Central Province, Sri Lanka · Asia
Sigiriya is worth a stop: 30 minutes from Dambulla, 28km from Polonnaruwa Ancient City.
Sigiriya is a town located in Central Province, Sri Lanka. With a population of 1,001, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Sigiriya sits in Sri Lanka. It's in the Asia/Colombo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Sigiriya to your route.
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா/சிங்ககிரி, ) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of graniteRead more
approximately 180 m (590 ft) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (CE 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.
The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
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Sigiriya offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Sigiriya is located in Central Province, Sri Lanka, Asia. The coordinates are 7.9495 latitude, 80.7504 longitude.
Sigiriya has a population of approximately 1,001 people, making it a town in Sri Lanka.
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4 notable places within an hour's drive.
photogenic
A granite outcrop with an ancient cave monastery and reclining Buddha, reached by a short scramble. It gives the one view Sigiriya itself cannot: the Lion Rock standing whole above the plain at sunrise.
2 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Five caves cut into a 160 m rock face, painted and filled with over 150 Buddha statues across two millennia of continuous use, the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
15 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
The well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's medieval capital with impressive stone Buddha carvings and royal palace remains.
28 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
A brilliant white 2nd-century BCE stupa in Anuradhapura, over 100 m tall and ringed by a wall of stone elephants. One of the most venerated Buddhist monuments in the world.
59 km · about 70 min drive
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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