Tour the Ancient City of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka! 6 Recommended Spots Nearby

Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site located in Matale, a city in central Sri Lanka. In this article, we introduce six recommended tourist spots around Sigiriya.

In the jungles of Sri Lanka, there is a massive rock formation known as Sigiriya Rock. The ruins of a palace built by a king’s son still remain at its summit. The rock is surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight that captivates many visitors. Be sure to also visit the museums and temples around Sigiriya.

1. Pidurangala Rock

The mountain northwest of Sigiriya Rock is Pidurangala Rock. Compared to Sigiriya Rock, there are fewer tourists, creating a quieter atmosphere.

From Pidurangala Rock, you can clearly see Sigiriya Rock and the tourists climbing it. After a challenging climb, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view! The sunset, in particular, is so beautiful that it leaves visitors speechless.

However, the climb near the summit requires rock climbing, making it suitable for those with good physical fitness. If you have the stamina, be sure to visit this incredible spot.

2. Sigiriya Ladies

About a 20-minute walk from the entrance of Sigiriya Rock, there is a spiral iron staircase. As you climb, stunning murals appear, depicting 18 beautifully painted women.

These women, painted around the 5th century, are known as the "Sigiriya Ladies." They welcome visitors with their captivating presence. It is believed that the king at the time had them painted to honor the spirit of his father, whom he had killed. However, the true identity of these women remains unknown.

Photography of the Sigiriya Ladies is currently prohibited, so please be mindful when visiting. Also, the staircase is quite steep, so take extra care when climbing.

3. Lion’s Entrance

After viewing the murals, continue climbing the stairs, and you will reach a plaza. This is the entrance to the ancient palace, where a massive rock resembling a lion’s front paws stands.

This spot is popular among tourists. Though only the front paws remain today, it is believed that a giant lion statue once stood here with its mouth open. How did the ancient people of Sigiriya transport and carve such enormous rocks?

The term "Sinhagiri", meaning "Lion’s Throat," is said to be the origin of the name Sigiriya. This area marks the midpoint of the climb. Since the summit is within reach, this is a great place to take a short rest before continuing.

4. Sigiriya Museum

Located in front of the main gate of Sigiriya Rock, the Sigiriya Museum was built with the cooperation of Japan’s JICA. It displays excavated artifacts and handicrafts from Sigiriya, making it an interesting place to explore. The museum also features CG reconstructions of the Sigiriya Rock palace and replicas of the Sigiriya Ladies murals, making it a well-curated exhibition.

Visiting the museum before exploring Sigiriya Rock will allow you to learn more about its history, enhancing your experience.
The museum building itself is also uniquely designed and worth seeing, so be sure to stop by!

5. Mirror Wall

The Mirror Wall is a 3-meter-high wall located just before the spiral staircase leading to the Sigiriya Ladies murals. It is one of the highlights of Sigiriya Rock. The wall was coated with a mixture of egg whites, honey, and lime over bricks, making it so polished that it resembled a mirror, hence the name "Mirror Wall."

Even after centuries, on sunny days, visitors can still see their reflections on the wall. Due to frequent touching over time, the surface has become smooth. However, touching the wall is now prohibited, so be mindful of this when visiting.

Ancient Sinhala inscriptions left by the king remain on the wall, making it a fascinating historical site.

6. Dambulla Cave Temple

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Dambulla Cave Temple is a sacred temple located about 40 minutes by car from Sigiriya. After climbing a long flight of stairs, you will reach Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple. Along the way, you might spot monkeys and squirrels watching tourists!

Inside the caves, which were built over 2,000 years ago, there are five temples filled with numerous Buddha statues and murals. In Sri Lanka, visitors must remove their shoes before entering temples, so you will have to walk barefoot or in socks on the stone pathways. On hot days, the stone can get very warm, so wearing socks is recommended.

From the temple’s pathway, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding mountains. If you visit Sigiriya, be sure to extend your trip to Dambulla for a truly enriching experience!

◎ Summary of Tourist Spots in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

How did you like these six recommended tourist spots in the ancient city of Sigiriya?
There are still many other fascinating places to explore within Sigiriya Rock. Be sure to visit Sigiriya, take your time, and fully enjoy its wonders! You will surely be captivated by its incredible charm.

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Tour the Ancient City of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka! 6 Recommended Spots Nearby