Destination

Sigiriya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya, or "the Lion's Rock", is a massive rock formation that towers more than 650 feet (198 meters) high. Carved into a city fortress on the orders of King Kassapa I in the fifth century, Sigiriya soon grew into an exceptionally elaborate, beautiful place, complete with sprawling, terraced gardens with fountains, myriad frescoes, carved stone walkways and avenues, and finally, a towering palace perched atop the giant rock formation itself.

The city served as the royal residence for only eleven years; following a pivotal battle, Kassapa was defeated by his brother, and took his own life. Afterwards, Sigiriya was given to monks, and fell into a long, slow decline.

Today, highlights of Sigiriya include the Mirror Wall, so-named because it was once constructed from highly polished porcelain; the stunning frescoes of Sigiriya, reminiscent of India's Ajanta Caves; and the palace itself, surrounded by a complex network of moats, reservoirs, cisterns, gardens and additional structures.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Balloon Ride

Take an early morning flight over the mountains, lakes and lotus ponds of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle in a hot air balloon. Soaring up to 2,500 feet above the landscape, your flight will offer spectacular bird’s-eye views of the ancient forests and tranquil villages of the countryside, culminating with an unparalleled aerial view of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. From October to May only.

Bird Watching

Sigiriya is abundant with shrubbery and jungle, providing an ideal natural habitat for various species of birds. Go twitching with a local bird spotter and pair of high-tech binoculars in the Sigiriya bird sanctuary, and see if you spot the Indian Cuckoo, a Ceylon Green-Pigeon, a Brown Fish-Owl or a Thick-Billed Flower Pecker, amongst many others.

Bullock-cart Ride and Boat Trip

Take a ride on a traditional Sri Lankan bullock-cart around the Lion Rock Fortress and the surrounding jungle, wildlife and local villages. After your bullock-cart ride hop on board a simple local style boat and cruise the nearby lake for an alternative view of the great Sigiriya rock, once built on as an ancient king’s hideaway. Meander along the waters enjoying the natural paradise, where beautiful butterflies and birds flit between wild flowers and grassy verges.

Combined Trip Sigiriya and Dambulla

Sigiriya and Dambulla are two areas that are often combined into a one-day trip. It’s possible to combine various experiences from Sigiriya and Dambulla in the same day, just mix and match whatever suits your interests.

Elephant Trek

Go on an easy elephant trek around the Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya. The gentle giants will take you through the green undergrowth and sparkling lake at the foot of the fortress to observe to astounding formation from ground level or more precisely elephant-back level. The elephant will trail through the waters and you will have the chance to feed and bathe the animals alongside your personal expert mahout.

Lion Rock Fortress and Water Garden

Visit Sigiriya, the “Lion’s Rock.” Climb the massive rock formation, more than 650 feet (198 meters) high, which was carved into a small city fortress by a king in the 5th century. Once home to palace residences, swimming pools and fountains, Sigiriya employed sophisticated hydraulic technology to elevate water to the summit. It has the rare distinction of being both a natural and man-made wonder of the world, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pidurangala Temple

Visit Pidurangala Temple, a small Buddhist temple built by the founder king of Sigiriya, located just a mile away from Lion Rock. In ancient times the king came across a community of monks and hermits occupying the area, the king built this temple complex to house them.

Sri Lanka Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

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Southern

Eastern

Trincomalee

Western

Sigiriya Itineraries

Classic Sri Lanka

Spend 10-days exploring the best of Sri Lanka from the cultural triangle, to tea country, and down to its sandy southern coast. You’ll stay in some of Sri Lanka’s most luxury hotels, as you explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Dambulla, spot wild elephants on a safari, travel tea country by railway, and learn about turtles at a sanctuary.

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,500

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Family Sri Lanka: Colombo to Kandy with Kids

Play with elephants, relax as the kids swim in the Indian Ocean and fall asleep to the calming ocean lull while staying in a floating house on this 13-day luxurious Sri Lankan holiday. With hiking, elephant trekking and rafting in store, there’s plenty of action to keep the kids busy and still time for you to relax.

Interest With Kids

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Price Per Person: From $13,400

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Family Sri Lanka: Trincomalee to Colombo with Kids

Sri Lanka is the perfect setting for the family vacation of your dreams. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, hike archaeological ruins and catch a stunning tangerine sunset with loved ones. This is 12-day luxury journey will create special, lasting family memories.

Interests Beaches, With Kids

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $12,100

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From Bollywood to Ancient Ruins: A Journey Through India and Sri Lanka

Take a thrilling trip through India and Sri Lanka, spending 17 days meandering from Mumbai’s iconic Bollywood, down the backwaters of Kerala, exploring colonial Cochin. You’ll fly onwards to Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore its ancient wonders like the Temple of Tooth, all the while staying in luxury hotels.

Interests Romance, UNESCO

Destinations Sri Lanka, India

Duration: 17 days / 16 nights

Price Per Person: From $17,600

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Historic Sites and Stunning Hikes: Exploring the Cultural Gems of Sri Lanka

On this two-week tour of beautiful Sri Lanka, discover the country’s hidden treasures, from historic colonial towns to its lush jungles, rainforests and tea terraces. Savor the views and allow yourself to be enchanted by ancient culture.

Interest Heritage

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,000

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Historic Sri Lanka Odyssey

Step back in time without leaving any luxury behind on this 14-day journey through Sri Lanka’s most important heritage sites. Picnic atop an ancient rock fortress, take an exciting safari through Yala National Park and visit the revered UNESCO site, Anuradhapura. This adventure offers insight into ancient cultures.

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $13,100

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Into the Wild: National Parks of Sri Lanka

Experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty on this luxurious 17-day adventure. Observe wild elephant herds in their natural habitat, trek in the lush Sinharaja Rainforest, explore multiple UNESCO sites, hike through an ancient monastery and still have plenty of time to unwind by the turquoise sea in stunning Galle.

Interests Wildlife, Trekking, National Parks

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 17 days / 16 nights

Price Per Person: From $15,900

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Natural Beauties and Historic Wonders: a Sri Lankan honeymoon

Spend an unforgettable 10 days touring the beautiful island of Sri Lanka for a romantic honeymoon filled with stunning sights and spectacular scenery. From ancient ruins to whale-infested waters, this trip is packed with treasures that will guarantee your newlywed life starts in style.

Interests Romance, Amazing Landscapes

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $10,600

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North Sri Lanka Adventure

A unique region with a strong Indian presence, no stone goes unturned on this 15-day luxury Northern Sri Lanka adventure. This is the most luxurious tour you will find in the region – but this is not your typical 5-star service. You’ll experience the rare opportunity of seeing the country’s rebirth from the civil war.

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 16 days / 15 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,000

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Sri Lanka's East Coast

It’s a sun-soaked adventure on this 14-day Sri Lankan east coast holiday. Give surfing a try on the famous Arugam Bay beach, bike through the lush Ceylon tea fields, view a tooth belonging to the revered Buddha and relax by the sea in luxury. Your incredible memories will last much longer than your golden tan.

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Price Per Person: From $10,200

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Araula Forest Lodge

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Araula Forest Lodge by Resplendent Ceylon invites guests to experience Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle from new heights. Situated within a 14-acre ancient forest, the tree house-styled resort has its 35 rooms and suites elevated to tree top level, offering unrivaled views of surrounding lakes, rice paddies and mountains. Its location lends convenient access to nearby historic sites such as Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla caves, and national parks. Bandaranaike International Airport in the capital of Colombo is a 3.5-hour drive or quick seaplane ride away.

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Jetwing Vil Uyana

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Nestled amongst reed beds and paddy fields on top of a man-made lake lies Jetwing Vil Uyana, a premier luxury eco resort in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Hailed by Harper's Bazaar as the "best eco luxury hotel in Sri Lanka," this one-of-a-kind resort comprises 36 dwellings that merge sophisticated modern comforts with ecological rural simplicity. Located on a property that spans 28 acres, the resort's structures have been carefully placed to best allow the surrounding nature to thrive, inducing 36 species of butterfly, 120 species of bird, and 20 species of mammal that regard the resortas home. Guests can attempt to identify all the species from the comfort of their dwellings or participate in any of the various wildlife observation tours organized by the resort’s staff. Magnificent views of Sigiriya rock are also offered from the resort's fine dining restaurant serving Eastern and Western dishes alike. There is also a café for light bites and a fully stocked bar. Strategically located, getaways to elephant gatherings at Minneriya National Park, a wildlife safari at Wilpattu National Park, and other tours of nearby natural wonders and cultural relics are easily accessible. The resort itself is equipped with a spa, yoga treatments, gymnasium, coffee makers, Wi-Fi, and more.

Water Garden Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Located just six kilometers away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, Water Garden Sigiriya resort provides visitors to Sri Lanka with world-class comfort and second to none service. With one and two bedroom options, the resort's 30 villas are chicly designed, spacious, and imbued with an air of mystique thanks to their secret gardens and private plunge pools. Havens of relaxation and excellently positioned to observe the lush outdoors and roaming wildlife, the villas are also equipped with such modern comforts as flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. The expansive resort property can be traversed via a traditional buggy, swimming across the outdoor pool, or aboard a helicopter from the resort’s helipad that provides aerial tours of the adjacent countryside. Master chefs cater to diverse appetites with dishes from around the world at the outdoor dining sites and traditional indoor venue. Quality is ensured with an emphasis on organic produce and imports from top quality suppliers. At the resort's spa, various treatments can be enjoyed including renowned Balinese massages. On-site, there is plenty to keep guests entertained with activities as diverse as billiards, biking, and archery while travel off the premises to explore such nearby attractions as the ancient cities of Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa is easy and convenient.

Elephant Corridor Hotel

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

The Elephant Corridor Hotel is surrounded by the magnificent beauty of the Kandalama Hills and is close to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This luxury boutique property has 21 suites, including some with private plunge pools. There is also the Presidential Villa, set in several acres of private grounds, which has four bedrooms and two private pools. The Ambrosia restaurant serves a well-chosen selection of international cuisine, and the Fables & Tales and Ebony & Ivory bars offer more casual dining. Meals can also be served outdoors under the trees, on a private terrace, or in your suite. Available activities include archery, mountain biking, horseback and elephant riding, and hikes through the surrounding plains and forests. The Om Wellness Spa offers a variety of different treatments all based on Ayurvedic principles. The hotel also has a fitness center and a business center. The Elephant Corridor is a four-hour drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (CMB).

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Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

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