Climbing Sigiriya - The Lion Mountain in Sri Lanka

What is it like to climb Sigiriya, the Lion Mountain in Sri Lanka? Sigiriya is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka, and perhaps one of the coolest. We share our experiences of visiting the mountain, and offer our top ten tips for those who want to climb Sigiriya too.

Lion Mountain in Sri Lanka

Mount Sigiriya in Sri Lanka has a very distinctive shape, rising straight up from the landscape like a chimney. The mountain is 380 metres high and steep on all sides. Geologically, the mountain is the remains of a magma plug from a long extinguished and eroded volcano.

First palace - then monastery

The site of Sigiriya was once chosen by King Kasyapa as the capital of northern Sri Lanka. He built a palace at the top, along with a large bath. On a plateau halfway up, he built the The Lion Gate, in the shape of an enormous lion. Originally the lion's open mouth was the entrance to the royal palace - today the lion's paws are all that remain.

After the king's death, the palace was abandoned and served as a monastery for monks until the 14th century. During these centuries, there were also The mirrored wallwith paintings and 'graffiti' from a bygone era. Today, the mountain and the ruins at the top are one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. In 1982, Sigiriya and Mount Lion were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The area around the mountain

When you first arrive in the area around Sigiriya and Lion Mountain, you are struck by how green and lush it is. Nature really thrives here, and the trees seem to compete with each other to be the greenest. Around the mountain there is also a complex of moats and gardens built by Buddhist monks in the past.

Climbing Sigiriya

Climbing Sigiriya may not be quite as challenging as it looks, but it can still be relatively tough. There are stairs all the way, either in stone or metal, so no part requires 'climbing'. You can also take it at your own pace, and since there are usually a lot of people going up, you can expect it to be relatively slow.

Considering all the children and elderly people you see going all the way up, and considering all the people going up in flip-flops or heels, it is possible for a lot of people to climb Sigiriya. How did it go for us?

The first part went very well for all four of us. When I (Helena) then saw the first surface-mounted metal ladder, I became nervous. Because I am extremely afraid of heights and hate stairs where you can see down the steps. But just as I was about to turn round, I was directed to a 'different route'. This 'other way' meant that I missed the 'wall of mirrors', but on the other hand I made it to the big landing at the Lion's Gate without any nasty stairs...

At the landing at the Lion's Gate, all four of us met again. And here began the next high surface staircase ... I actually chose not to go up, and stayed on the ledge, together with all the charming monkeys. Peter, and our friends Lennart and Beata, walked the last bit up.

Top of Sigiriya

What does it look like up there? Of course, Peter took his camera with him and documented. At the top of the Lion Mountain are the ruins of the palace, and the most impressive thing is perhaps the large antique bath, but also some preserved paintings. Of course, you also have a great view of the surrounding area!

Hotels in Sigiriya

Since Sigiriya is so popular with tourists, there are also plenty of hotels here. We have stayed at a hotel called Alikele hotel. This hotel has a nice courtyard with a pool and a simple restaurant. The staff is also cheerful and friendly.

However, we have not been thrilled with the creaking beds, the loud air-conditioning, or the high quality of the equipment. extremely thin walls, which let in just about every sound outside. We actually slept quite badly the first night.

10 tips for those who want to climb Sigiriya

1. Read on before - A visit is always more interesting if you are well informed beforehand. If you haven't had time, there is a small museum at the entrance, and there are also brochures to take away.
2. Come in good time - Many people want to climb Sigiriya and the queues can be long. Also, you might want to avoid the hottest hours in the middle of the day. Come early in the morning, maybe even before they open!
3. Hold the ticket - The ticket costs $30 for foreigners, and you need to show it at least once during your visit, so don't lose it.
4. Take good shoes - You see people going up in both flip-flops and heels, but it's still a bit easier to go up in a pair of comfortable trainers.
5. Bring protection from the sun - For much of the walk there is no shade. Make sure you have the necessary sun protection: hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
6. Watch out for wasps - We didn't see any wasps, but we saw several warning signs warning about them. The signs say that you should be quieter in areas where there are lots of wasps.
7. Pack plenty of water - After you have started the hike up, there is nothing to buy. Make sure you have enough water for the way up and down.
8. Divide the walk into parts - There is a lot to see along the way and there is no need to rush. Go at your own pace and enjoy the walk.
9. Photography - but not everything - Of course, you should make sure to bring a camera and record your experience. However, there is one part, the "Mirror Wall", where photography is not allowed.
10. Watch out for 'helpers' - You don't need a guide to walk up the mountain, and information is available in brochures, in the museum and on the internet. If you don't want to pay extra for a 'helper', you may have to decline (possibly firmly).

Bonus tips for those who are afraid of heightsThe first "scary" staircase can be avoided by taking a shortcut. The last steep staircase can be tackled - or skipped. Since you go up and down the same staircase, you can change your mind at any time and go back down if it gets too uncomfortable.