Decided to go up for just around sunrise and what a great decision. The climb up wasn't too bad. Most people with a little patience and time could climb up however if you struggle with stairs then this is definitely not for you. The view from the top is fantastic and you can get a real sense of history when up there. Absolute must when in Sri Lanka.

This UNESCO world heritage site is a unique rock formation. Everything there is a must visit place and 100% worth. There are around 1200 steps to get on top of the rock, however you must check the local weather conditions and your walking and hiking gear. Taking children along might be challenging. You may also take a guide to help you navigate the unexplored places of this area inside and around the site. They might surprise you with the hidden places where you can go and relax away from the crowd. In our case, it was Samantha one of the site guide (Id in the photograph contact number +94712844805) Please note there is an entry fee for the foreigners and must be collected from the museum at the entrance.

Do you need to dream in the reality? Don't miss to climb Lion Rock if you visit Sigiriya in Sri Lanka! I had the pleasure of visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka in February and I must say it was a truly awe-inspiring experience. The location itself is absolutely breathtaking, surrounded by lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arriving at the site, I was immediately taken aback by the imposing rock formation, which is home to ancient ruins and a magnificent Lion Gate entrance. The hike up to the top of the rock was a bit challenging, but well worth the effort. Along the way, I encountered beautiful frescoes and intricate mirror walls, providing glimpses into the rich history and culture of the area. Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment. The summit offers unrivaled views of the surrounding countryside, with a clear view of the Sigiriya Gardens below. It is no wonder that Sigiriya Lion Rock is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The sheer architectural brilliance and engineering involved in creating a palace and fortress at such a height is mind-boggling. I highly recommend visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock to anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that not only provides a great hiking experience but also a glimpse into the country's fascinating past. The site is well-maintained, and there are knowledgeable guides available who can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the rock. If you do visit, I suggest going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to fully enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water as the hike can be quite strenuous.

I was there little bit after 5:00 am . All ready a little 10 minutes queue. Wa dark. It took me like 18 minutes to get to the top, but I must confess I am in very good shape, good cardio level. It was foggy, this is a matter of good luck. Any way the place is amazing. For me one of my favorites places in the world, this was my 3 rd time here.

Best hike we had in Sri Lanka. Not easy with children but after you are done it is worth it. You are advised to check the weather before you start because after 45-55 minutes of climbing we were inside a cloud and couldn’t enjoy the view. We started at 5:30, It was raining a bit but it didn’t bother us. Did it with a 3 years old girl which I held on my hands most of the time because it’s not a kids friendly climb.

When visiting Sigiriya, there are a few important points to keep in mind to enhance your experience and make the most of your visit. Firstly, it's crucial to respect the rules and regulations by refraining from taking photographs of the ancient drawings on the rock. This helps to preserve and protect these historical treasures for future generations to appreciate. Another important tip is to bring an ample supply of water with you. Sigiriya can get quite hot, especially during the peak hours of the day, so staying hydrated is essential for your comfort and well-being. Fortunately, there is free water availability at Sinha Pada, the halfway point of the climb. Take advantage of this opportunity to refill your water bottles and quench your thirst before continuing your ascent. It is strongly advised not to stop midway and instead push yourself to reach the top of Sigiriya. The effort will be more than rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic views and the awe-inspiring sight of the ancient ruins atop the rock fortress. The experience at the summit is truly worth the exertion. By following these recommendations, you'll ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Sigiriya, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its historical significance and natural beauty. Also there are plenty of monkeys around so watch your belongings and food.

As a traveler who has explored various wonders, I can confidently attest that Sigiriya Lion Rock stands as a timeless marvel that transcends expectations. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka, this ancient rock fortress offers an unparalleled journey through history and nature. From the moment you set foot at the entrance, you're greeted by the sheer grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascending the rock, each step unveils a new layer of its rich heritage, meticulously preserved for generations to come. The ingenious engineering and architectural prowess of its creators leave you in awe, pondering over the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. I wholeheartedly recommend Sigiriya Lion Rock to fellow travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the allure of Sri Lanka's cultural and natural treasures. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and left with memories that will linger long after you've bid farewell to this enchanting marvel.

Great experience but entry price of $36 us and keeps increasing is a bit of a downer. Personally I liked the other Little Rock as it is known. Gets busy so go early before tour buses arrive at 9 am.

Nice climbing up and down. Fresh air and beautiful Place. However m, have to be aware of monkeys as they snatch things at the stairway and it’s dangerous if you didn’t hold tight.

Beautiful scenery. We went up at sunset and were warned it would be very busy but went anyway. It was extremely busy, very slow getting up to the top but once we were up the views were amazing. Sunset took its time to look beautiful and was worth the wait. Coming down it was basically pitch black so not ideal and was again very busy and slow getting down as it’s only one way really. Well worth it and not sure if there would be a time to go when it wasn’t busy! It is December after all!!

It is a place one must visit. Ticket office is opened around 5am. Recommend an early start to avoid getting hot and tired. We started at 5:30am and were back for breakfast around 9am. Visited the museum after breakfast. Climb is not easy but not too hard. No facilities beyond the gates. Take enough water for drinking. Breathtaking views all around from the top.

A world famous heritage site. Tourist can experience the nature of historical landscape technology in Sri Lanka and the place is a good example for properly protected ancient garden in the world. The site belongs to 05 century.

It is absolutely mind boggling the sophisticated architecture, plumbing and defences that were in place more than 1,700 years ago. I think you’ll get a lot of value hiring a tour guide to get the most out of your visit (check out Nihal Tour Guide). The climb itself can be challenging, but it was completed by our 6 year old. The views at the top are absolutely stunning. Suggest going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun as there isn’t a lot of shade. The price difference between locals and foreigners is massive so that’s the only sour point. By the way, be careful with the monkeys and the food that you carry. A monkey sniped a bottle of Coke while we were visiting.

One of the most breathtaking experiences in Sri Lanka. If you can make the climb all the way to the top. Beautifully preserved frescoes and ancient architectural wonders, incredible views. Guaranteed to take your breath away.

Sigiriya is an ancient stone fort located in North Matale district. Located in the Central Province, it is a site of historical and archaeological importance dominated by a massive granite tower approximately 180 meters (590 feet) high. According to ancient Sri Lankan chronicles, this area was a vast forest, then after storms and landslides, it became a mountain and was chosen by King Kasyapa. (AD 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful murals. On a small plateau about half way up this rock he built a gate in the form of a huge lion. Sinhagiri rock. After the king's death, the capital and royal palace were abandoned. It was used Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today, Sigiriya is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

As one of the Wonders of the world it stands proudly for Centuries Went there in the early morning as it was a long weekend we visited Went early as in the morning around 6 am and the place was so quiet Had ample time to make the climb without getting rushed from others around. Must visit the museum before climbing if possible but we couldn't do it as the museum was closed in the early morning

Dont forget your hiking shoes and a bottle of water! Very nice climb to a historical spot. It is quiet tiring but the view is worth it! Be aware of rainy days as the stairs can get slippery. Museum is also worth to visit.