Rising high above the jungle floor below, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is often called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, and when you visit, it’s not difficult to see why. Towering almost 200 meters above the plains, the colossal monolith served as a 5th-century royal citadel and became the capital of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura after King Kashyapa seized power in a coup.
Designed to be a bold statement of power, wealth, and artistic sophistication, Sigiriya was the ultimate fortified city, complete with landscaped gardens, beautiful frescoes, and a palace perched high above the wilderness. But following the death of the king, the capital returned to the city of Anuradhapura and the imposing fortress citadel was adopted by local Buddhists and used as a monastery from then on.
Located in northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is widely admired for its advanced urban planning and stonework. And for visitors to the site, it provides a rare glimpse into the very heart of an ancient civilization that fell in 993 CE when forces from the southern Indian Chola Empire invaded and took control of Sri Lanka.
After passing through the giant lion paws carved into the stone at the base, you’ll ascend the steep staircases that cling to the rock face. During the climb upwards, you’ll see spectacular frescos and the famous Mirror Wall before reaching the summit. At the top, you’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of the lush forests and mountains in the distance.
A perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and the adventurous traveler, Sigiriya is one of the brightest jewels in the crown of Sri Lanka. And beyond the impressive rock fortress itself, the surrounding area, known as the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, is a treasure trove of temples, unique cultural attractions, wildlife reserves, and much more.
How to Get To Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
International Airport (CMB), located outside the nation’s capital of Colombo. As the country’s primary travel hub, the airport services frequent flights from major global cities including London, Doha, Singapore, and Dubai. Flight times are typically from 10 to 11 hours from London, 21 to 24 hours from New York, 4 hours from Dubai, and between 3 to 5 hours from Southeast Asia.
Once you touch down in Colombo, you’ll need to travel onwards to Habarana, a bustling tourist town near the historic site of Sigiriya. The 170 km trip from Colombo usually takes about 4 hours to drive, depending on traffic. Many travelers opt to hire a private driver or take a taxi directly from the airport, although if you’re traveling on a tight budget you can also take a local bus or train to Habarana. Alternatively, you can catch a domestic flight from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya Airport (GIU), saving you time on the road and affording you the chance to enjoy some spectacular inflight views.
A good place to base yourself during your visit to Sigiriya is in the town of Habarana. The town is a short 25 minute drive from the main site of Sigiriya, and has a great selection of accommodation, restaurants, and other attractions to enjoy. From here, you can easily visit Sigiriya on a day trip, and explore the wider region of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
What’s the Best Time To Visit Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya, and Sri Lanka in general, has a tropical climate, which means that it’s warm all year round with a wet and dry season. Temperatures in Sri Lanka range from about 25 to 32 Degrees Celsius, with high levels of humidity throughout the year, especially during the monsoon rains.
The ideal time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season, between December and April, when rainfall is at a minimum and the skies are clear and fresh. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the mid 20s during the dry season, and the weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
The shoulder months of the dry season, May and September, can also be good times to visit, with smaller crowds and cheaper prices on flights and accommodation. However, you should expect the occasional rainstorm which can make hiking much more difficult, especially if you’re hiking up steep stone staircases or rocky trails.
Overall, the wet season in Sri Lanka should generally be avoided, with the months of October and November being particularly wet in the areas around Sirigiya and the Cultural Triangle. Humidity levels during the monsoon reach extremely high levels, while the constant rainfall and high temperatures make hiking and sightseeing, as well as traveling on rural roads, very difficult.
What To Do at Sirigiya and Habarana, Sri Lanka
Stay at the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Set alongside the tranquil shores of a Habarana lake, the Cinnamon Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge within 27 acres of forested parklands. This serene retreat in the heart of the Cultural Triangle is a short drive from Sigiriya, as well as the town of Habarana, the Minneriya National Park, and numerous other sites of interest in the area.
As much a wildlife sanctuary as a hotel, you’ll wake up to the sound of the dawn chorus before enjoying a delightful breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. The resort’s amenities include a large outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, several on-site options for eating, and a plethora of activities on offer, such as cycling, birdwatching and boating in the lake.
The rooms at the 5 Star establishment are situated in chalet-style buildings, with more than 130 spacious rooms and suites to choose from. Beautifully furnished with natural materials and charming Sri Lankan decor, each chalet is carefully designed with comfort in mind. All of the rooms have an ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and many rooms feature a private balcony with lake views.
The family friendly Cinnamon Lodge is great for couples, solo travelers, and small groups, providing you the perfect home from home just a stone’s throw from Sigiriya, in the midst of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
You can find out more, and book your rooms on the official Cinnamon Lodge website, here.
Join an All-Inclusive Full Day Tour to Sigiriya from Habarana
Traveling in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll set out from Habarana to discover some of the top highlights of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The itinerary for the full day tour includes an extensive visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, where your guide will show you around and explain all the fascinating details of the site’s turbulent history.
At Sirigiya, which loosely translates to mean ‘Lion Rock’, you’ll hike up the steep stone staircases to explore the enchanting water gardens of the palace, admire the frescoes and stone work, and take in the stunning panoramic views from the summit. You’ll also visit the Sigiriya Museum, see the stunning Premadasas Gems and Jewellery, and wander through the Rawana Spice and Herbal Gardens.
The tour is well paced, so you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, stop for a break and refreshments, and generally soak in the atmosphere of this ancient stone carved fortress. The tour includes a hotel pick up and drop off from Habarana, as well as bottled water.
You can find out more about the full day all-inclusive tour to Sigiriya, and reserve your places, here.
Take to the Skies with a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’d like to get your day off to a flying start, then this early morning hot air balloon ride over Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle is exactly what you’ve been looking for! This once-in-a-lifetime tour begins with a hotel pickup and a light breakfast while you watch the hot air balloon being inflated for take off. And then, as the sun rises over the horizon, you’ll drift up in the skies to float high above the region’s most famous landmarks.
During the flight you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to photo opportunities, and you’ll also be able to spot birds, monkeys, and even elephants as you soar overhead. After landing, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel, with the whole day still ahead of you. A really unique way to see the sights of Sirigiya and the surrounding area, the hot air balloon ride is perfect for couples, families, and small groups.
You can find out more about this magical hot air balloon ride over Sirigiya, and reserve your spots on board, here.
Take a Private Safari to Minneriya National Park to See the Elephants
The Minneriya National Park is home to hundreds of wild Sri Lankan elephants who live amongst the wide, sweeping grasslands of the plains. These herds migrate from Wasgamuwa National Park to Minneriya National Park in the dry season, benefiting from the food, shelter and security which the park wardens provide.
The safari begins with a hotel pickup, after which you’ll be driven to the park by your experienced guide. Your guide, who is also a skilled tracker, will locate the herds of elephants and other gatherings of interesting wildlife, to show you the very best of Sri Lanka’s natural world. Throughout the safari you’ll have lots of opportunities to stop and take photos, or simply enjoy watching the elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
A fantastic day trip for couples, families with children, photographers, and nature lovers, this private tour through the spectacular scenery of Minneriya National Park provides an unforgettable way to spend a day in Habarana.
You can find out more, and book your seats for the private safari tour of Minneriya National Park, here.
Eat at the Inspire Habarana Restaurant and Beer Pub
Friendly, laid back, and with a mellow ambience, the Inspire Habarana is one of the best restaurants in town. Popular with both tourists and locals, it’s an absolute must-visit during your time in Habarana. Serving delicious home-style Sri Lankan cooking, the menu includes generous rice and curry dishes, beautifully fragrant vegetable side dishes, flame grilled meats, and traditional seafood. The mouth watering menu also includes lighter international favourites and side dishes, while the fully stocked bar has excellent local beers and a diverse choice of wines and spirits.
And with outdoor open air seating, you can enjoy the tropical evening breeze after a day exploring the local attractions. With consistently good reviews, and a convenient location for visitors staying in the town, Inspire Habarana offers the finest local cuisine at great value prices. Family-friendly and welcoming, Inspire Habarana should be a part of every visitor’s Sigiriya itinerary.
You can find out more about Inspire Habarana Restaurant and Beer Pub, and reserve your table, here.
