The best hotels in Sigiriya
The rock fortress is one of the great archaeological sites in Asia. These are the best bases for experiencing it without the tourist circus.
Our Top Picks in Sigiriya
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Sigiriya Rest House
Sigiriya Village, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Flower Inn Sigiriya
Sigiriya Town, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Sigiriya Wetlands, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Vicinity, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Aliya Resort and Spa
Sigiriya Lake Area, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Elephant Corridor Hotel
Habarana Wildlife Zone, Habarana
Free cancellation & Pay later
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Habarana Village, Habarana
Free cancellation & Pay later
Heritance Kandalama
Kandalama Lake, Dambulla
Free cancellation & Pay later
Water Garden Sigiriya
Sigiriya Heritage Zone, Sigiriya
Free cancellation & Pay later
Santani Resort and Spa
Werapitiya Hills, Kandy
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sigiriya Rest House | Sigiriya Village, Sigiriya | $45–70/night | 7.2/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Flower Inn Sigiriya | Sigiriya Town, Sigiriya | $55–85/night | 7.8/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Jetwing Vil Uyana | Sigiriya Wetlands, Sigiriya | $180–320/night | 9.1/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Hotel Sigiriya | Sigiriya Rock Vicinity, Sigiriya | $110–175/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Aliya Resort and Spa | Sigiriya Lake Area, Sigiriya | $140–230/night | 8.7/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | Elephant Corridor Hotel | Habarana Wildlife Zone, Habarana | $160–260/night | 8.9/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana | Habarana Village, Habarana | $130–200/night | 8.5/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Heritance Kandalama | Kandalama Lake, Dambulla | $200–340/night | 9.3/10 | Top Rated |
| 9 | Water Garden Sigiriya | Sigiriya Heritage Zone, Sigiriya | $280–420/night | 9.4/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Santani Resort and Spa | Werapitiya Hills, Kandy | $320–550/night | 9.5/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Sigiriya Rest House
This government-run rest house sits right at the base of Sigiriya Rock, which is genuinely hard to beat for location. Rooms are basic and dated but clean enough for a short stay. The main reason to book here is waking up with a direct view of the rock before the crowds arrive. Staff are helpful with arranging tuk-tuks and early morning entry tickets. Do not expect polished service or modern amenities.
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Flower Inn Sigiriya
A small family-run guesthouse about one kilometer from the Sigiriya Rock entrance on the main village road. Rooms are simple with air conditioning and decent hot water, which puts it ahead of many budget options in the area. The home-cooked Sri Lankan breakfast is a genuine highlight and very filling. The owners are warm and knowledgeable about local transport and nearby Pidurangala Rock. Good pick for solo travelers watching their budget.
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Jetwing Vil Uyana
Vil Uyana is built across a man-made wetland ecosystem about two kilometers from Sigiriya Rock, and the setting is genuinely unlike anything else in Sri Lanka. Each villa is designed around a specific habitat, forest, paddy field, or marsh, and the wildlife that visits is remarkable. The open-air bathrooms feel adventurous rather than gimmicky. Food at the restaurant is excellent with strong local sourcing. This is a serious nature retreat, not just a hotel with a good view.
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Hotel Sigiriya
One of the oldest established hotels in the area, sitting very close to the Sigiriya Rock entrance with pool views facing the rock itself. The colonial-style architecture and gardens have a pleasant old-world feel without being stuffy. Rooms in the main wing are larger than those in the annex, so specify when booking. The pool area at dusk with the rock in the background is a genuinely memorable experience. Service is professional if a little formal.
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Aliya Resort and Spa
Aliya sits on a low hill facing Sigiriya Rock across open farmland and the views from the infinity pool are among the best in the region. The resort has a strong elephant motif throughout, which fits the cultural context of the area. Rooms are well-appointed with large bathrooms and private balconies worth using at sunrise. The spa treatments are competent and reasonably priced compared to similar properties. Transfers from Colombo or Kandy can be arranged through the front desk with no fuss.
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Elephant Corridor Hotel
Located in Habarana about 15 kilometers from Sigiriya Rock, the Elephant Corridor is set within a private reserve where wild elephants genuinely pass through. Each villa has a small private plunge pool and an open deck designed for watching the surrounding jungle. The design is thoughtful without being overdone, with good use of natural materials. Dinner at the main pavilion is atmospheric especially when the torches are lit. This suits couples more than families with young children.
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Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Cinnamon Lodge spreads across 18 acres of tropical garden in Habarana, making it a comfortable base for day trips to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla. The chalets are spacious and well-maintained with good air conditioning and reliable WiFi. The large pool and extensive grounds work well for families who need room to move. Buffet meals are generous and cover a wide range of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The jeep safari packages to Minneriya National Park can be booked at the activities desk.
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Heritance Kandalama
Geoffrey Bawa designed this hotel to grow into the rock face above Kandalama Lake, and decades later it still looks unlike any other building in Sri Lanka. The corridors are open to the jungle and monkeys pass through regularly, which feels remarkable rather than alarming after the first hour. Sigiriya Rock is about 20 kilometers away and easily reached by hotel transfer. The lake-facing rooms are worth the extra cost. The wine cellar and fine dining restaurant are both better than you would expect this far from Colombo.
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Water Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden is the most refined luxury option directly in Sigiriya, with 26 pool villas connected by a series of ancient-inspired water channels and reflecting pools. The attention to landscape design here is exceptional and clearly took heavy inspiration from the Sigiriya royal gardens a short walk away. Every villa has a private infinity pool and butler service that is unobtrusive but genuinely available. The spa uses local herbs and the treatments are long and thorough. This is the right choice for a honeymoon or a serious splurge in the Cultural Triangle.
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Santani Resort and Spa
Santani sits in the hills above Kandy at around 3,000 feet elevation, roughly two hours from Sigiriya but worth including as a bookend to a Cultural Triangle itinerary. The resort focuses seriously on wellness with medically guided programs as well as shorter yoga and meditation options. Each villa looks out over uninterrupted mountain and valley scenery with no other buildings visible. Food is largely plant-based and genuinely delicious rather than punishing. The silence here at night is complete.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Sigiriya
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Planning the Sigiriya Climb
Open at 7am daily. First entry is the best time: cooler temperatures, no tour groups, and the best morning light on the rock face. Arrive at the ticket counter at 6:45am and be at the base by 7:05am. The climb to the summit frescoes takes about 40 minutes at a steady pace. Budget 2.5 to 3 hours total for a proper visit.
Bring 2 liters of water minimum. The climb is not technical but the exposed metal staircases in the upper section are steep and require attention in wet conditions. The summit plateau has ornamental gardens and a ruined palace complex. Look for the ancient water management cisterns carved directly into the rock.
Pidurangala: The View That Makes Sigiriya Make Sense
Pidurangala Rock, 1 kilometer north of Sigiriya, gives the defining photograph of the Sigiriya site. Entry is $5. The 30 to 45 minute scramble involves some boulder climbing near the top but nothing requiring ropes. At the summit, the entire western face of Sigiriya is visible, along with the jungle spreading to the horizon.
The sunrise view from Pidurangala is the best in Sri Lanka. Reach the summit 30 minutes before sunrise. The sky turns orange behind you and Sigiriya catches the first light from the east. This is a fundamentally different experience from Sigiriya itself and worth the separate entry fee.
The Cultural Triangle Day by Day
Day 1 (arrival afternoon): Dambulla Cave Temple, 20 kilometers south of Sigiriya (30 minutes by tuk-tuk). Five cave temples with 150 Buddha statues and ancient murals. Entry $8. Combine with checking into accommodation at Sigiriya. Day 2: Sigiriya Rock early morning, Pidurangala afternoon. Day 3: Minneriya National Park morning safari (elephants). Day 4: Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura as a day trip.
This 4-day circuit covers the essential Cultural Triangle sites from Sigiriya as a base. Most visitors do 3 days here before continuing to Kandy (2.5 hours south) or the east coast beaches (3 to 4 hours east to Trincomalee).
Choosing Between Guesthouses and Heritance Kandalama
Village guesthouses in Sigiriya (Sigiri Tiger Rock, Jungle Breeze, multiple homstays) cost $25 to $80 per night and give walking access to the rock. They are basic but the best-reviewed ones are clean, have good breakfast, and the hosts are genuinely helpful with transport arrangements.
Heritance Kandalama is 30 minutes from Sigiriya but the experience is on a different level: Geoffrey Bawa architecture, wildlife in the corridors, and a restaurant with reservoir views. If you have the budget ($150 to $230), it justifies itself as one of the great hotel experiences in South Asia. You will need a tuk-tuk or taxi for each Sigiriya visit.
Wildlife Around Sigiriya
Minneriya National Park is the headline wildlife destination, famous for The Gathering elephant event in August and September. But wildlife is present throughout the area year-round. Elephants cross the road between Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa regularly, especially at dawn and dusk. Gray langur monkeys are constant companions at Sigiriya Rock itself. Painted storks, paradise flycatchers, and bee-eaters are common in the tree lines.
Wasgamuwa National Park, 60 kilometers south of Sigiriya, is less visited than Minneriya and offers similar wildlife at lower crowd levels. Good alternative if Minneriya is booked up with group tours.
Practical Transport from Sigiriya
Tuk-tuks are the primary transport from Sigiriya village. Negotiate fares in advance: to Dambulla LKR 600 to 800, to Polonnaruwa LKR 2,500 to 3,500, to Minneriya gate LKR 800 to 1,200. Drivers often propose half-day cultural triangle circuits for LKR 3,000 to 5,000, which can be good value if you want to cover multiple sites in one day.
Buses run between Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana, and Polonnaruwa frequently for LKR 50 to 200. Less comfortable but very cheap. Most guesthouses can arrange shared minivan transfers to Kandy or the east coast at $20 to $40 per person for the longer journeys.
Sigiriya's best neighborhoods
Sigiriya sits in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's central province, approximately 170 kilometers from Colombo. The area forms part of the Cultural Triangle with Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Anuradhapura all within 50 to 100 kilometers. Hotel options range from village guesthouses in Sigiriya village to the landmark Heritance Kandalama near Dambulla.
Sigiriya Village 3 vetted hotels Walking distance to the rock, basic but functional
Walking distance to the rock, basic but functional
The village surrounding the Sigiriya site has the largest concentration of guesthouses and smaller hotels. The rock itself is visible from most accommodation in the area. Walking time from central village to the ticket counter is 10 to 20 minutes.
Best for budget travelers and those who want to walk to the early morning opening without arranging transport.
Kandalama (near Dambulla) 1 vetted hotel Geoffrey Bawa's masterwork hotel on the reservoir
Geoffrey Bawa's masterwork hotel on the reservoir
The Heritance Kandalama area, 20 kilometers west of Sigiriya near Dambulla, has the best hotel in the Cultural Triangle region. The Bawa-designed Heritance sits directly above the Kandalama reservoir.
Dambulla Cave Temple is 5 minutes from here. Sigiriya is 30 minutes by car. Worth the premium for design-conscious travelers.
Habarana 1 vetted hotel Central hub for the entire Cultural Triangle
Central hub for the entire Cultural Triangle
Habarana is a crossroads town equidistant from Sigiriya (15 km), Polonnaruwa (50 km), and Anuradhapura (75 km). Multiple mid-range resort hotels operate here, making it a practical base for covering the entire Cultural Triangle over 4 to 5 days.
The Habarana tank has good birdwatching and elephant crossings at dawn. Train connections at Habarana Station link to Colombo and the east coast.
Polonnaruwa (day trip area) 1 vetted hotel Ancient capital with the best cycling ruins circuit in South Asia
Ancient capital with the best cycling ruins circuit in South Asia
Polonnaruwa's ancient city is best explored by bicycle renting from shops near the Visitor Center for LKR 300 per day. The circuit covers 12 square kilometers of ruins including the Gal Vihara Buddha carvings and the Royal Palace complex.
Several guesthouses operate in Polonnaruwa town for those wanting to split the Cultural Triangle between two bases.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Sigiriya.
Ancient History
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a 5th-century royal citadel carved into granite and decorated with frescoes that have survived 1,500 years. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura add 2,000 years of Buddhist civilization to the same circuit.
Wildlife Safari
Minneriya National Park has the largest elephant gatherings in Asia between August and October. Leopards are present but rarely seen. Endemic birds including the Sri Lanka junglefowl, hanging parrot, and red-faced malkoha are common throughout the Cultural Triangle.
Photography
Pidurangala sunrise view of Sigiriya Rock is one of the great travel photographs in Asia. The Gal Vihara Buddha carvings at Polonnaruwa photograph extraordinarily in the late afternoon. Dambulla's cave ceiling murals require a wide-angle lens and patience with the lighting.
Budget
Village guesthouses from $25 to $60 per night. Rice and curry meals from LKR 300 ($1). Tuk-tuk day circuits covering 3 to 4 sites for LKR 3,000 to 5,000 ($10 to $17). One of the most affordable quality travel circuits in Asia.
Family
Elephant safaris at Minneriya are a reliable family highlight. The rock climb is manageable for children over 8 with reasonable fitness. The Dambulla cave paintings are accessible and engaging. Cultural Triangle circuits work well for families over 2 to 3 days.
Romantic
Heritance Kandalama's terrace restaurant overlooking the reservoir at sunset. Pidurangala sunrise with no tour groups. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa before the tour buses arrive at 9am. History and nature combine in a genuinely atmospheric way.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Sigiriya
When to visit Sigiriya and what to pay.
Dry Season (Dec-Apr)
Clear skies, reliable heat, and the most comfortable conditions for rock climbing and ruins exploration. December and January are the most pleasant. March and April become very hot. Book Heritance Kandalama 1 to 2 months ahead. The Minneriya elephant gathering has passed by this point but herds are still present.
Transition (May-Jun)
Rain begins building in May but the Cultural Triangle is in the dry zone and less affected than the south coast. Crowds drop significantly. Good value accommodation is available and the sites are less congested. Afternoons can be heavy with cloud.
Monsoon Transition (Jul-Sep)
August and September are The Gathering season at Minneriya: hundreds of elephants congregate around the shrinking tank. This is a world-class wildlife spectacle. The rest of the Cultural Triangle is manageable with occasional rain. Lower rates and fewer tourists at the rock sites.
Northeast Monsoon (Oct-Nov)
The northeast monsoon brings rain to this part of Sri Lanka in October and November. Rain can affect the Sigiriya climb (slippery stairs) and site access. Rates are at their lowest. Some infrastructure may have limited operations.
Booking Tips for Sigiriya
Insider tips for booking hotels in Sigiriya.
Buy Sigiriya tickets online to skip the gate queue
The Central Cultural Fund sells tickets online at ccf.lk. Walk-up tickets require queuing at the counter, which can take 20 to 40 minutes on busy days. The $30 ticket includes the site museum at the base. Book 1 to 2 days ahead for the most convenient morning access.
Climb Pidurangala for sunrise, Sigiriya for the full site experience
They are two different experiences. Pidurangala (entry $5) from the summit gives the photography view of Sigiriya and is best at 5:30am sunrise. Sigiriya itself (entry $30) gives the summit history, frescoes, and lion gateway experience. Doing both on consecutive days covers the site from all dimensions.
Arrange a tuk-tuk circuit for the full Cultural Triangle
A full day tuk-tuk circuit covering Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Pidurangala costs LKR 3,000 to 5,000 from most village guesthouses. Your driver waits at each site while you visit. Negotiate the price the evening before. Most drivers include free time at an elephant or textile shop, which is the standard commission arrangement. Politely decline or factor it in.
Book Minneriya safari through your guesthouse or directly at the gate
Minneriya National Park jeep safaris cost $35 to $50 per person for a 3 to 4 hour game drive. Guesthouses add a small commission (LKR 500 to 1,000) for arranging but save you the 25-kilometer journey independently. The afternoon session (2:30 to 6pm) has the best elephant sightings as animals move toward the tank in the evening. August to October for The Gathering.
Stay at Heritance Kandalama for at least one night if the budget allows
Heritance Kandalama is one of the top 20 hotels in Asia for architecture and setting. The Geoffrey Bawa building integrates with the rock face and the jungle. Gray langur monkeys sit on the corridor railings. The Kandalama reservoir view from the pool is extraordinary. At $150 to $230 per night including breakfast, it is the best value luxury property in the Cultural Triangle. Book at least 3 weeks ahead.
Rent a bicycle in Polonnaruwa rather than hiring a tuk-tuk
Polonnaruwa's ancient city ruins spread across 12 square kilometers and are best explored by bicycle. Rental shops near the Visitor Center charge LKR 300 per day. The circuit covers the Royal Palace ruins, Quadrangle, Gal Vihara carvings, and the lakeside ruins in a natural order. The road is flat and shaded. Allow 4 to 5 hours for the full circuit at a relaxed pace.
Hotels in Sigiriya — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Sigiriya.
How long does it take to climb Sigiriya Rock?
The climb from the base to the summit takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on fitness and the queue at the lion paws platform, which can be 20 to 30 minutes on busy days. The full circuit including the mirror wall, frescoes, and summit gardens takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Start no later than 7am at opening to avoid midday heat and the tour group surge that arrives from 9am. The descent is quicker, 30 to 45 minutes.
What is the entry fee to Sigiriya Rock?
Foreign visitor entry is $30 per adult as of 2026. This is one of the highest entry fees for a Sri Lankan site. There is no discount for children or students except for Sri Lankan citizens (LKR 100 for locals). Buy tickets at the site or online through the official Central Cultural Fund portal. Do not buy from touts outside the gates offering discounted tickets.
What is Pidurangala Rock and should I climb it instead of Sigiriya?
Pidurangala is the rock formation 1 kilometer north of Sigiriya, from which you get the most famous view of the Sigiriya Rock. Entry costs $5. The climb is 30 to 45 minutes and requires some scrambling over boulders near the top. Most photographers and serious visitors do both: Sigiriya for the summit experience and Dambulla Cave Temple in the same day, then Pidurangala the following morning for the sunrise view of Sigiriya. It is absolutely worth doing.
When is the best time to visit Sigiriya?
January to April is the dry season in the Cultural Triangle. Clear skies and temperatures between 27 and 35 degrees. December and January are the most pleasant months. The wet season runs October to January in the northeast monsoon zone but Sigiriya itself rarely sees heavy rain outside May to September. Avoid May to August if possible. The site is open year-round.
What other sites can I visit from a Sigiriya base?
Dambulla Cave Temple is 20 kilometers south (30 minutes by tuk-tuk, entry $8). Polonnaruwa ancient city is 50 kilometers east (1 hour by bus or tuk-tuk, entry $25). Minneriya National Park is 25 kilometers east and the best elephant-watching park in Sri Lanka (jeep safari $35 to $50 per person). Anuradhapura is 80 kilometers northwest (2 hours, entry $25). A 3 to 4 day Cultural Triangle circuit covers all four key sites from Sigiriya.
What is Heritance Kandalama and is it worth the premium?
Heritance Kandalama is a Geoffrey Bawa-designed hotel built into a rock face overlooking the Kandalama reservoir, about 30 minutes from Sigiriya by car. Rooms start at $150 and go to $230. Wildlife including gray langur monkeys walks through the open corridors and pool area. The architecture is extraordinary and the setting is genuinely world-class. Worth the premium for design travelers and those who appreciate Bawa's work. Book early as it fills up.
Is Sigiriya safe and what should I watch out for?
Sigiriya is very safe for tourists. The main practical hazards are heat (carry 2 liters of water minimum for the climb), the hornets' nest at the lion paws platform that has stung visitors, and aggressive touts outside the gates. Decline all offers from men approaching you outside the ticket office. The bee/hornet warning signs at the lion paws platform are genuine: do not make sudden movements near the hive.
What accommodation options exist in Sigiriya village itself?
The village immediately around the rock has dozens of small guesthouses and homestays charging $25 to $60 per night. Quality varies considerably. The best-reviewed small properties include Sigiri Tiger Rock (basic but clean, $45 to $70) and Jungle Breeze ($40 to $60 with a good pool). For reliability, the Aliya Resort and Spa near the site entrance offers mid-range quality at $100 to $160 per night with pool access.
Do I need a guide to visit Sigiriya?
No, but a guide adds genuine depth. The frescoes at the mirror wall, the water gardens at the base, and the symbolism of the lion gateway are much more interesting with explanation. Official guides are available at the ticket counter for LKR 2,000 to 3,000 (about $7 to $10) for a 2-hour tour. Avoid unofficial guides who approach outside the gates. Audio guides are also available at the ticket counter.
Can I see elephants near Sigiriya?
Yes. Minneriya National Park, 25 kilometers east, is famous for the annual elephant gathering (called The Gathering) between July and October when hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya tank as water retreats in the dry season. Outside this period, herds of 20 to 50 elephants are still regularly sighted. Jeep safaris cost $35 to $50 per person through guesthouses or directly at the park gate. The morning and afternoon sessions (5:30 to 8am, 2:30 to 6pm) have the best sightings.
How do I get from Colombo to Sigiriya?
By bus: Catch a Dambulla-bound bus from Pettah bus station in Colombo (4 to 5 hours, LKR 300 to 450). Change at Dambulla for a local bus or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya (30 minutes, LKR 200). By car: 4 to 5 hours on the A9 highway, around $70 to $90 for a private taxi. By train: Take the Polonnaruwa-bound train from Maradana station to Habarana (3 to 4 hours), then tuk-tuk to Sigiriya (45 minutes). Train is the most comfortable but takes longer.
What should I eat in the Sigiriya area?
Village guesthouses typically include breakfast (hoppers, string hoppers, or roti with curry) for $2 to $5. For lunch and dinner, rice and curry plates at local spots in Sigiriya village cost LKR 300 to 600 (about $1 to $2). The Heritance Kandalama restaurant at the hotel lake view terrace is the best quality dining within 30 kilometers and worth the trip for one dinner at around $20 to $35 per person. The resort lunch buffet at around $12 is good value for the quality.