The area with a 5099ha forest around the Sigiriya Rock Fortress rock is a preferred habitat of over 65 endemic, resident and migratory bird species. Thus, the area was declared as a Bird Sanctuary.
Several raptor species such as the Shaheen Falcon, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Crested Hawk-Eagle can be seen gliding over the area.
In addition, the thick canopied forest is home to a variety of both common and rare species such as the Little Scops Owl, Indian Long-tailed Night-Jar, Forest Eagle Owl, Openbill, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Indian Blue Chat, Brown-capped Babbler, White-Rumped Shama, Black-capped Bulbul, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Brown Flycatcher, Layard’s Flycatcher, Orange Minivet, Small Minivet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, and Blue-faced Malkoha.
Additional information
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- Yes
- International Chain Hotels- No
- Boutique Hotels- Yes
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- Yes
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- Yes
- Homestays- Yes
- Eco Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 146km (travel time: 3hrs 40min)
- Colombo City- 178km (travel time: 4hrs 20min)
- Dambulla Cave Temple- 20km (travel time: 40min)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 74km (travel time: 1hrs 40min)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 53km (travel time: 1hrs 20min)
- Kandy City- 91km (travel time: 2hrs 50min)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 275km (travel time: 5hrs 30min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
Season
- Jun to August