Sigiriya, often referred to as Lion Rock, stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking and historically significant attractions. Despite being a pricier destination within the country, its sheer magnificence warranted not one, but two visits during our travels. Our initial encounter with Sigiriya was during our stay at Roy’s hostel, where we were treated to an unforgettable sunset view from its summit. So captivated were we that we returned approximately a month later, this time lodging closer to the site at the delightful Sigiri Saman Homestay, allowing us a full morning to delve deeper into this remarkable site.
Arriving by car or tuk-tuk, as we did from Roy’s, will lead you to the main car park adjacent to the ticket office. For those staying closer and opting to walk, there are alternative entrances available. We particularly enjoyed the entrance near Sigiriya village, which offered a captivating approach along the expansive moat encircling the ancient city.
Find the main car park location here and the walking entrance from Sigiriya town at this link.
Tickets to explore Sigiriya Lion Rock are priced at $36 USD (as of March 2024), payable in local currency or by card (Visa is accepted). Tickets are purchased within the museum building’s ticket counter. Many visitors, ourselves included on our first visit, often collect their tickets and proceed directly to the ruins, inadvertently missing the museum entirely. However, we strongly advise against skipping the Sigiriya Museum, a treasure trove of information we only fully appreciated on our second exploration.
Discovering the Sigiriya Museum: An Unexpected Highlight
Our initial venture into the Sigiriya Museum was admittedly driven by the desire for air conditioning on a particularly hot day. However, what began as a respite from the heat quickly transformed into an engaging and enlightening experience.
Spanning two levels, the museum initially presents a vast collection of smaller photographs within a large hall. This room, notable for its high ceiling and numerous fans – almost resembling a helicopter in motion – gives way to increasingly captivating exhibits. The museum truly comes alive with rooms brimming with archaeological artifacts, detailed dioramas, and comprehensive information detailing the history of Sigiriya and its surrounding region.
Reconstructions of the iconic rock face offer an intimate perspective, and a traditional Sri Lankan house provides a walk-through experience of local architecture. Interactive displays and exhibits abound, catering to visitors of all ages. Younger visitors, in particular, would be fascinated by the replica weaponry available for hands-on exploration.
The museum building itself is an architectural marvel. While not architecture experts, we were particularly drawn to its Brutalist design aesthetic. For those unfamiliar, a quick online search for the London Barbican Centre will reveal striking similarities in style. The Sigiriya Museum building showcases a compelling blend of raw concrete, sharp lines, and uniform shapes, beautifully contrasted by flowing water features and lush green vegetation.
Visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock is an essential Sri Lankan experience, and enriching your trip with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum will significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this ancient fortress and its historical context. Don’t make the same mistake we did initially – make the museum an integral part of your Sigiriya adventure.
