Once upon a time in the 1980’s, a much younger me saw a video for the “Save A Prayer” song by Duran Duran.
I remember the video’s locations seemed so foreign and exotic that I promised I too would one day stand atop that incredible rock on the other side of the world.
I finally got that chance and the actual “Lion Rock” was even more incredible and magical in person than I imagined. In fact, it was my favorite location in Sri Lanka and one of my favorites hikes on this planet.
Hiking The Sigiriya Lion Rock Trail (Sigiriya, Sri Lanka)
Sigiriya (Also known as “Lion Rock” in English)
About Sigiriya
Enigmatic and iconic Sigiriya is perhaps the most famous and popular landmark in all of Sri Lanka. Currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient rock fortress is notable for being inhabited by humans as early as 300 BCE and many consider it the “8th wonder of the world”.
Believed to have served as a monastery, capital, and king’s private pleasure palace throughout periods in its storied existence, much of the exact history of this “city of the gods” has been the stuff of legend. Though most of its story is lost to antiquity, it’s believed the “Lion Fortress” we see today was built by King Kashyapa I in 477 CE.
Sigiriya is truly unique in the beauty it has to offer as its natural geologic shape is complimented by immaculate gardens, impressive ancient architecture, and a vast array of wildlife. The human artistic imprint on Sigiriya is on full display as well, personified by the many ancient frescoes that adorn the walls of the fortress.
About The Sigiriya Lion Rock Trail
To truly experience Sigiriya and see it up-close, you must hike the Sigiriya Lion Rock Trail.
The trailhead begins at the ticket office and heads eastward to the Lion Rock
Listed as a 2.7 out-and-back “moderately difficult” trail by AllTrails.com, the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. This trail will take you from the trailhead at the ticket office, over a moat, through water gardens, boulder gardens, and terraced gardens before you begin the 209 meter climb to the summit where the ruins of the palace remain.
The climb will involve stairs (lots of stairs!), but they are not difficult. The most difficult part of this hike is likely going to be the tropical sun, humidity, and heat as most of this hike is exposed and their is no escaping the humidity.
For this reason, it’s probably a good idea to bring a hat and to do this hike in the morning or late afternoon. You must bring plenty of water (there are vendors at the trailhead that sell sport-drinks, bottled water, etc.) and sun protection.
The hike itself will likely take about 2-4 hours (not including the museum or other sites in the park), so be sure to devote at least a half-day to this visit.
Getting There (From Colombo and CMB Airport)
Located in central Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is located about 3 hours from CMB International Airport by automobile, or about 4 hours from the city of Colombo.
Sigiriya is over a 4-hour drive away from Colombo
I personally do not recommend foreigners try and drive themselves in Sri Lanka. The road to Sigiriya is single lane in each direction and leads through continuously winding hillside roads with heavy traffic. There is also a mix between heavy trucks and fast-moving motorcycles making it especially hard to navigate.
Instead, I recommend simplifying your life by hiring a driver or taking a tour to Sigiriya.
The Park Entrance, Museum, And Trailhead
From the tourist parking area, follow the signs to the ticket center and museum. Tickets for tourists cost $30 USD each.
Toque Macaques just hanging out. Unlike their continental relatives, the Sri Lankan macaques are non-aggressive (for the most part)
The Sigiriya Museum sign
The official UNESCO signage and park map
The trailhead and bridge over the moat
Section 1: The Water Gardens
The trail begins as you head into the park by walking over the moat to enter the water gardens.
The moat (looking north)
The moat (looking south)
Soon, Sigiriya will come into view. Take time to explore this area as the exit pathway does not pass directly back this way.
Sigiriya Lion Rock looms up ahead
The water gardens
The water gardens
The water garden section is also a place to keep on the lookout for wildlife.
A Sri Lankan Monitor Lizard relaxing in the grass
Hikers of all kinds love this place
Soon, you’ll come to the end of the water gardens and begin the ascent through the boulder gardens.
The boulder garden lies just beyond the trees
Section 2: The Boulder Gardens
Welcome to the boulder garden
The boulder garden is marked by many staircases and passageways under massive boulders
The entire trail is also marked by informative plaques with English translations
Looking backwards down the trail. Did I mention it was popular?
You can explore…just don’t get lost
Well that’s disconcerting: If you see these signs, keep very quiet – wasps!
A boulder wonderland to explore
A gold and black lizard lounging on a boulder
Section 3: The Terraced Gardens & Ascent
Once you make it through the boulder garden, the real climb begins.
Here, at the terraced gardens, you’ll climb stair after stair until you reach the ledge with the ancient and delicate frescoes and the mirrored wall.
The trail’s pathway into Lion Rock is visible from the terraced gardens
Get ready for some stairs…
…a whole lot of stairs
This open area in the terraced gardens is a perfect resting spot
Finally, you’ve made it to the skyway with the view of the surrounding jungle
The view back down to water gardens (where the trail started) shows you just how far you’ve come
It’s at this point on the trail where you will come across one of the main attractions: the ancient frescoes.
With remnants of drawings of over 500 women, the wall art here is said to have once comprised the largest painting in the world.
To protect this important and sensitive area, taking pictures of the frescoes is now prohibited.
Women of the frescoes (Image courtesy of amayaresorts.com)
The view northwest from the Mirror Wall (a wall once so highly polished the king could see his reflection)
Section 4: The “Lion’s Claws” Courtyard To The Summit
Leaving the frescoes and the mirror wall area behind, the trail then leads to one last courtyard before the summit.
Here, the “lion’s claws” are visible at the base of the rock as you begin the final ascent, although the lion’s head that once stood there has long since been destroyed.
The “lion’s claws” surround the staircase at the base of the rock
Be completely silent if you are attacked by wasps in the “wasp attack area”. Kidding, I didn’t see even one wasp.
View Of Pidurangala Peak
At this final courtyard, you can also stand on the northern edge to get a view at another popular landmark to the north – Pidurangala Peak.
This peak is another pay-as-you-go park with a temple and hiking trail leading to the Pidurangala Peak.
The Pidurangala Trail
Pidurangala Peak
As you leave the courtyard and make way to the metal staircase section (the final ascent), you’ll begin this section of the hike by heading directly through the lion’s claws.
The lion’s claws mark the start o the final ascent
Climbing the metal staircase
Looking back down to the courtyard below
Section 5: The Summit – The Top Of Sigiriya
Finally, the summit!
The summit of Sigiriya is something to truly behold. Aside from the awe-inspiring 360-degree views of central Sri Lanka, there is a lot to take in here and explore.
In fact, some of the most extensive ruins of Sigiriya are located here, including the the royal chambers themselves.
The view from the summit (southward)
Ruins of the royal palace
This is the perfect spot to do your best Simon Le Bon impression!
Pools of the water gardens and irrigation system
The king’s resting chambers. Notice the primitive air conditioning system that once ran in the ducts behind the seats
Apparently, this large monitor lizard make the trek to the summit as well…
…as did these little guys (Toque Macaques)!
Macaques at the summit
This giant grub was as big as my hand (the larva of a large scarab beetle)!
Section 6: The Descent
The descent from the summit of Lion Rock will take you down a slightly different pathway than the ascent to avoid the brunt one-way traffic coming up.
When you arrive at the boulder garden, the pathway will branch to the south, taking you to some interesting areas you hadn’t been before.
Ruins in the boulder garden
The most notable site here is the “Cobra Hood Rock”
That’s it…you’ve made it back to the water gardens
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Sigiriya Lion Rock Trail (Sigiriya, Sri Lanka)
I absolutely loved Sigiriya and the Lion Rock Trail.
Hiking Sigiriya is an amazing experience and a must-do in Sri Lanka. With so much to offer in terms of history, geology, and wildlife, Sigiriya has something for everybody. It may not be easy, but it is doable, and totally worth the effort.
I will state here and now that Sigiriya is a legit contender for the “8th wonder of the world”, and this hike is one of the best and most unique trails on planet earth.
H/T to Duran Duran
Cheers!
