Sigiriya Early-Morning Climb

Sigiriya’s sheer column of rock rises about two hundred metres above the surrounding forest. In the fifth century King Kashyapa built his palace on its summit and laid out symmetrical water gardens, moats and terraces below, an ensemble now recognised as one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning in South Asia.

An early start puts you at the entrance for opening time, as the low sun lights the western face. The climb follows brick and iron stairways past the celebrated frescoes of heavenly maidens and along the polished Mirror Wall, scratched with poems by visitors over a thousand years ago. On the Lion Terrace two vast carved paws mark the final ascent to the summit, where foundations, cisterns and terraces look out over jungle, reservoirs and nearby Pidurangala.

Because the climb from the entrance takes about an hour, true sunrise views come from neighbouring Pidurangala Rock; we can arrange that climb on another morning if you would like both.

Good to know

• The site currently opens at 7am; arriving at opening time avoids the heat and the busiest hours.
• Expect around 1,200 steps, some narrow and exposed. A reasonable level of fitness is needed, and those uneasy with heights may find the upper stairways challenging.
• Wear light clothing and good grip shoes, and carry water. Photography of the frescoes is not permitted.
• Access to the summit can occasionally be paused if hornets are disturbed; staff instructions should always be followed.

The climb can be added to any private itinerary in the Cultural Triangle, with your start time arranged around where you are staying.