The whole place is simply amazing. Clean, green and well kept. I wasnt ready for the climb which can be quite intense for those of knees issue. Best to use sport shoes..( i saw many local only wore sandals/slippers...simply wow) , small water bottle and ready to climb. Average time spent will be about 1.5 hours and you would be amazed with the view from above and its historic site. Swimming pool at the top of this mountain many many years ago..We can only imagine how those people during that ancient time manage to climb up carrying, building palace on this gigantic rock. I would advise to those with knees problem to just go easy . Half way through the climb you can opt to stop and turn back down as it became more steep otherwise its simply worth the effort , time and energy you wont regret. Wishing to come again to conquer the rock. iA.

Great experience climbing to the top, takes about 30- 45 minutes depending on your speed, just take your time, slow and steady wins the race. I would recommend going early morning or late afternoon, stay away from climbing during the day far too hot! Detail amazing, real engineering feat in the day to create the fortress on top of the rock. Views are priceless, 360 degrees and un interrupted. Take a bottle of water with you. As along the way no opportunity to purchase water.

Never thought I get to the top heart knee problem. But glad I did. Took me longer than others but worth every minute . Great scenery watch out the thieving monkeys. Love your food.

The day before our visit, from our hotel (Sigiriya Kings - highly recommended) we could see the continous line of people working their way up the stairs to the top. We decided to go early and arrived at 0645. It only took 20 minutes to get to the top with no crowds. Spectacular views and plenty of information boards to describe the various parts of the fortress. No need for a guide. Highly recommended

The fortress itself involves rigorous trekking/climbing. Around the hillock there are gardens and moat like water body. The entire surroundings are full of greenery.

What a wonderful view. 8th wonder in the world. Sigiriya is a world heritage. And Greatest landmark in the Sri Lanka. Enjoy your journey

Definitely worth paying for a local guide to talk you through the history - a great experience and a must do activity if visiting Sri Lanka

The way up there was pretty nice. Luckily, the sun was hiding behind the clouds - in the sunshine it would have been hard. The view from the top was nice, but just nice. I loved the crazy monkeys the most 🐒

Visiting Sigiriya Rock was an interesting experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lankan history and breathtaking natural beauty. The ticket costs $35 per person, and while tour guides are available for around SLR 5000 (though you might hear higher quotes), we opted to explore on our own. Thanks to the wealth of well-written online articles and historical guides, it was easy to understand the site's rich history without needing a guide, who we were told by other visitors would rush us at all times (they only give you 2 hrs to climb up & come down, so limited stops enjoying the views). For the best experience, plan your climb during sunrise or about an hour before sunset. The early or late hours allow you to avoid the scorching midday sun and enjoy spectacular views. The climb itself is around 30 minutes to the top, but we took longer on the descent, pausing to capture photos and watch playful monkeys along the way. The journey from the ticket counter to the rock is equally enchanting. The path winds through lush greenery, serene lily ponds, and ancient ruins. If you choose a sunrise visit, you can always take your time to enjoy these sights on your way back down. A couple of practical tips: there are no bathroom facilities on the way up, so plan accordingly. Bathrooms are only available near the ticket area. The climb involves 1,200–1,500 steps, so prepare for a bit of a workout. Whether for the history, the views, or the sense of achievement, Sigiriya Rock is a must-visit. It’s an experience you’ll cherish long after your journey ends.

Visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress was an amazing experience! I went with my friends around 4 PM, and while the climb was a bit tiring, the view from the top was absolutely worth it. The breathtaking scenery and historical significance made it unforgettable. However, coming down after dark was a bit concerning. Locals warned us about wild elephants in the area, which made us realize how risky it is to walk at night. Thankfully, we managed to take a tuk-tuk and saw some elephants safely from a distance. A fantastic adventure overall, but I’d recommend timing your visit better to avoid staying out late!

As a 64 year old I was not sure I would make it to the top ,but I started early and held a steady pace and made it to the top in less than a hour .The key is to go as early as you can, when not as many people are there , you have the chance to set your own pace ,when its crowded you are forced to go at the pace of the slowest person in front of you. Make sure you have transport into the ticket area if early as there may still be wild elephants on the roads Ticket office and toilets are together US $35 entrance fee is a bit steep but its a one off . You do not need a guide to climb although they are available a read of a decent guide book will cover the main areas .1st part of the climb is quite easy a wander though the gardens then a gradual climb though the rock area .Things get more difficult as you climb up to the lions feet the final stretch up a metal staircase it the toughest if you are already out of berth maybe stop at the lions feet you still get a great view from there . The hornet safety area is also located there Hornets nest in the rocks and once disturbed can be aggressive The final push will deliver you to the top monkeys can be a pest on the final stretch do not take fruit with you as they target those they think have food and definitely do not feed them. Once at the top congratulate yourself on making it soak in the views, rest up the trip down is so much easier, do be careful on the way down some of the steps are particularly slippery Hope reading this give you some guidance getting to the top is such a buzz ,try to do it if you can but remember keep within your limits

Visit, and climb, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This is a rewarding ascent to the Fortress which commands 360-degree views and provides great photo opportunities. A must do if you can in Sri Lanka. However, this climb is not for the elderly or anyone with any form of mobility issues; a significant number of people are escorted back down from various points every day. If in doubt, do not go up. There will be others who do not ascend and there is an opportunity for a cafe at the foot of the rock (however this would spoil the asthenic!)

Magnificent medieval creature ! Paintings, statues, garden, ancient ruins, and wonderful sunset views over the rice fields.

A must visit and do while in Sri Lanka. Evereything is so beautiful. Dont miss out the cave paintings on your way down from the top. However, a moderate fitness maybe required to reach the top. Stay around Sigiriya for a village life where everything is peaceful and quiet after dark.

As Travel Touch, we’re honored to have shared unforgettable moments with our guests in the iconic beauty of Sigiriya! The journey up the majestic Lion Rock, exploring ancient frescoes, and reaching the summit for breathtaking views created memories our travelers will cherish forever. Our dedicated team ensured a smooth, enriching experience, providing insights into Sigiriya’s history and culture along the way. Seeing the awe on our guests' faces as they experienced this UNESCO World Heritage Site is why we love what we do. Thank you to our amazing travelers for making it such a memorable adventure!