If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this trip, it’s that Sri Lanka knows how to do breathtaking views and bucket-list adventures. Today? It was all about Sigiriya, aka the iconic Lion Rock. Spoiler alert: it’s as epic as everyone says it is.
The First Glimpse: Jaw = Dropped 😮
As the tuk-tuk rattled closer to Sigiriya, I caught my first glimpse of this giant rock fortress jutting out of the jungle. It’s one of those “Am I really seeing this?” moments. Like, who looks at a massive rock like that and thinks, “You know what? Let’s build a palace on top of it.” Well, King Kashyapa did—absolute legend.
Getting There: Easy Breezy 🚕
Sigiriya is smack dab in the Cultural Triangle, so it’s pretty easy to get to. I hopped in a tuk-tuk from my guesthouse in Dambulla, and 30 minutes later, boom, there it was. Tickets? Not the cheapest, but let’s be real—this is a World Heritage Site. Totally worth it.
The Climb: Sweaty but Worth It 🥵🌄
Okay, climbing Sigiriya isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s more like a walk... straight up. The staircase winds around the rock, with each step bringing you closer to some jaw-dropping views.
About halfway up, I hit the Mirror Wall. Back in the day, it was polished so well you could see your reflection (fancy, huh?). These days, it’s covered in ancient graffiti—basically 1,000-year-old TripAdvisor reviews.
Then came the Lion’s Paws—massive stone carvings that make you feel like you’re about to step into a mythical world. Beyond that? The final stretch to the summit. Pro tip: Take it slow and enjoy the breeze—it’s the universe’s way of saying, “You’ve got this!”
The Top: A 360-Degree Wow Moment 😍
Diary, let me tell you—reaching the summit feels like winning the travel lottery. The view from the top is pure magic: endless green landscapes, distant mountains, and the tiniest dots of villages below.
The ruins of the palace are still there, along with what’s left of the gardens and water tanks. Standing up there, it’s easy to imagine how grand this place must’ve been. Also, fun fact: Historians can’t decide if it was a fortress, a palace, or a monastery. Maybe it was all three?
I spent a solid hour just soaking it all in. The wind, the views, the sense of being on top of the world—it’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.
Bonus Adventure: The Sigiriya Frescoes 🎨
On the way down, I made a quick detour to check out the famous frescoes. These paintings of celestial maidens are tucked inside a cave, and wow, the colors are still so vibrant. It’s like stepping into a time capsule.
Post-Climb Feels: Hungry and Happy 🍛
By the time I made it back to the base, I was starving. Thankfully, there are a few local joints nearby serving classic Sri Lankan rice and curry. Spicy, flavorful, and just what I needed after all that climbing.
Would I Do It Again? 100% Yes ✅
Sigiriya isn’t just a place you visit; it’s an experience you feel. From the adrenaline of the climb to the awe-inspiring views at the top, every moment here is unforgettable.
If you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka, put Sigiriya at the top of your list. Trust me, it’s one of those “pinch me” places that make traveling so worth it.
Alright, Diary, that’s all for now. Tomorrow, I’m off to explore some ancient caves in Dambulla. But for today, I’m just going to let the magic of Sigiriya sink in.
Until next time,
Your globe-trotting writer 🌍✌️