Sigiriya is a renowned tourist site in Sri Lanka, located in the north-central region. It lies about 14 miles (22 km) northeast of Dambulla and about 6 miles (10 km) off the route between Dambulla and Habarana in the north-central region. Sigiriya is known for its magnificent rock fortification, which was built in the 5th century. It is one of the country’s seven World Heritage Sites. King Kasyapa is said to have built the stronghold to shield himself from his brother Mogallana’s invasions. King Dhatusena’s son Kasyapa was born to a non-royal lady. His younger brother, Mogallana, on the other hand, was the son of a royal woman. Kasyapa usurped the throne and murdered his father, knowing that Mogallana would replace him. Mogallana fled to India in the hopes of forming an army there. Kasyapa anticipated that Mogallana would seek vengeance and attack him, so he constructed a palace and relocated to Sigiriya.
The impregnable fort is perched on a 656-foot-high (200-meter) cliff. It is elevated significantly above the surrounding lowlands. It may be seen for kilometres in every direction. At some points, the rock extends beyond the foundation.
Sigiriya’s picturesque surroundings include the Water Garden, Boulder Garden, and Terrace Garden. There are several ponds and fountains in these gardens. You’ll discover a spiral stairway leading up to a gallery after you’ve reached the halfway point. A plethora of sensual images of womanly beauty may be found here.
The lion’s paws, which are the remnants of the gigantic beast that gave the rock its name, are located at the northern end. At one time, this location was home to a massive brick lion. The granite surface of Mirror Wall is exceptionally smooth. A beautiful lake and the remnants of a castle may be seen at the summit of the cliff. Other features include a throne and gardens.
In the early twentieth century, British explorer John Still found Sigiriya. Sigiriya takes a full day to explore. The optimum time to climb the site is early in the morning. It will allow you to reach the summit before the crowds come and will also allow you to avoid the noon sun. Many guides may be available on the site who would be willing to provide you detailed information on the site in exchange for payment.
Main Attractions of Sigiriya
Royal Gardens
Sigiriya’s picturesque surroundings include the Water Garden, Boulder Garden, and Terrace Garden. There are several ponds and fountains in these gardens. The Water Garden is located beneath the rock in a gated enclosure. Here you will find several water pavilions, ponds, tanks, little tunnels, and streams. A number of rocks in the Boulder Garden were utilised as foundations for several structures. This region is adorned with beautiful rocks of various sizes. The Terrace Garden merges with the Boulder Garden to resemble Babylon’s hanging gardens.
Remarkable Frescoes
When you get to the halfway point, you’ll see a spiral stairway leading up to a gallery. A plethora of sensual images of womanly beauty may be found here. Because these paintings depict damsels in clouds, they are known as ‘the cloud damsels.’ It is estimated that the location formerly housed 500 artworks, but just a few remain now.
Lion’s Platform
The lion’s paws, which are the remnants of the gigantic beast that gave the rock its name, are located at the northern end of the climb. At one time, this location was home to a massive brick lion. Between the paws and the mouth, there were a few steps up. Only the massive paws remain from the 5th century lion. The existent paws, on the other hand, are enough to stun you.
Mirror Wall
Mirror Wall is a rock with an incredibly smooth surface. It behaves like a flawless glass surface even after hundreds of years have passed since it was completed. Many poetry have been written on its surface. These are the ‘Sigiri graffiti,’ which date back to the 7th century. These poems were written by visitors to this location. In these poems, people have conveyed their amusement at the artworks and the entire location. People’s enthusiasm for the art is reflected in the poetry.
The Summit
A beautiful lake and the remnants of a castle may be seen at the summit of the cliff. Other features include a throne and gardens. The palace is distinct from those seen in other ancient cities around the nation. It’s a lovely place with fantastic vistas, with thousands of marbled stairs and pathways.
