Home › Sigiriya › Where to stay
Where to stay in Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a village at the foot of the famous Lion Rock fortress in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. There is no town, only guesthouses and resorts spread through the forest, paddy fields and lakes around the rock, so choose between being able to walk to the entrance and having a resort with views of the rock.
Sigiriya village
Guesthouses in the village are a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from the entrance, so you can start climbing at opening time before the heat and crowds. Family-run places often serve home-cooked rice and curry.
Resorts around the rock
Several resorts sit in the forest and by the lakes around Sigiriya, some with views of the rock from the pool. They are peaceful and good for wildlife and birdwatching, but restaurants beyond the hotel are limited.
Habarana and Dambulla
Habarana is a junction town with hotels close to Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks, known for elephant gatherings. Dambulla, with its cave temple, is about 20 kilometres from Sigiriya. Both are good bases for the Cultural Triangle.
One thing to think about
Climb Lion Rock early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Be careful around wild elephants on rural roads at dusk, and follow local advice when walking or cycling.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Sigiriya are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Should I climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala?
Climb Sigiriya to see the frescoes, the Mirror Wall, the Lion Gate and the palace ruins on top. Pidurangala, a nearby rock, has a cheaper, more rugged climb with a superb view of Sigiriya itself, especially at sunrise. Many visitors do both.
How long does it take to climb Sigiriya?
Allow about two to three hours to climb Lion Rock, look around and come down, plus time for the water gardens and the museum. There are many steps and some exposed metal stairways, so take water and avoid the hottest part of the day.
What else can I see near Sigiriya?
Nearby are the Dambulla cave temple, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and jeep safaris in Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. Village tours with cooking and a bullock-cart ride are also popular.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.