HighScore 7/10
Sigiriya
Matale, Central Province
Overview
Sigiriya's iconic 5th-century rock fortress rises 180 meters above the surrounding plains, creating one of the most dramatic foreground subjects for astrophotography in South Asia. The surrounding protected dry forests and agrarian buffer provide relatively dark skies, while the nearby Pidurangala Rock (360m) offers a spectacular vantage point for framing the Milky Way rising over the ancient monolith.
Elevation: 349m
7.9569°N, 80.7597°E
Night Sky Conditions
Dark Sky StatusNot Verified
Light PollutionLow-Moderate — Rural area with some glow from Dambulla (~15km)
Sky QualitySQM Estimated Bortle Class 3-4 (Demo data)
Avg Cloud CoverGenerally clear, dry zone boundary%
Astro Suitability Indicators
Light Pollution40
Sky Quality50
Photography Potential50
Accessibility50
Elevation Advantage40
Overall Astro Score
7.0/10
Scores are based on sample assessment data. Not verified scientific measurements.
Astrophotography
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Nearby Accommodation
Best Time to Visit
Recommended Months
May-September, January-March
Best Viewing Time
7:00 PM - 5:00 AM
Responsible Tourism
When visiting Sigiriya, please help protect the dark sky environment:
- Use red flashlights only
- Avoid campfires near observation areas
- Pack out all trash