Things to Do in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is in Central Province, in the island's cultural triangle region. Here are places to see in and around Sigiriya, with distances measured in a straight line from the town centre. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.

Places to visit near Sigiriya

• Sigiriya Rock FortressIn town · An ancient rock fortress and archaeological site built around a prominent rock in the…
• Dambulla Cave TempleAbout 17 km away · A cave complex with historic murals and statues, forming part of Sri Lanka's World…
• Ancient City of PolonnaruwaAbout 29 km away · The medieval royal capital of Sri Lanka, known for preserved monuments, statues and…
• Pidurangala RockAbout 2 km away · A rock viewpoint near Sigiriya offering a broad view toward Sigiriya Rock and the…
• Minneriya National ParkAbout 15 km away · A national park centred on the Minneriya reservoir and known for elephants and other…
• Dambulla Golden TempleAbout 17 km away · The modern complex at the base of the historic Dambulla cave sanctuary.
• Ritigala MonasteryAbout 22 km away · An ancient forest complex on a mountain, with stone structures, reservoirs and paved…
• Kaudulla National ParkAbout 24 km away · A dry-zone national park around the Kaudulla reservoir with elephants and wetland and…
• Lankatilaka Image House, PolonnaruwaAbout 26 km away · A large medieval image house in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
• Aukana Buddha StatueAbout 26 km away · A large standing statue carved from rock near Kekirawa, dating to Sri Lanka's ancient…
• Polonnaruwa VatadageAbout 26 km away · A circular ancient structure within the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
• Rankoth VeheraAbout 27 km away · A large brick stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Best time to visit

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Early morning, before 9am, to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Dambulla Cave Temple: Mid-morning on a weekday, before tour buses arrive and the caves get crowded.
• Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: Early morning, before the heat builds and while the light is best for photographing the rock carvings.
• Pidurangala Rock: Early morning for sunrise, when Sigiriya rock is lit from the side and the climb is cooler.
• Minneriya National Park: Late afternoon into evening, from roughly June to October, when the reservoir has receded enough to draw the largest herds.

Plan it your way

Add these places to your own trip and arrange them into days with the Ceylon Loop travel planner. See also the best time to visit Sri Lanka and how many days you need.

Opening hours and fees can change, so please verify them before you travel.