Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya‘s ‘Lion Rock’ is an ancient rock fortress known for its massive column of rock that reaches nearly 200 meters high. The site dates back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), who chose this site as his new capital. He decorated the walls with frescoes and built an impressive palace right on top of the rock column, accessible only through the mouth of an enormous carved lion.

I made the climb at 5am in the morning to ensure I made the most of that spectacular sunrise. Wow! Pinch me moment! It was worth the early start. I would recommend doing this early, as it can get very busy AND hot! Wear trainers as the ground is uneven, and take a torch! There are no lights anywhere, and it is pitch black.

Check out my video Sigiriya Rock.

It takes approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours to climb Sigiriya Rock and has over 1000 steps, so it can be a challenge for some. It’s 340m above sea level and is a great viewpoint to spot: Cultural Triangle. Knuckles Mountain - Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa

An absolute MUST do when visiting Sri Lanka - I loved it!