Quick answer
The summit of Sigiriya covers roughly 1.5 hectares and holds the foundations of King Kashyapa's fifth-century palace, laid out on stepped terraces with brick walls, courtyards and paths. The largest feature is a big rock-cut cistern that stored rainwater, and there is a stone seat often called the throne. The views stretch across the plain to Pidurangala and the water gardens below. Allow 20 to 30 minutes on top.
Key takeaways
- The summit of Sigiriya covers roughly 1.5 hectares, roughly 200 metres above the surrounding plain.
- Foundations of King Kashyapa's palace survive on stepped terraces, with brick walls, courtyards and paths.
- A large rock-cut cistern on the summit stored rainwater for the palace.
- The summit gives the best view of the symmetrical water gardens and of Pidurangala to the north.
- There is almost no shade on the summit, so 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough at mid-morning.
What is on the summit of Sigiriya
The summit of Sigiriya is a sloping plateau of roughly 1.5 hectares, roughly 200 metres above the plain. King Kashyapa built his palace here in the late fifth century, and what survives are the foundations: low brick walls, terraces, steps and paved areas.
The layout divides roughly into an upper palace on the highest ground, a lower area of terraces and gardens, and water features in between. None of the buildings stand above foundation height, so it helps to picture timber and brick structures rising from them, roofed in tile.
- →Upper palace foundations on the highest ground.
- →Stepped terraces with brick walls and paths.
- →A large rock-cut cistern and smaller pools.
- →A stone seat, often called the throne.
The summit cistern
The largest single feature on the summit of Sigiriya is a big rectangular cistern cut into the rock. It collected rainwater, which on a bare granite summit could be channelled efficiently across the surface.
The cistern is a reminder that a palace on a rock needed water, and that Kashyapa's engineers solved the problem with collection and storage rather than lifting water from below. Smaller pools and channels across the summit belong to the same system.
The throne and the palace plan
A carved stone seat on the Sigiriya summit is often called Kashyapa's throne. Whether it was a throne in the ceremonial sense is uncertain, but its position, facing out over the western gardens, is clearly deliberate.
Walking the terraces from top to bottom, you can trace the palace plan: private areas on the highest ground, public or service areas lower down, and gardens on the terraces between. A guide makes this much easier to follow than the small signboards do.
The view from the top of Sigiriya
The view from the Sigiriya summit is wide: dry-zone forest, tanks and paddy stretching to the horizon, the Dambulla area to the south-west on clear days and the Matale hills beyond. The most useful thing to look at, though, is directly below.
From the western edge the water gardens, moats and ramparts lay out their full geometry, which is only half visible at ground level. To the north, Pidurangala rises close by. What you cannot see from here is Sigiriya itself, which is why many people climb Pidurangala as well.
- →West: the water gardens and moats in full symmetry.
- →North: Pidurangala, close and level with you.
- →South: Sigiriya Wewa, the tank below the rock.
- →On clear days: the Matale hills in the distance.
How long to spend on the summit
Twenty to thirty minutes on the Sigiriya summit is usually enough to walk the terraces, see the cistern and take in the view. At opening, you can linger longer in cool air. By late morning there is almost no shade and the bare rock radiates heat.
Lankan Stays & Trails aims to have groups on the summit by around 8 to 8.30am when starting at opening, so the summit is still comfortable and the light is still low enough for photographs.
- →20 to 30 minutes is usually enough.
- →Almost no shade; hot from late morning.
- →Aim for the summit by 8 to 8.30am when starting at opening.
- →Carry water to the top; there is none for sale.
Frequently asked questions
What is on top of Sigiriya?
The summit holds the foundations of King Kashyapa's fifth-century palace: stepped terraces, brick walls, paths, a large rock-cut cistern and a stone seat often called the throne. It covers roughly 1.5 hectares and has wide views across the plain.
How big is the top of Sigiriya?
The summit of Sigiriya covers roughly 1.5 hectares. It slopes, with the highest ground holding the upper palace and lower terraces holding gardens and water features. From the western edge you can see how the terraces step down towards the water gardens.
Is there water on top of Sigiriya?
There is an ancient rock-cut cistern that once stored rainwater, but no drinking water or refreshments for visitors. Carry enough water for the whole climb, at least a litre per person.
Can you see Pidurangala from Sigiriya?
Yes. Pidurangala rises close to the north of Sigiriya and is clearly visible from the summit. Pidurangala in turn gives the classic view of Sigiriya, which you cannot see from the top of the rock itself.
How long should you stay on the summit of Sigiriya?
Twenty to thirty minutes is enough for most visitors to walk the terraces, see the cistern and enjoy the view. There is little shade, so the summit is most comfortable before about 9am.
Is the view from Sigiriya worth the climb?
Yes, especially for the view straight down onto the symmetrical water gardens and moats, which you cannot appreciate from the ground. The summit's palace foundations are an equally good reason to make the climb.