Central Province
Sigiriya
The ancient Lion Rock fortress
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Plan a Trip to Sigiriya
Sigiriya, or "Lion Rock," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. This ancient rock fortress and palace complex was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD, rising almost 200 metres above the surrounding plains of the Central Province.
Visitors climb past the famous frescoes of the Sigiriya damsels, the polished Mirror Wall, and the giant carved lion's paws that once formed the entrance to the summit, where the ruins of the royal palace and its water gardens remain remarkably intact.
Highlights
- ✓The Lion's Paw entrance staircase
- ✓5th-century frescoes of the Sigiriya damsels
- ✓The ancient Mirror Wall
- ✓Summit palace ruins with panoramic views
- ✓Water Gardens at the base of the rock