Where Is Sigiriya? Sri Lanka's Ancient Rock Fortress

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, in the Matale District near the town of Dambulla.

• Distance from Colombo: ~160 km (100 mi) northeast—approx. 3.5–4 hours by road.
• Coordinates: 7°57′25″N 80°45′35″E.
• Setting: Rising 200 m (660 ft) from the surrounding jungle plain, a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano.

Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (1982).
• 5th-century citadel built by King Kashyapa I (477–495 CE).
• Famous for frescoes (Sigiriya Damsels), Mirror Wall graffiti, water gardens, and lion's paws entrance.

Access

Base town: Dambulla (20 km south) or Habarawa. Most visitors stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya village. Climb early morning to avoid heat and crowds.