bigtravelbuzzThe Lion Rock of Sigiriya is one of the most popular landmarks on any Sri Lankan itinerary. A natural phenomenon is a huge (200 m) square rock and former fortress of King Kassapa. There are murals, gardens and rock tops.
Pool and Palace! Lion Rock is one of he eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a must-see place in Sri Lanka.
To the top of Shishiiwa!
Get ready for a bit of a challenge and climb over his 1200+ steps to the top of Lion’s Rock. Don’t worry, this is a must do in Sri Lanka! The climb is marked with good trails and stairs. Starting in the terraced gardens gives you the most impressive perspective of the rocks. Along the way, pause at Sigiriya’s frescoes (ancient wall paintings), mirrored walls, and rock-cut claws just before the final climb.
Once you reach the top of the rock, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the entire area. Every corner has its own view. Try to recognize some regions you just visited in Sri Lanka.
Tips:
Combine Visits of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya Lion Rock
The Lion Rock of Sigiriya is one of the biggest attractions in the country, so ticket prices are (extremely) high by Sri Lankan standards. The entrance fee per person is 4500 LKR, which is about US$30.
Best time to climb Lion Rock
It is recommended to climb Shishiiwa from 7am to avoid the heat and crowds. It takes approximately 45 mins to climb to the summit. It takes about 2-3 hours to explore the entire area around and on the rocks.
Tips:
Wear good shoes and bring drinking water. Is it difficult to hike to Lion Rock?
The climb is quite steep, but there are safe steps leading up to the top.
bees and monkeys
Monkeys may run around trying to grab something hanging out of your pocket. Make sure everything is locked in the bag as nothing will happen.
For example, there is evidence that bees can be aggressive while flying drones. Drones can’t fly!
Pidurangala Rock instead of Lion Rock
If you want to see a distinctive perspective of Lion Rock with lot of money saved then climb Pidurangala Rock. Admission to the big Lion Rock is $30, but it’s only $5. Both are impressive, so if you have time, try climbing both.