Fresco Lion Villa

Sigiriya


This well-run place 9km outside Sigiriya (12km from Dambulla) has five stylish rooms in a leafy, rural compound south of the Kimbissa junction. Rooms vary from two air-con rooms in a duplex with balconies to a split-level family room without air-con. The Sri Lankan meals are excellent and Roy is a fabulous host.

There's an extra charge (Rs 1000) for air-conditioning. Bike (Rs 300) and scooter (Rs 1500) hire can be arranged. To get here head south for 5km from Kimbissa junction, itself halfway between Sigiriya and Inmaluwa Junction. A three-wheeler to Sigiriya arranged through the hotel costs Rs 300.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sigiriya attractions

1. Dakinigiriya Vihara

1.26 MILES

Hire a bike and head out to this little-visited ruined monastery. Trails take you past a stupa, the standing monolithic stones of a prayer hall, several…

2. Main Exit

4.22 MILES

Most people end up here after their visit to the Sigiriya rock.

3. Sigiriya Museum

4.31 MILES

This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious…

4. Main Entrance

4.41 MILES

This is where you have your ticket checked and enter the main site.

5. Water Gardens

4.43 MILES

As you walk from the Sigiriya main entrance to the rock itself you pass a series of charming symmetrical water gardens, including curved tanks, bathing…

6. Cobra Hood Cave

4.45 MILES

This rocky projection down in the Boulder Garden earned its name because the overhang resembles a fully opened cobra’s hood. The plastered interior of the…

7. Royal Gardens

4.46 MILES

The base of the Sigiriya rock is a beautifully landscaped area dotted with formal water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders that were once…

8. Boulder Gardens

4.47 MILES

At the base of the Sgiriya rock and most easily seen after a visit to the summit, this collection of natural boulders once formed the bases of monastery…