Wildlifeof Sri Lanka
Wildlife in Sigiriya
North Central Province
The area around Sigiriya Rock in the dry-zone forests of central Sri Lanka, better known for its ancient rock fortress than for wildlife but very good for mammals after dark. Spotlighting and day searches of a nearby arboretum turned up 31 mammal species in 72 hours in 2010, and a Royle Safaris family trip stopped here in 2025. Arrange a local guide, as most of the good mammals are nocturnal.
Highlights
- Grey Slender Loris, Golden Palm Civet and Rusty-spotted Cat on night walks
- Roosting bats, giant squirrels and mongooses by day
- Eurasian Otter and Asian Elephant in the wider area
Top wildlife targets
Trip reports from here
Sub-locations
Quick answers
- What wildlife can you see in Sigiriya?
- Top wildlife targets in Sigiriya include Grey Slender Loris, Golden Palm Civet, Rusty-spotted Cat, Eurasian Otter, Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel, Toque Macaque, Tufted Gray Langur, Painted Bat, Lesser False Vampire Bat and Black-bearded Tomb Bat. Highlights: Grey Slender Loris, Golden Palm Civet and Rusty-spotted Cat on night walks.
- Where is Sigiriya?
- Sigiriya is in North Central Province, Sri Lanka (about 7.96°, 80.76°).
- What are the highlights of Sigiriya?
- Grey Slender Loris, Golden Palm Civet and Rusty-spotted Cat on night walks, Roosting bats, giant squirrels and mongooses by day and Eurasian Otter and Asian Elephant in the wider area.
- Are there trip reports for Sigiriya?
- Yes: Sigiriya in 72 hours: a mammal-watching trip report, Sri Lanka 2010 and Sri Lanka in April 2025: fishing cat, leopard and sloth bear on a family trip.