Mini drone in the bag for Sigiriya sunrise photos — leave it at the hotel or risk staff stopping me at the gate?

Treat Sigiriya and the surrounding archaeological zone as no-go for tourist drones unless you have explicit written permission from the relevant authorities — which casual visitors almost never have. Staff and security take buzzing aircraft seriously around the rock, wildlife, and other climbers. Leave the drone in the hotel safe; phone and ground-level shots still work. Pidurangala parking is not a free loophole if you are still in a protected or sensitive area. Rules and enforcement can change; I will not invent a fine chart. If you want aerials, hire a licensed local operator who already cleared paperwork.