7.9575, 80.7600

Ancient City of Sigiriya

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

About

The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

Supporting sources: Legacy import provenance, Wikipedia

Plan your visit

Hours

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

Department of Archaeology page lists 06:30-17:30 daily, while the official CCF ticketing page lists 07:00-17:00 and ticket counters 07:00-17:00.

Admission

Current official CCF daily pricing page last updated April 29, 2026; SAARC citizens receive 50% discount.

Sources: hours · pricing

When to go

  • Time of day: Morning, Afternoon

Features & amenities

What to expect

  • Indoor + outdoor

What to bring

  • Water
  • comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • hat
  • bug spray

Good to know

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No guide needed

Tags

Planning Dambulla

The rest of my Dambulla saves, on the city's planning pages.