Sigiriya Lion Rock - (UNESCO World Heritage site)

Ancient City of Sigiriya

"Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka."

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Description

Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Citadel Rock

The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana on a massive rocky plateau 370 M above the sea level. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles.

The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.The surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhibited for several thousand years.

Sigiriya Lion Claws

Since third century BC the rocky plateau of Sigiriya served as a monastery. In the second half of the fifth century king Kasyapa decided to construct a royal residence here. After his death Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery until the fourteen century, when it was abandoned. The main entrance is located in the northern side of the rock. It was designed in the form of a huge stone lion, whose feet have survived up to today but the upper parts of the body were destroyed.

Frescoes Paintings

The western wall of Sigiriya was almost entirely covered by frescoes, created during the reign of Kasyapa. Eighteen frescoes have survived to this day. The frescoes are depicting females and are considered to be either the portraits of King Kasyapa’s wives and concubines or priestess performing religious rituals.

Despite the unknown identity of the females depicted in the frescoes, these unique ancient paintings are celebrating female beauty and have incredible historical significance.

Sigiriya Mirror Wall

One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall. In the old days it was polished so thoroughly that the king could see his reflection in it. The Mirror wall is painted with inscriptions and poems written by the visitors of Sigiriya. The most ancient inscriptions are dated from the eighth century. These inscriptions are proving that Sigiriya was a tourist destination more than a thousand years ago. Today, painting on the wall is strictly prohibited.

The buildings and gardens of Sigiriya show that the creators of this amazing architectural monument used unique and creative technical skills and technologies. The construction of such a monument on a massive rock approximately 200 meters higher from the surrounding landscape required advanced architectural and engineering skills.

Sigiriya water gardens

The gardens of Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Sigiriya has water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and also terraced gardens.

They are located in the western part of the rock and are with a complex hydraulic system, which consists of canals, locks, lakes, dams, bridges, fountains, as well as surface and underground water pumps.

In the rainy season, all channels are filled with water, which begins to circulate through the whole area of Sigiriya. Fountains of Sigiriya built in the five century, perhaps, are the oldest in the world.

The palace and fortress complex is recognized as one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning. Considering the uniqueness of Sigiriya UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1982. Sigiriya is an unmatched combination of urban planning, water engineering, horticulture and arts.

Top sights in Sigiriya

Frescoes
Lion’s Paws
Mirror Wall
Water Garden
Royal Garden

Things to remember in Sigiriya

Bring water bottle with appropriate clothing for tropical hiking.
   • Clothing - Loose cotton or breathable fabric clothes.
   • Shoes - Good trainers/runners/ sneakers.
   • Hat - Broad brimmed hat to keep the sun away.
   • Sunscreen - Definitely a good idea in the tropic
Be aware of wasp attack
Ticket Cost = (£ 25)

Places nearby

Pidurangala Rock

Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)

Sigiriya Sanctuary

Minneriya National Park (Habarana)

Kaudulla National Park (Habarana)

Kandalama Reservoir

Hotels nearby

Heritance Kandalama Amaya Lake Lake Lodge Boutique Hotel Habarana Lodge Hotel Sigiriya

Kalundewa Retreat Popham's Arboretum Jetwing Lake Amaya Signature Diyabubula, the Barberyn Art & Jungle Hideaway

YouTube Videos

Top of the Sigiriya Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Water Fountains The Sigiriya garden had culverts which carried water from the top of Sigiriya Rock down to the edge of the garden. Ancient people made use of the natural water pressure to create the fountains.

References:
https://sigiriyatourism.com
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities/sigiriya