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Sigiriya

Countries in the atlas · South Asia

Sri Lanka

An island of ancient kingdoms, tea hills and safaris: Sigiriya, the railway to Ella and the leopards of Yala.

Russian passport: online permit · 30 daysprices 1.4 times lower than in Russia

Photo: V. Epiney · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sigiriya
Photo: V. Epiney · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Central Province, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya

Access 1/5 · easyJFMAMJJASOND

Sigiriya Rock rises almost 200 metres above the jungle. On its summit are the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace, on its wall the frescoes of “celestial maidens”, and at its foot gardens with pools.

The Ancient City of Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is best to climb early in the morning, before the heat; nearby is Pidurangala Rock, with a view of Sigiriya itself.

Getting there
From Colombo, about 4 hours by car; the towns of Dambulla and Habarana are nearby.
Fees and tickets
Tickets online through the Central Cultural Fund system or at the ticket office (07:00–17:00); children aged 6–12 pay half price.
Sources (2)
Ella and the Tea Hills
Photo: Dilshan255 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Uva Province, Sri Lanka

Ella and the Tea Hills

Access 1/5 · easyJFMAMJJASOND

Ella is a village in the tea hills: trails to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, waterfalls and the Nine Arches Bridge, which the train crosses.

The mountain railway runs through tea plantations, tunnels and clouds — many call it the best part of a trip to Sri Lanka.

Getting there
Train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya; from Colombo, about 6 hours by car.
Sources (1)
Yala National Park
Photo: Byrdyak · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park

Access 2/5 · fairly easyJFMAMJJASOND

Yala is the best-known national park in Sri Lanka: dry forest, lagoons and rocks on the ocean shore. It has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, and elephants are seen on almost every safari.

Safaris run by jeep in the morning and evening; you do not approach elephants or other animals.

Getting there
From Ella, about 2.5 hours to Tissamaharama, where the jeeps start; from Colombo, about 5 hours.
Sources (2)

Before you go

Sri Lanka: entry, safety, money, flights, laws and budget — with sources.

Entry

Russian citizens need an ETA electronic travel authorisation from eta.gov.lk before arrival. Since 25.05.2026 the tourist ETA has been free for citizens of 40 countries, including Russia: 30 days, two entries. For longer stays, a paid extension.

Rules for any passport

Checked 2 November 2026. These are the rules for a Russian citizen with an international passport on a tourist trip. For other passports and purposes, see the official website — the button above.

Sources (4)

Safety

No Russian Foreign Ministry advice to refrain from travel (as of 02.11.2026). The embassy reminds visitors not to approach wild elephants and other animals.

Sources (3)

Money and cards

The Mir card does not work. Bring dollars in cash; change rupees at banks.

Sources (2)

Flights

Direct Aeroflot flights from Sheremetyevo to Colombo since 27.10.2026.

Sources (1)

Laws and bans

  • Disrespect for images of the Buddha is a serious offence: do not pose with your back to statues; a visible Buddha tattoo is grounds for refusing entry.
  • Drugs: long sentences and heavy fines, including for transit passengers.
  • Do not fly drones or film military bases and government buildings.
  • In temples, cover shoulders and knees, and take off shoes and hats; topless sunbathing is prohibited.
Sources (1)

Budget

prices 1.4 times lower than in Russia · price level 0.27 (US = 1), 2025

Prices are a quarter lower than in Russia. The ETA is currently free; tickets to Sigiriya and the parks are extra and cost more for foreigners.

The price level is the ratio of purchasing power parity for household consumption to the market exchange rate (World Bank). These are national averages: resorts and capitals cost more, the countryside less. Flights are not included.

Sources (2)