Exploring Sigiriya is a must-do for travellers visiting the Cultural Triangle. Dating back to the 5th Century, this magnificent site, often dubbed the "Palace among the Clouds," boasts not only breathtaking architecture but also a rich historical legacy as the former residence of a notable Sri Lankan ruler. To make the most of your visit, it's essential to plan your timing wisely and uncover the fascinating features of Lion Rock as you ascend to its summit.

Sigiriya - Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash

Timing one's visit to Sigiriya involves more than just considering the climb schedule; it also entails choosing the best period to explore the Cultural Triangle. While it's feasible to ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress throughout the year, the months spanning from December to March are preferred for this venture. During this period, the weather tends to be dry and devoid of rainfall, making it the peak tourist season and an optimal time to ascend the iconic UNESCO Heritage Site. As the rock's surface and stone steps heat up gradually throughout the day, commencing your ascent during the early hours is advisable. The archaeological park opens its gates from 6:30 am onwards, with closure at 5:30 pm, ruling out evening climbs. To make the most of your climb and truly appreciate the surrounding beauty, consider booking your stay at one of the properties falling into the category of the best hotels in Sigiriya; your options include Aliya Resort and Spa.

Begin your Sigiriya exploration by immersing yourself in the tranquillity of the Sigiriya Water Gardens. While many visitors hasten to conquer the summit of King Kashyapa's palace, it's advisable to commence your journey with a leisurely stroll through the lush water gardens enveloping the Lion Rock from all sides. Adorned with verdant lawns, intricate water features, and elegant fountains, these gardens not only serve an ornamental purpose but also harbour historical significance. Legend has it that King Kashyapa and his entourage indulged in the serene ambience of these sprawling, shaded spaces nestled at the foot of the rock.

Next, venture into the Boulder Gardens and Terrace Gardens, often overlooked gems within the archaeological park. The Boulder Gardens present a captivating tableau of rock tunnels and assorted boulders of diverse shapes and sizes, reflecting the characteristic disorderliness common to many archaeological sites across the island. In contrast, the Terrace Gardens, ingeniously integrated into the rock and the adjacent hillside, offer a structured and meticulously crafted landscape, showcasing the innovative architectural prowess of ancient builders.

As visitors ascend towards the summit, they will come across the imposing lion paws marking the entrance to the palace ahead. These colossal structures are believed to have originally formed part of a lion's sculpture, complete with a head and an open mouth. According to ancient accounts, courtiers would access the Sky Palace by ascending a staircase that passed through the mouth of the lion.

Ascending to the Sigiriya summit entails conquering a formidable 1200 steps, yet the journey typically lasts no more than an hour. Upon reaching the pinnacle, travellers are rewarded with a plethora of relics and ruins, including remnants of ponds, bathing areas, and even a stone throne.

The breathtaking views from the summit of Lion Rock are so remarkable that the British band Duran Duran once filmed a music video there. Providing visitors with stunning vistas stretching for miles around, it's clear why King Kashyapa chose this elevated site for his palace, as it offered him unobstructed views of any potential approaching enemy forces.

While the Mirror Wall encountered during the climb may not be as reflective as it once was, the poems inscribed by ancient visitors still adorn its polished surface, visible to modern travellers.

The Sigiriya frescoes, portraying maidens carrying vibrant blooms, stand out as a highlight that every tourist should not overlook on their Lion Rock tour. Despite facing vandalism in the late 1960s, these paintings have been meticulously restored, ensuring they remain as colourful and enchanting as they were centuries ago.