Sigiriya Things to Do – Ultimate Guide 2025

Flo MBT
Mar 5
3 min read

Updated: Apr 6

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know—from the best things to do and where to stay, to travel tips and hidden gems—so you can make the most of your time in this incredible part of Sri Lanka.

We spent two nights in Sigiriya, and it was wonderful—definitely a must-do in Sri Lanka. From our little guesthouse to Lion's Rock and its surroundings, we had an amazing time.

**Lion's Rock from Lion Face Restaurant**

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this area is from December to April, during the dry season.

How Long to Stay

We stayed two nights in Sigiriya, and it felt like the perfect amount of time. You could easily add another night if you don’t want to rush.

Things to do

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking destinations, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and incredible landscapes. We spent a few unforgettable days exploring the area, and here’s a list of the top things we did during our stay.

1. Climb Lion's Rock (Sigiriya Rock)

One of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks, Sigiriya Rock, is a must-visit for its stunning panoramic views and fascinating history. This ancient fortress, built atop a massive rock, features well-preserved frescoes, the iconic Lion’s Paws, and the ruins of a royal palace.

💡 Tip: The climb takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and it’s best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. There are many steps, and we saw several older people having to stop and sit on the stairs due to the heat and exertion.

2. Sunrise at Pidurangala Rock

For an epic sunrise, hiking Pidurangala is a must. The 30-minute climb involves a mix of stairs and a short rock scramble at the top, but the reward is breathtaking 360-degree views of the jungle and Sigiriya Rock.

💡 Tip: There’s a small entrance fee (500 LKR = USD $3.39). Funny story—we didn’t realise there was a fee and forgot our wallet. Imagine our disappointment when we reached the bottom at 5 AM and couldn’t go up! Thankfully, a lovely woman saw us and kindly bought our tickets.

3. Sunrise or Sunset at Mapagala Fortress

Another alternative for a beautiful sunrise, sunset or just a view on Lion's rock is to climb this easy hike: link to location.

4. Sunset Drinks at Lion Face Restaurant

After a long day of exploring, we found the perfect chill spot for sunset—Lion Face Restaurant. With a stunning view of Sigiriya Rock, it’s the ideal place to relax with a cold drink.

🐊 Bonus: A crocodile lives right in front of the restaurant! If you’re lucky, you might just spot it lurking near the water.

5. Cave Temple at Dambulla

Absolutely stunning! Located just 30 minutes from Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples. The complex features five caves adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, including a massive reclining Buddha. The short uphill walk to the temple also offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

6. Dambulla Vegetable Market

For a glimpse into authentic Sri Lankan daily life, we visited the Dambulla Vegetable Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in Sri Lanka. The market is a colorful, vibrant place, overflowing with fresh produce—from exotic tropical fruits to fragrant spices. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a great spot for photography and people-watching.

Vegetable Market and Cave Temples

Our Accomodation

Probably one of the best accommodations we had in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya Chena Villa. The room was spacious and clean, and the little area at the front was perfect.

The surroundings were so relaxing, as the guesthouse was in the middle of our host's garden. He was so lovely and passionate about his plants. She was an amazing cook, and we enjoyed her food so much that we ended up having dinner there both nights.