The ancient city of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage. The palace ruins and the Sigiriya Rock are the prominent features of Sigiriya. Standing at the foot of the mighty Sigiriya Fortress is the Sigiriya Museum which was established in August 2009. Today it has become one of the best and most attractive museums in South Asia beckoning tourists from the country and all over the globe. It houses more than three decades of Sigiriya research and strays away from the typical feel of a museum. It is constructed in a way to show the various eras of Sigiriya Rock.
About Sigiriya Museum
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The Sigiriya Museum and Information Centre is the hard work of Sigiriya archaeological researchers who were persistent for many decades as they wanted their research to be displayed in a museum. They received funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency which eventually led to the completion of the museum. The museum is managed by the Central Cultural Fund and continues to attract thousands of visitors every day. People generally visit the museum and the fortress one after the other for better comprehension as they are so close to each other.
Museum timings: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Sunday
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Sigiriya Museum Galleries
The museum’s architecture is marvelous as it is built on three levels and mimics the climb to the Sigiriya Rock. There are many galleries in the Sigiriya Museum. The first gallery contains Sri Lanka’s protohistoric transformation and pre-history. The second gallery shows the history of how the rock was used by Buddhists in the form of monasteries. The third gallery has tons of artifacts that show the royal palace at the time with intricate detailing that is spectacular to watch. It shows the kingdom era in the most fascinating way possible. The fourth gallery of the museum consists of all the sculptures, paintings, and poetry related to Sigiriya. This part of the museum is quite important because Sigiriya is known for its history and arts. The fifth gallery depicts royal life and foreign trade. The sixth gallery contains information about the archaeological history of Sigiriya. The seventh gallery is the Frescoes Gallery where you can find a captivating replica of the Sigiriya Rock.
Tickets For Sigiriya Museum
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You can purchase tickets for Sigiriya Museum from its official website or the ticket counter at the site. The ticket prices are below.
Free entry: Children below 6 years
Entry fee for local tourists: INR 20 (6 years to 12 years), INR 40 (12 years and above)
Entry fee for SAARC foreign tourists: INR 1500 (6 years and above)
Entry fee for non-SAARC foreign tourists: INR 1500 (6 years to 12 years), INR 3000 (12 years and above)
Ticket for Sigiriya Lion Rock Museum only: INR 500 approx.
Ticket for Sigiriya Lion Rock and Museum: INR 3000 approx.
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How To Reach Sigiriya Museum
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- Flight: There is a flight from Colombo to Sigiriya Airport that takes just 30 minutes. While it is expensive, the panoramic view is different from any other mode of transport provided the weather is clear. This will cost you around Rs. 18,570 onwards.
- Train: You can board a train from Colombo and reach Sigiriya in about 6 hours maximum. The closest railway station is Habarana Railway Station. This will cost you approximately Rs. 1050 onwards.
- Bus: You can board a bus from Colombo and come to Sigiriya. It will take you about 4 hours to reach Sigiriya. This will cost you anywhere from Rs. 1000 onwards.
- Tuk-tuk: You can hire a tuk-tuk from Colombo to Sigiriya and this journey can take you between 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. This can cost you about Rs. 30/km onwards.
- Car: You can take your vehicle through Kandy Road and reach Sigiriya in 3 hours if there is no traffic. With traffic, it can take another hour. You can hire a cab too.
Best Time To Visit Sigiriya Museum
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You can visit the Museum and the famous Lion’s Rock in the daytime so the optimal time to visit is between January and April. The worst time to visit is from October to December due to the rainy season which will hamper your experience. May to August in Sigiriya is the dry season. Throughout the year, you can expect high humidity levels so be prepared. If you want to beat the heat and crowds, go during the early hours after the opening of the museum so that you can go to the heritage site right after without wasting any time. Weekends and public holidays see the most tourists so plan your itinerary accordingly.
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Tips For Visiting Sigiriya Museum
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The Sigiriya Museum is unlike other museums and also has stricter rules and regulations you must follow. Here are some handy tips for visiting the museum.
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- The museum is accessible by wheelchair making it easy for people with disabilities to enjoy what the museum offers.
- It is best to turn off your mobile phone before you enter the museum or put it on silent to ensure you maintain the decorum of the premises.
- You are prohibited from eating or drinking inside the museum premises so avoid bringing anything.
- You are prohibited from taking photos in Exhibition Gallery 1 but you may be permitted to take photos in other areas. Read signs and respect the rules of the museum.
- You cannot take photos with the flash turned on wherever photography is permitted in the museum.
- Do not throw thrash inside the museum. If there is any trash, throw it in a trashcan to avoid messing up the tidy place.
- You can get guides in the museum lobby in three languages; English, Sinhala, and Tamil to better understand the material of the museum.
- There is a model village house and other interesting equipment in place where you can take photographs.
- Do not forget to read about the various exhibits of the museum on a computer display for a deeper understanding and sincere appreciation for Sirigiya’s history.
Further Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Sigiriya City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit site on your trip to Sri Lanka. trip to Sri Lanka It is worth climbing the Sigiriya Fortress to get an exquisite view and visiting the fabulous Sigiriya Museum to get a comprehensive understanding of the rich heritage and history. Take a trip with your loved ones today and explore the amazing Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s crown jewel!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sigiriya Museum
How many hours does it take to climb the Sigiriya Rock?
Anywhere between one and a half hours to two hours depending on the time of the climb, your stamina, pace, and crowd.
When is the best time to climb the Sigiriya Rock?
The best time is before 9 am as the weather is pleasant and the heat is minimal. Lesser tourists will be present at that time so you have ample time to enjoy the peace before the crowd arrives.
What is the ideal duration for touring Sigiriya?
Anywhere between two to three days is enough because the main attractions are near each other making it easy to cover more in less time.
How many steps to climb Sigiriya Rock?
The total number of steps is 1200. While the climb up to the rock will be tough, the climb down will be much faster and easier.
Can people with disabilities enter the museum with ease?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible so every person who wishes to tour the museum can do so with ease.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
