Climbing The Sigiriya Rock In Sri Lanka: Ravana’s Golden Palace Or An Ancient Buddhist Monastery?

The Sigiriya Rock was my next big cultural stop in Central Sri Lanka after the Ritigala Forest Monastery

Also known as the “Lion Rock,” it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with whiffs of mythology and major archaeological importance. 

Despite the absence of any archaeological evidence, there is a strong mythological belief that it is the place of Ravana’s Golden Palace. 

However, scientific evidence says that the rock fortress with its massive columns was once the seat of power of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). 

He built the fortress with magnificent frescoes and the palace at the top of the rock column. Also, the palace got such a name because one had to access the fortress through the mouth of an enormously carved lion. 

The area was earlier used as a Buddhist monastery from the third to the first century BCE. 

So, along with the Hindu temples of Jaffna and the Ambuluwawa Tower, which has Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim sites, the Sigiriya Rock also remains a major attraction for religious and spiritual seekers. 

Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the location of the Sigiriya Rock, how to reach it, the climbing experience, history, the entry fee, the structure, and other details. 

What Is The History Of The Sigiriya Rock? 

What Is The History Of The Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya Rock was a Buddhist Monastery. It rose in prominence after King Kashyapa took the throne and shifted the monks to Pidurangala, a nearby outcrop. 

He found the top of this near-vertical rock formation more defensible and built a fortress on its top. It had a magnificent moat, water gardens, temples, and meeting halls. 

However, deserted by his own force, King Kashyapa killed himself as he did not want to be a captive of his brother. 

The Sigiriya Rock again became a monastery after Anuradhapura became the capital again. 

However, after a few years, the place was abandoned until George Turnour translated the Buddhist texts and identified the Sigiriya Rock.

Further, in 1831, Jonathan Forbes located the city. Then, after 20 years, Harry Bell, the Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon, at that time discovered the Lion’s Paws. 

Finally, the Sigiriya Rock became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. 

Where Is The Sigiriya Rock? How To Reach The Sigiriya Rock? 

Where Is The Sigiriya Rock How To Reach The Sigiriya Rock

The Sigiriya Rock is located in the central region of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is the closest town, and it is the gateway to the Sigiriya Rock by road from Colombo and Kandy, the capital of the central province. 

The distance is around 17 km, and the travel time is close to 25 minutes. 

The distance between Kandy and the Sigiriya Rock is around 89 km, and the travel time by road is close to 2 hours and 31 minutes. 

Furthermore, the distance from Colombo to the Sigiriya Rock is 177 km. So, the travel time is around 3 hours and 50 minutes. 

Nevertheless, I took a bus from Dambulla to the Sigiriya Rock. The bus ticket price was around 50 LKR. 

You will also get taxis and tuk-tuks from Dambulla. 

Moreover, Habarana railway station, at a distance of around 20-30 minutes, is the closest to the Sigiriya Rock.

Once you are done exploring Colombo or the things to do in Trincomalee, you can easily take a train ride to the Habarana railway station and take a taxi or tuk-tuk from there to the Sigiriya Rock. 

What Are The Opening Hours And Entry Fee To The Lion Rock And Museum? 

What Are The Opening Hours And Entry Fee To The Lion Rock And Museum

Sigiriya remains open from 7 AM to 6 PM. However, 5:30 PM is the latest time you can enter. 

The entry fee to the Sigiriya Rock is around 11,149 LKR or 36 USD. This charge includes the museum entry fee. 

However, you can also visit the museum on a different day and pay a fee of $5 or 1600 LKD. 

Climbing The Sigiriya Rock 

Climbing The Sigiriya Rock

I started from the ancient water garden with the caves on the left. Furthermore, the octagonal man-made lake was in the shadow of the massive monolith. 

As I proceeded, I found two big boulders forming a natural arch and creating a circular road upward. The path took a turn to the left. 

The entire path was a part of the natural rock garden and was a sheer contrast against the water gardens below. 

I met some spiders, monkeys, and street dogs on the way until I reached the Lion’s paws.

1. The Lion’s Paws

The Lion’s Paws had a staircase in the center. This stone-made staircase is ancient, and the claws with the Lion’s paws are now the only remnants explaining why the Sigiriya Rock has the nickname of the Lion Rock. 

The head and body of the lion are decayed and mostly engulfed by the jungle. 

Furthermore, this ancient stone staircase is like a transition from history to the metal route up the mountain. 

However, here, you have to be careful and be as silent as possible to avoid the wasp attacks. 

2. From The Top Of The Lion Rock

After climbing around 1200 steps, I reached the top of the Lion Rock. As Sigiriya is the tallest peak in the region, it offered me a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

The sparkling rivers and lakes and the lush greenery of Central Sri Lanka won me over. The Pidurangala Rock was to the north, and it rose like a little volcano from the forest beneath. 

3. The Mirror Wall 

I walked through the remnants of the Sigiriya Rocks, the platforms, and the pools before I finally reached the Mirror Wall. 

On my way, I also had an encounter with a giant lizard and a street dog who just knew how to pose. 

Between the first plateau and the Lion’s Paws, there is a fork in the path. I took that path and turned left to come across the Mirror Wall. 

With a plaster casing, the ancient Mirror Wall used to shine and reflect light. Also, today, when you visit the mirror wall, you can see thousands of graffiti.

4. The Frescoes

From the Mirror Wall, I took a spiral staircase to reach the frescoes. However, for me, the cave paintings were more fascinating.

There is a major debate about the figures drawn on the caves. Some claim that these are holy entities and they make offerings to them. 

On the other hand, many say that these depict the concubines from the harem of the king. 

5. The Cobra Head 

I spotted the Cobra Head Cave while descending from the Sigiriya Rock. The cave resembles a cobra, which is ready to attack you with its fangs. 

Furthermore, I spotted a reception hall and an ancient urinal. 

Wildlife And Safety While Climbing The Sigiriya Rock 

Wildlife And Safety While Climbing The Sigiriya Rock

I could spot many monkeys while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Also, the moat has signs that crocodiles can be spotted here. However, I could not find any. 

Having said that, the lizards here are huge, and they are no less scary than crocodiles. 

Furthermore, there is a caution regarding elephants roaming in the water gardens after dark. 

Now, the scariest part. You will see huge wasp nests across various sections of the Sigiriya Rock. Keep silent and be responsible not to disturb those nests. 

Amenities Available At The Sigiriya Rock Site

There are toilet facilities at the base of the Sigiriya Rock. Furthermore, you will get a cafe or food stall near the ticket counter. 

You can collect chips, ice creams, soft drinks, and water for this cafe. 

Also, you can refill your bottle from the free fountain. 

Tips And Tricks While Visiting The Sigiriya Rock 

You have to carry enough water while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Otherwise, you will be dehydrated, especially when climbing up after 8 AM. 

Furthermore, you cannot take photos of the frescoes and cave paintings. Noone will allow you to ruin the historical artwork which has been there for more than 1600 years now. 

Moreover, the stairs and paths are steep. So, if you have vertigo issues, you have to take precautions. Also, the path is full of wasps. So, be careful while climbing up the rock. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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