Standard TimeIST |
UTC+5.5 |
Daylight Saving Time
|
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
IANA Time Zone |
Asia/Colombo |
Sigiriya time compared to Beijing time (China) |
2.5 hours ahead |
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka: A Thousand Years of Wonders on Lion Rock
Located in Sri Lanka's Central Province, Sigiriya is the site of an ancient city centered on the Lion Rock. The 5th-century rock fortress is known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
History and Architecture of the Lion Rock
Built by King Kashyapa I in 477-495 A.D., Sigiriya was built on a 200-meter-high monolithic rock containing palaces, gardens, pools and fortifications. Its iconic design is the entrance of a huge lion statue halfway up the hill (only the claws remain), "Sigiriya" meaning "Lion Rock" in the local language.
Artistic treasures and landscape features
On the west side of the rock face are 21 frescoes of "Sigiriya Ladies" dating back 1,500 years, showing the peak of ancient Sri Lankan painting. Ancient graffiti on the wall of mirrors is the earliest written record of the Sigiriya language. The summit offers a panoramic view of the tropical jungle, and the symmetrically designed water garden at the foot of the hill is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in Asia.
Tourism and Visiting Information
The centerpiece of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya is about a 3-hour drive from Colombo. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening, and it is recommended to allow 3 hours for the tour. Plan your trip in conjunction with Dambulla Cave Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa for an in-depth experience of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.
Sigiriya Sunrise/Sunset Today,
Today is 2026-02-26
Sunrise Time
06:21
Local Time
Sunset Time
18:18
Local TimeTime difference between Sigiriya and other cities
Other cities in Sri Lanka
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