwa being the cultural and commercial centre of the empire.

How to get there: A return trip in a tuk tuk from Sigiriya, including driving around the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa site costs about 10,000 LKR (US$34). Alternatively, you can jump onto the #48 bus to Kaduruwela that passes through Dambulla from Colombo. Then, you’ll have to arrange a tuk tuk or rent a bicycle to get you around Polonnaruwa.

Ticket price: US$30 per adult

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm every day

How long do you need: You’ll probably need 3 hours to really explore the complex properly, which means if you’re visiting from Sigiriya on a day trip it will be a decent 6 hour day all up. It may take longer than 3 hours, if you’re exploring on a bicycle or on foot.

Is it worth it? Yes, the vast ruins of temples, palaces, and religious buildings in Polonnaruwa was one of the most impressive things I saw in Sri Lanka. Often compared to the more famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s best preserved and incredible archaeological site. It’s a steep entry ticket, but I’d pay it again!

Things to See at Polonnaruwa

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is not small. There are different buildings, temples, and statues scattered around the huge area, some preserved better than others. Next to the ticket office is the Archaeological Museum, which provides a nice overview of the area. This is worthwhile if you’re not going to have a guide with you.

Some of the must-see attractions within the complex include the Royal Palace and surrounding temples, King’s swimming pool, Sacred Quadrangle Temple, and the huge stupa of Rankot Vihara.

However, my two favourite spots were the nearly 17m high buddha statue of Lankatilaka Temple and the carved buddha figures of Gal Vihara.

Good to Know

The complex is huge. You can either get a tuk tuk to drive you around, explore on foot or rent a bike to get around. In the searing heat of Sri Lanka though, I opted for the tuk tuk and my driver included a tour of the complex in the price from Sigiriya.

It’s very hot in the middle of the day with minimal shade, so ensure you have a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You also need to take your shoes off many times throughout the complex and the stone and sand can be hot. It’s a good idea to pack some socks to slip on to protect your feet!

Dambulla Cave Temple

Brief History: Dambulla is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, with Buddhist monks inhabiting the area since the 3rd century. Many of the buddha statues were built in the 12th century and the impressive wall paintings were completed over the 18th century.

How to get there: You can take a bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla which should take about 30-45 minutes. From Dambulla Bus Stand, you can either walk or take a tuk tuk for the 3.5km to the ticket office for the cave temple.

Ticket price: 3000 LKR per adult or US$10

Opening hours: 7am to 6pm every day

How long do you need: You only need around 1-2 hours to explore the caves, depending on how long you take to climb the stairs from the ticket entrance. The actual Dambulla Cave Temples are located up on top of a large rock and it can take 10-20 minutes to walk up.

Is it worth it? Yes, the Dambulla Cave Temple is an incredibly unique place to visit. I had no expectations before visiting and was blown away by the beauty and craftsmanship of the temples, being carved out of the rock with many buddha statues and detailed paintings. As it’s an easy half day trip from Sigiriya, I highly recommend a visit.

Things to See at Dambulla

There are several separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some dating back over 2,000 years. Murals cover over 2,000 square metres of cave walls, depicting Buddha’s life, while the views overlooking the surrounding valley all the way to Sigiriya are also really beautiful.

It’s a rather small attraction that doesn’t require as much walking as the other places on this list. However, I suggest taking your time to wander through each of the cave temples admiring every corner.

There’s also a Golden Temple, a huge golden buddha statue perched on top of a temple on the other side of the Dambulla Cave Temples.

Good to Know

The dress code to enter the temples is very strict. Make sure you remove your shoes at the entrance where you’ll find a small shoe rack that requires a small donation of 20 LKR. You must also have your knees and shoulders covered.

If you want to explore the Golden Temple as well, it’s down the other side of the hill. You can take the stairs down the opposite side of the hill and exit via the Golden Temple (don’t enter through the Golden Temple as there’s no ticket office for the Cave Temples this way and security will make you walk around to the ticket office!). Although, I wouldn’t say it’s a must see.

Ritigala Archaeological Site

Brief History: Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to the 1st century. It’s believed to have been an important centre of Buddhism during the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the 12th century when it was abandoned. The legends surrounding the mountain relate to its unique and unusual flora and fauna and it’s thought that many of its plants have medicinal properties.

How to get there: A return trip in a tuk tuk should cost around 5500 LKR (US$20) from Sigiriya, with the journey being just over an hour one way. There’s no public transport that will get you to Ritigala.

Ticket price: US$5 per adult

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm every day

How long do you need: You can walk up and down the ruins of Ritigala mountain within an hour, but allow 2 hours if you really want to take your time and stop at each site. From Sigiriya, you should allow about 5 hours all up for a visit.

Is it worth it? While it’s not as impressive as Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa, I still really enjoyed my day trip to Ritigala. It’s quite an offbeat location to visit, so you’ll get to explore some back roads in Sri Lanka and have the archaeological ruins almost all to yourself. If you have the time and budget, I recommend a visit.

Things to See at Ritigala

From the ticket office, there’s a singular path that winds its way up Ritigala Mountain to the last ruins on the slope. While things are not well signposted at all, it’s quite easy just to follow the paved trail up and back (although there are some little side trips you can explore as well).

First, you’ll pass through a large old bathing area, with wide stone steps leading into the now-overgrown forest. As you follow the path heading up into the forest, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna without any disturbance.

You’ll pass more foundations of temples, a hospital, a library, stone bridges and more. You’ll have to use some of your imagination for the site, but it’s still quite impressive as to how they got the huge stone blocks up the mountainside all those years ago.

Eventually you reach the final ruin, a large pavilion platform with supporting columns still visible. Behind this ruin, a dirt path continues to what maps.me refers to as the “Big Tree”, which is in fact very accurate. There is a huge tree with tangled roots sprawled out into the dirt. Beyond this point, the sign warns the army controls the area so the public is not allowed.

Simply turn around and head back down. On the way back, I discovered a couple of impressive ruins on little side trails off the main path. Again, nothing is signposted well, so be careful where you go.

Good to Know

The car park and ticket office for Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve are accessed down a dirt road and it all feels quite remote. I quite liked this though, because we only saw a couple of other people there the entire time!

Carry enough food and water for your trip as we didn’t pass any shops along the way.

Where to Next? More Sri Lanka Travel Guides

• Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella: An Essential Guide
• Kandy: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy: An Essential Guide
• Colombo: Best Things to Do in Colombo in 24 Hours
• Galle: 2 Days in Galle Fort: Best Things to Do in Galle
• Hiriketiya: Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise
• Weligama: Layback Surf Camp Review in Weligama
• Digital Nomad Travel: Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Remote Workers
• Trincomalee: Trincomalee Travel Guide: Underrated Beach Destination in Sri Lanka
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna, North Sri Lanka

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