Sigiriya, an ancient palace and monastery perched 200 meters above dense jungle on a rocky plateau, stands as Sri Lanka's most iconic national monument. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the 'eighth wonder of the world', features remarkable fortifications, archaic frescoes, fountains, and some of the world's oldest landscaped gardens. It's a fantastic part of the island to explore, and our collection of the best places to stay in Sigiriya offers something for everyone, from chic boutique hotels to budget properties.
Formed by volcanic magma, the site began as a monastery in the 3rd century BCE before becoming a royal palace in the 5th century CE. The plateau is a complex maze of ruined shrines, fortifications, and alleyways adorned with stunning paintings and frescoes. At its entrance stand huge stone-carved claws, remnants of the larger lion statue which gave Sigiriya — the 'lion rock' — its name. Below the fortress lie meticulously designed gardens featuring lilypad-covered moats, mist-shrouded jungle, irrigated ponds, and ancient fountains.
One of the site's most intriguing features is the Mirror Wall, which was once so polished that the king could see his reflection in it. Today, this wall is covered in ancient graffiti, evidence that Sigiriya has been a popular tourist destination for over a millennium, particularly after its abandonment in the 14th century. Other nearby highlights include the Dambulla Cave Temples, and the National Parks of Kaudulla and Minneriya, where herds of elephants gather each year. The best places to stay in Sigiriya offer visitors the perfect base from which to explore this remarkable historical site; a very special part of any trip to the island.
