Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tourist attraction that needs no introduction - Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock internationally - is a hotspot that almost every longing traveller to the teardrop island so excitedly looks forward to. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a site of important historical and archaeological significance in the island country, the massive column of rock is certainly a breathtaking sight to behold. Here’s everything you need to know to explore the stunning historical marvel.

Sigiriya - Image by lapping from Pixabay

Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress that dates back to the 5th century. The island’s history has that the fortress served as a safe haven to its founder and then king, Kashyapa. Today, the massive column of rock has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one, if not, the most popular tourist attraction in the Indian Ocean island nation, attracting over a mind-boggling one million visitors every year. The awe-inspiring work of architecture has the historical site often being referred to as the "8th wonder of the world" and rightly so. The trek to the top of the 180-metre-high rock involves a good 1,200 steps and no less than 60 minutes for the average trekker — a climb that surely wouldn’t be a breeze but one that certainly wouldn’t be in vain either.

Whether you head to Sigiriya from the direction of Kandy or Colombo — the two most popular gateways to the town — you are going to converge at the nearby historical city of Dambulla — also the principal city in the region. After getting to Dambulla, it is only about a 20-minute drive to the town of Sigiriya and its eponymous star attraction. For an experience that is out of this world, one can also charter a domestic air taxi to the Sigiriya Lion Rock with the likes of Cinnamon Air. The rock fortress’s ideal location in the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka also adds to its appeal, further enhancing its historical significance.

The fortress is open for visiting from 5 am to 5.30 pm every day. Payment is possible in both cash and by card at the ticket office at the main entrance. Tickets prices are as follows.

Non-SAARC Foreign Adult US$36

Non-SAARC Foreign Children US$18

SAARC Foreign Adult US$18

SAARC Foreign Children US$18

All Infant & Toddler (Below 6 years) Free entry

Local adults LKR 120

Local children LKR 60

The majestic column of rock and the panoramic views from the summit are a wonder to behold at any time of the day, but it is at its most beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

The tourist hotspot sees visitors droves upon droves throughout the year, but it is generally considered that the dry season is the best time to visit, between late December and early April.

While the Sigiriya Summit, at the end of the long 1,200 steps, is what almost every visitor to the rock fortress looks forward to, there’s a whole lot more to be experienced at the stunning historical site. From the imposing Lion Paw staircase to the shiny Mirror Wall and the beautiful frescoes wall, "Sigiriya Damsels" and the scenic 3 gardens — the Royal Gardens, Water Gardens and the Boulder Gardens, delightful things to do and places to visit at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress are absolutely plentiful. Last but not least, the Sigiriya Museum is an unmissable stop for everyone visiting the fortress, especially for those ardent history buffs craving a dose of the island country’s fascinating history.