historic site · Sigiriya

A terrace below the summit of Sigiriya Rock where two giant brick paws survive from the lion gateway that gave the rock its old name, Sinhagiri. Iron stairs climb from here up the steepest section to the palace ruins.

Best time to visit

Morning, while the stairs above are still quiet

Typical visit duration

15 minutes

Tips

Included in the Sigiriya ticket. The open iron stairs above are the hardest part for anyone uneasy with heights; you can turn back here and still have seen most of the site.