Where to Stay in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka (Hotels for All Budgets)

If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, then Sigiriya should be high on your list of places to stay! Famous for its dramatic Lion Rock Fortress and surrounded by lush jungle, rice paddies and ancient ruins, Sigiriya is a bucket list destination in Sri Lanka!

Whether you're after a luxurious villa with plunge pool views, an eco-lodge in the jungle, or a charming budget guesthouse, my guide will help you choose the best places to stay in Sigiriya, no matter your style or budget.

Sigiriya vs. Dambulla: Which is better to stay in?

I know a lot of travellers planning to travel the Cultural Triangle wonder if they should stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla?

Sigiriya is located right in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and is my personal favourite choice. It's a super convenient base for exploring the country’s ancient history and natural beauty. However, I recommend you choose to stay in Dambulla if you’re on a tight itinerary and you're using public transport from Colombo. I'll break both down further below.

Reasons to stay in Sigiriya:

• 🌄 Best for: Early morning hikes to Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock
• 🐘 Easy Access to: Do a day safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
• 🧘‍♀️ Vibe: The town has a peaceful jungle atmosphere and yoga-friendly stays
• 🍛 Food: Authentic Sri Lankan food, fewer restaurants but more local options
• 🛌 Accommodation: Boutique hotels, eco-lodges, guesthouses nestled in jungle or farmland
• 🚙 Surroundings: Easy access to nearby sites like Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa

Reasons to stay in Dambulla:

• ✔️ Best for: Access to public transport, larger town facilities, quick stopovers
• 🛌 Accommodation: More budget hotels, larger resorts, business-style stays
• 🚐 Transport: Better connected by bus, on the main route from Kandy/Colombo
• 🍛 Dining: More restaurant variety and actual shops
• 🕍 Main attraction: Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO-listed)

Best places to stay in Sigiriya (by budget)

Here are the top places to stay, broken down by travel style and budget:

Best Luxury Stay: Water Garden Sigiriya

💸 Price: $$$
🌟 Best for: Honeymooners or couples wanting privacy

Water Garden Sigiriya is the ultimate luxury escape! The sleek private villas are set against the dramatic backdrop of Lion Rock. This modern resort blends contemporary design with nature, offering private plunge pools, in-villa dining and flawless service.

Why it’s worth it:

• Villas with private pools and living areas
• A beautiful infinity pool overlooking rice paddy fields
• Fine dining restaurant and spa is on-site
• Direct views of Sigiriya Rock from the grounds

Check availability & best rates

Best Eco Lodge: Jetwing Vil Uyana

💸 Price: $$$
🌟 Best for: Nature lovers and eco-conscious travellers

Jetwing Vil Uyana is an eco-luxury property set in a man-made wetland habitat. The stilted villas over marshland or rice fields offer complete seclusion and are designed using sustainable principles. Spot the monkeys from your terrace!

What makes it special:

• Nature-inspired, open-air design
• Spa, wellness programs and yoga options
• Fantastic wildlife sightings from your villa
• Strong environmental and community initiatives

Check availability & best rates

Best Mid-Range Boutique: EKHO Sigiriya

💸 Price: $$
🌟 Best for: Value and location

EKHO Sigiriya is perfect for travellers who want to stay close to the action without breaking the bank. Just a short walk from the Sigiriya Rock entrance, EKHO offers boutique-style rooms, great food and a relaxed garden setting.

Why we love it:

• Incredible location (walk to the rock!)
• Comfortable rooms and friendly staff
• Mid-range price point for boutique service
• Great base for day trips

Check availability & best rates

Best Budget Guesthouse: Kashyapa Kingdom View Home

💸 Price: $
🌟 Best for: Couples, families, solo travellers

For a warm, local stay with stunning views, this charming guesthouse is a family-run gem! It offers one of the most comfortable budget-friendly homestays in Sigiriya with clean rooms, the breakfast is fresh and delicious and the hosts go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Highlights include:

• Homemade Sri Lankan meals served on-site
• Relax on the terrace with views of Lion's Rock
• Good location close to amenities

Check availability & best rates

Best Unique Stay: Back of Beyond – Pidurangala

💸 Price: $$
🌟 Best for: Off-grid vibes & jungle immersion

Want to really get away from it all? This eco-retreat offers treehouses and forest bungalows nestled deep within nature. It’s ideal for disconnecting and reconnecting with the wild.

Why you’ll love it:

• Secluded cabins and treehouses
• Open-air bathrooms and jungle showers
• Organic food and big sustainability focus
• Walking distance to Pidurangala Rock

Check availability & best rates

Best time to visit Sigiriya

The best time to visit Sigiriya is during Sri Lanka’s dry season:

• May to September is ideal for hiking and safaris, with warm, sunny days and low humidity.
• Avoid November to January if possible as this is peak monsoon season in the central region.
• Pro tip: Visit Sigiriya Rock at sunrise and Pidurangala Rock at sunset for the best views and fewer crowds.

How to Get to Sigiriya

Sigiriya is approximately 175 km northeast of the capital Colombo, with several transportation options.

Domestic Flights: For the fastest and most scenic route, Cinnamon Air offers daily 30-minute flights from Colombo’s International Airport to Sigiriya's airstrip. This option provides stunning aerial views of the Cultural Triangle.

Private Transfer by Car: A comfortable and direct choice, private car transfers take about 3.5 to 4 hours, with costs ranging from US$60 to $100, depending on the vehicle and number of people.

Train and Taxi: There's no direct train to Sigiriya. However, you can take a train from Colombo Fort to Habarana (approximately 4.5 hours), then a 30-minute taxi ride to Sigiriya.

Bus: The most budget-friendly option, buses from Colombo to Dambulla or Habarana take about 5.5 hours or more. From there, a short tuk-tuk ride.

TukTuk Rental: For a more adventurous way to get around Sri Lanka, renting a tuk-tuk directly from Negombo offers a very unique experience with travel times around 5 to 6+ hours, keep in mind, you won't be able to go very fast!

Each mode of transport offers a different experience, so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule and travel style.

FAQ: Staying in Sigiriya

How many nights should I stay in Sigiriya?

2–3 nights is ideal. One day to climb Sigiriya Rock, one for Pidurangala and a safari or cave temple trip to Dambulla.

Is Sigiriya safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Sigiriya is very safe. Just take usual precautions at night and use tuk-tuks or pre-arranged transport after dark.

Can I use Qantas/hotel points to book hotels in Sigiriya?

While there aren’t many major hotel chains in Sigiriya, you can find select properties available through Qantas Hotels, which allows you to book using points. We personally chose to pay in cash here, as the value for points wasn’t ideal but depending on the type of stay you're after, it may be worth comparing your options.

Final Words

Sigiriya is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka! Whether you're honeymooning, backpacking or anything in between, there’s a perfect place to stay for you.

My advice? Book early, especially during high season, and choose a stay that lets you walk directly to Lion's Rock without needing a transfer!