Last Updated: May 29, 2023
Sigiriya Rock or the ‘Lion Rock’ is on of Sri Lanka’s top tourist sights. Sat proudly deep in the middle of the jungle at the heart of this wonderful country.
With thick lush jungle all around it, this large rock formation almost looks out of place. As if a large stone cast there by a giant and left one day.
Whilst the walk up can be challenging it is usually within most children’s capabilities. And with lots to see on the way up it really intrigues kids and keeps them engaged. So is a great place to visit as a family.
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What is Sigiriya Rock?
Sigiriya Rock was formed by hardened magma created from a now extinct volcano. The rock alone is an astonishing site and one that would be worthy of a climb on it’s own merit. But you have the bonus of rich, cultural additions that make the climb up even more entertaining.
The rock was established as a palace by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. Often considered a playboy king by some (supported by the interesting paintings located at the rock).
King Kashyapa ruled Sri Lanka and made Sigiriya his capital deciding to build an ambitious strong hold on the rock.
It is one of the best preservations of ancient urban planning with complicated and sophisticated hydraulic systems, which were considered ahead of it’s time when created.
After King Kashyapa’s fall, it later became a Buddhist monastery in the 14th century. Today it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists and archaeologists from around the world.
Where is Sigiriya Rock?
Sigiriya is one of the many attractions in the ‘Cultural Triangle’ in Sri Lanka.
The Cultural Triangle is an area in Sri Lanka that is considered one of the best places to experience (you guessed it) Sri Lankan Culture.
There’s a few places to choose as a base when visiting Sigiriya Rock. You can stay directly in Sigiriya. Or your best bets will be Dambulla or Habarana. We would recommend Habarana in particular as it’s only a ‘rock’s throw’ from the rock (sorry, couldn’t resist) being only 17km away.
How to get to Sigiriya Rock with Kids?
To get to Sigiriya, first you will want to get to Habarana or Dambulla. Both can easily be reached from most major destinations, such as Colombo or Kandy by bus. The buses can be a little crazy at times so be prepared for this.
There is also a very small train station in Habarana. But, although small, it does have some of the main train journeys go through it (such as the Colombo to Trincomalee train) so a possibility depending on where you are coming from.
Alternatively a private driver could be hired to get you from wherever you are to these destinations.
A good idea might be a combination of all three methods.
You can read our Getting About Sri Lanka with Kids for some further details on getting transport around the country.
Once in either Habarana or Dambula your best bet to get to Sigiriya Rock as a family will then be a taxi or tuk-tuk as both are reasonably close. So find a good diver and probably best to hire them for the day so you have a method of getting home afterwards.
When to visit Sigiriya Rock with Kids?
Sigiriya Rock is open all year round. It’s likely to be more busy in the high season (December-March). And weekends in particular get busy, so try to avoid these wherever possible.
Try to get there early (and by early I mean day break!) as this will help avoid the crowds and the heat. As you go up and down different ways, the sun will rise on the opposite side while you are climbing keeping you nice and shaded for the ascent.
Try not to get there at lunch time as the sun can become very hot making the climb an unpleasant one.
The alternative is to get there late in the evening for sunset. Again this makes it nice and cool and avoids a lot of the crowding.
How much does Sigiriya Rock cost for a Family?
Sigiriya Rock is considered one of the more costly attractions in Sri Lanka. Many travellers debate if it’s worth the cost as there are many other cheaper attractions you can see in Sri Lanka if you’re on a tight budget. But if it’s a bucket list item then it’s probably worth the price for you.
The costs can fluctuate without much warning. And touts and guides will approach you before you get to the ticket office. Best to head the ticket office first and get your ticket, then you can haggle with a guide afterward. Rather then them suggesting they buy the ticket for you as an all inclusive package.
It should be around 6,000LKR ($25) per adult, then kids are supposed to be half price and under 6 usually free. But again, you might get someone at the ticket office who says otherwise on occasions!
If you want a guide, have a haggle. There will be plenty hanging around the ticket office looking for your custom.
The tour guide will take you round for an hour or two and give lots of info. So you can haggle to what ever you feel is reasonable, and then tip accordingly at the end if you feel the guide was particularly good. But tour guides are not essential if you just want to do it alone.
What’s it like to Climb Sigiriya Rock with Kids?
Most kids will be able to walk up Sigiriya Rock relatively easily. A large portion of the walk has steps and whilst there are a couple of thin paths and single walkways it’s generally pretty safe, providing you take the right precautions.
A good thing we recommend especially for toddlers when on hikes is a toddler wrist link, this means you can keep them close and secure to you even when you let go of their hands to hold a railing etc.
You can get a bit of vertigo if you’re not a fan of heights, so best not too look down if you do!
Whilst the hike it relatively short and not too demanding it is still quite steep with an ascent of around 180 metres, so kids will need a relatively good level of fitness and durability.
But we did ours with our 5 year old at the time and it was no problem. Just take your time and take breaks when needed and make sure you have plenty of water as it is usually very hot, even in the early morning.
The good news is that that as there is lots to see on the climb there’s lot’s of excuses to take your time and have regular breaks to see everything to break up the climb. Making it a fun one for kids at the same time.
What is there to see at Sigiriya Rock?
When you enter the complex you will firstly cross the moat. Before you walk through the ancient city seeing the royal bathing pools as you go.
As you climb the rock tour will see many Frescos dotted around to have a look at. Some places do not allow pictures so ensure you take note of the signs and guidance.
You’ll also see the Cobra Hood Cave, so called as the rock formation looks a bit like said venomous snake!
You’re likely to see some real wildlife as well. With monkeys galore and a few lizards here an there.
The Mirror Wall is another of the drawers at Sigiriya. A brick faced wall that was covered in highly polished white plaster that when first created, was able to produce reflections for the King.
This has since become a ‘graffiti wall’. Although you’re no longer allowed to write on it. With some of the inscriptions dating back to the 8th century.
The highlight of Sigiriya Rock is the Lion Paws as you near the top of the complex. This was once an entire lion but time and various methods of erosion have all but remove the gigantic sculpture leaving only it’s feet behind.
Once at the top you can regain your breath and wonder round the main ‘Rock Palace’. Seeing more pools and gardens before getting some great views across the landscape.
Once you’ve admired the view, it’s time to head back down on the other side of the rock. And having a well earned rest before heading off for your next adventure in Sri Lanka.