How long does it take to climb Sigiriya?

Climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours round-trip, and this can vary based on your fitness level and also the number of people there. For the climb itself, you are looking at roughly 1,200 steps to get up to the top, where the rock rises around 200 metres above the surrounding jungle.

The hike up Sigiriya feels like a moderate effort, with a mix of carved stone stairs and a few modern metal stairways. Along the way, you’ll meet several important archaeological spots, like the Mirror Wall, the well-known ancient frescoes, and the huge carved Lion Paws you spot around halfway up. If you want to avoid the harshest tropical heat and the big tourist crush, start when the gates open at 7:00 AM, or go later in the day around 3:30 PM. Also, be sure to carry plenty of water, wear supportive walking shoes, and keep a steady rhythm, because the last push on those metal steps can be quite steep.