sigiriya essay 200 words english

100 Words Essay On I Went On A Trip To Sigiriya In English

My trip to Sigiriya was nothing short of a magical one!

Situated in Sri Lanka, it is the perfect tourist spot for history lovers like me! 

Also referred to as Sinhagiri, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress. This famous world heritage spot is, in fact, the ruins of a palace atop a massive 200-meter-high rock, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. The rock, interestingly, is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano.

Everyone ought to visit Sigiriya, the Lion City, at least once in their lives!

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Sigiriya, Eighth Wonder of the World

Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. 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 annually. It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

The palace is located in the heart of the island between Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level. Entrance to Sigiria can only be purchased at the site! See available tours:

Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from the magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between nature and human imagination.

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. Since the 3rd century BC, the rocky plateau of Sigiriya has served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th-century king, Kasyapa constructed a royal residence here.

After his death, Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, when it was abandoned.

The main entrance is located on the northern side of the rock. It was designed as a huge stone lion whose feet have survived until today, but the upper parts of the body were destroyed.

Thanks to this lion, the palace was named Sigiriya. The term Sigiriya originates from the word Sihagri, i.e., Lion Rock.

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 depict nude females and are considered to be either portraits of Kadapa’s wives and concubines or priestesses performing religious rituals. Despite the unknown identity of the females depicted in the frescoes, these unique ancient paintings celebrate female beauty and have incredible historical significance.

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. The Mirror wall is painted with inscriptions and poems written by the visitors of Sigiriya.

The most ancient inscriptions are dated from the 8th century. These inscriptions prove that Sigiriya was a tourist destination over a thousand years ago. Today, painting on the wall is strictly prohibited.

Daily Tours at Sigiriya

Here, you can find available tours to visit Sigiriya.

Sigiriya Photos

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• Historical Places

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – An introduction to the ancient wonder

Located in the Matale District of Central Province, Sigiriya Rock Fortress owns a striking geological profile and famous as an astonishing feat of ancient technology and town planning. It is rock plateau rises to a height of about 200 meters above the surrounding plain or 360 meters above the mean sea level. This ancient wonder of Sri Lanka was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982, due to its universal value expressed through ancient architecture, historical value, art, town planning, hydraulic technology, and also cultural landscape features. Since the 19 th Century, with the interest of antiquarians, this heritage came to light revealing its world-renowned features. The archaeological investigation, restoration, and conservation work by the Department of Archaeology and Central Cultural Fund contributed immensely to revealing this prodigy of Sri Lankan history to the world.

360 View of Sigiriya Rock

Sigirya – Historical value

According to the literary sources, Sigiriya royal palace complex possess a long way of historical background extended back to 5th Century AC which has been built by King Kasyapa. However, based on the archaeological evidence, and according to the research done by numerous scholars, it appears that the vicinity has existed over several phases through the prehistoric period and historic period.

The first inhabitants of the Sigiriya region were the Mesolithic humans who belonged to prehistoric times of Sri Lanka as revealed from the excavation and investigations done in nearby caves in proximity to the Sigiriya summit and the open-air sites around it. Archaeologists have unearthed several archaeological remains to prove the aforesaid information including stone tools, bone tools, and also faunal and floral remains.

During the 3rd Century BC, the historical period of Sigiriya commenced with the habitation of Buddhist monks, transforming the site into a monastic settlement as indicated by rock caves with drip ledges and the inscriptions carved on the rock surfaces dating back to 3rd – 1st centuries. The inscriptions record the granting of the caves in the premises to Buddhist monks in order to use it as their residences.

The modification of Sigirya as a fortified city under the rule of King Kasyapa  (477-495 AC) stated the golden landmark in the history of Sigiriya along with architectural buildings, paintings, hydraulic engineering, and so on. According to the chronicles, the building up of Sigiriya as a palace complex related to the political history of the country during the latter half of the 5th Century AC. Kasypa was one of the two sons of King Datusena who reigned the country during the Anuradhapura period. While Kasypa was the son of a non-royal consort, Mugalan is the other son of Datusena who was born of the queen and was thus the rightful heir to the throne. Along with the support of army commander, Migara prince Kasyapa seized the kingship by murdering his own father and Mugalan fed to India to seek help to fight against his brother. However, with the fear of returning Mugalan with an Indian army, Kasyapa could not rule the country from the capital of Anuradhapura. So, he chose his capital on a huge rock surrounded with thick vegetation to be protected from future attacks and this place was ultimately known as Sigiriya. As the Culavamsa mentions King Kasyapa ruled the country for almost 18 years with wealth and comfort and also with tight security around the summit. “He collected treasures and kept them there well protected and for the riches kept by him, he set guards at different places. Then he built there a fine palace, worthy to behold, like another Alakamanda and dwelt there like Kuvera (Geiger, 1928, 39:3–6, pp. 42–43). As the researchers state Kasypan period can be considered as the golden era of Sigiriya which turned it into a great eye-catching wonder in the whole world. After the defeat of Kasypa by Mugalan with the help of the Indian army, the Sigiri complex was again inhabited by the Buddhist monks as Mugalan reigned his ruling period from the capital of Anuradhapura. During the post Kasypan period which lasted until the 13th Century the royal constructions were altered by Buddhist monks to suit their lifestyle but no harms came to the aesthetic grandeur of the summit and the gardens.

Learn more about the re-Discovery of Sigiriya .

Architectural value

The royal palace complex on the rock summit which is believed to be the royal residence of King Kasyapa expresses the architectural value of Sigiriya to a greater extend. Although today we can only see the ruins of these buildings, they clearly manifest the grandeur of the architecture during the historical times. The magnificent palace complex on the summit of Sigiriya Rock is the center of the Sigiriya complex which is built 200 meters above the surrounding plain. The buildings of the palace have been constructed on a stepped terrain of about one and a half hectares. It is considered the earliest and best-preserved palace complex in Sri Lanka. It is assumed that the entire summit was surrounded by a brick wall built to the very edge of the rock, the footings of which are still clearly visible today. The palace garden consists of small ponds and terraces found on the eastern half of the summit meaning the outer palace area and especially on the sloping terrain to the south.

The main entrance to the rock summit is another structure that presents out the architectural value of this premise. The monumental lion paws of Sigiriya are the very reason that the rock summit got the name ‘ Sinha-Giri’  meaning Lion rock which became Sigiriya later on. At the northern end of the rock, a staircase has been built to climb up the summit through this pair of lion paws and it is truly a sight to behold. Although today one can only see this remaining lion paws it is assumed that there had been a gigantic brick lion on this place and the staircase emerged between the lion’s paws and runs into its mouth.

Moreover, the summer palaces built within the pleasure gardens also speaks about the architectural skills of the Sigiriya creators. Adjacent to the fountain garden area, on the flattened islands there, assumed to be summer palaces used for the leisure time of the king. It is believed that bridges built by cutting into the surface rock provided the access and the surrounding waterways have given a cooling surrounding.

Sigiriya Artistic value

Paintings of Sigiriya on the western side of the rock surface have been the focus of specific interest in both ancient and modern times which demonstrate excellent artistic features of the 5th century. Withstanding years of climatic changes some of them can still be seen in good condition. Ancient graffiti on the Mirror Wall refers to the existence of about five hundred frescoes covering a large section of the western surface of Sigiriya Rock. Today one can observe small fragments found in two slides on the rock surface, depicting about twenty-one female figures of immense beauty known as Apsaras. This line of paintings would have spread throughout the western surface of the rock, forming an awe-striking view to the ones who were the below of the rock featuring as a curtain full of colorful paintings. It is said that the reflection of these paintings could be seen on the water ponds in the water garden during the ancient period.

On the opposite side of the belt of the paintings, halfway along the western side of the rock surface, there is a pathway to climb up to the rock summit. The outer edge of the path is protected with a two-meter-high brick wall. This wall is plastered with a special lime mortar and the inner surface is polished to a reflective mirror finished in such a way that the painting on the opposite rock surface is perfectly reflected creating special scenery. This wall is known as ‘ Katapath paura’,  meaning mirror wall, due to this reflecting surface. Today, after all these years later, the shine on this wall can still be seen. Among thousands of visitors who visited Sigiriya from the 6th Century to 14th Century, inspired by the wonder they saw, they transferred their thoughts into poetry and wrote on the Mirror Wall which are preserved up to date. These are known as Sigiri graffiti and there are over 1800 pieces of prose, poetry, and commentary written by ancient tourists. This graffiti offers a fascinating insight into the history of Sigiriya and the evolution of language in the country over the period. A total of nearly 1500 writings have now been deciphered by scholars, especially Prof. Paranavithana.

Sigiriya – A compilation of different garden types

The Sigiriya landscape is adorned with three distinct garden types; water gardens, terraced garden, and boulder garden. They are unique in design and can be regarded as the oldest surviving large-scale garden forms in Asia. Among these water gardens consisting of main three sections are the most extensive and intricate garden type. It can be observed three principal water garden units lay along the central east-west axis and the miniature water garden. This garden layout of an interconnected set of water features reflects a highly refined landscape design sense on the part of Sigiriya’s architects. Three main garden features are numbered as ‘Garden No.1, No.2 and No.3’ which are also named as ‘Fourfold garden, fountain garden, and asymmetrical garden’ respectively for the ease of identification .

Garden No.1 is comprised of a central island surrounded by four ‘L’ shaped ponds. It is supposed that there was a large pavilion on this island based on the found evidence. The flights of steps constructed, and a series of surrounding terraces give easy access to the water. Most of the known special water features of the Sigiriya premises are in the area identified as ‘Fountain garden’, which is comprised of two long ponds which are located opposite to each other. Beyond these long ponds, one can notice a shallow broad expanse of water meandering right across the earth on either side of the pathway on the upper precinct of the fountain garden. These are commonly named ‘Serpentine streams’. At the end of these two shallow streams, there are the four fountains, two on each side formed by allowing water to spurt through the holes which are symmetrically aligned, constructed in circular sandstone slabs. Garden No.3 is encompassed with a large octagonal-shaped pool and an L shaped pool. Apart from these main units, a miniature water garden with several ponds and pavilions and summer palaces built amidst the water gardens has indisputably identified as the most attractive and rather very different constituent of the water garden arena of Sigiriya complex.

Boulder garden of Sigirya displays an entirely different layout when compared to the water gardens which shows an asymmetrical layout that has been built in a different historical environment. This area consists of several rocks and boulders and in almost every rock and boulder there had been a pavilion set upon it as revealed by the marks on them. Rock shelters can be noticed underneath many of the boulders, which ancient Buddhist monks inhabited at an earlier stage and later on fashioned as a feature of the royal garden. Through these boulders, one can walk on winding narrow pathways in order to reach the terraced garden.

Sigiriya Terraced garden can be seen associating with the natural hill at the base of the Sigiriya rock, which has been constructed with a series of walls and today some of them are collapsed to mounds and some are restored. Each terrace is finely running around the rocks and some are built interacting with the natural rocks displaying cultural landscape features in the vicinity. Brick built staircases with limestone steps are laid across the terraced garden, connecting the pathways of the boulder garden and the main staircase to climb up the rock.

Sigiriya Hydraulic Features

One of the most striking features of Sigiriya water gardens is its well-planned and exceptionally engineered hydraulic system even surpasses the present-day knowledge in constructing water features. Various sizes of ponds, interconnected conduits, cisterns, and other features that constitute the water system serve different functions within the premises. Mainly, the following water features can be noticed within the vicinity.

• Sigiri Wewa, the main source of water of the Sigiriya complex
• A series of moats, two on the west and one on the east, fed directly from this lake.
• Surface drainage waterways to control to prevent erosion of terraces and gardens during the rainy season
• Ornamental watercourses and water-retaining structures as an essential aspect of the royal pleasure gardens

• Cooling systems, such as a variety of water-surrounded pavilions and the generalized presence of water in parklands and courtyards.
• The water control and water-retaining systems, including a series of horizontal and vertical drains cut in the rock and underground conduits made of cylindrical, terracotta pipes.

The ancient engineers who constructed the Sigiriya water system have used several important concepts to create the water features of the area in a very effective manner, making the ultimate result a wonderful one. The ancient engineers have used integrated micro and macro design concept in constructing the hydraulic network in the area, incorporating the nearby lake and interconnected water channel across the garden area. Hydraulics of the water garden area is comprised of world-renowned water features highlight the aesthetic beauty to a greater extent.

Urban Layout and planning

Sigiriya provides one of the best-preserved and most magnificent examples of urban planning in ancient Sri Lanka. Sigiriya complex consists of a royal citadel and an elaborately laid-out city, with ramparts, moats, gateways, gardens date back to the Kasyapan period. The entire palace is centered on the massive Sigiriya rock surrounded by two large city zones as an inner-city (citadel) and the outer city and also by a garden zone. The urban plan of Sigiriya city is encircled with double moat and triple ramparts extending to the east and west.

The importance of Sigiriya lies not only in the fact that it provides us with a perfectly preserved urban layout but also in the planning technology of our forefathers. Sigiriya presents a brilliant combination of symmetry and asymmetry combining geometrical plan and natural surroundings. The large rock summit of Sigiriya constitutes the backdrop of the landscape when seeing across the gardens from the west side. The rectangular area around this summit is symmetrically divided through the north-south and east-west axes which meet at the center of the palace area on the summit of the rock. The elaborate planning demonstrated in the overall Sigiriya layout shows the brilliant engineering knowledge of our forefathers. It is known by the scholars that the intricate symmetry of the royal water gardens and the moats and ramparts of the western precinct is based on an ‘echo plan’. Concerning the layout of Sigiriya, Bandaranayake comments, “One of the most remarkable aspects of the urban form at Sigiriya is its planning mathematics and its total design concept. In its total conception, Sigiriya represents a brilliant combination of concepts of symmetry and asymmetry, of a deliberate interlocking of a geometrical plan and natural form” (Bandaranayake, 1990:41-58).

Sigiriya – An UNESCO world heritage site

On 17th December 1982, after assessing the aforementioned outstanding values in Sigiriya, the W orld Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the site a World Heritage Site under Criterion II, III, and IV of the operational Guidelines.

Criterion II – Exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on development in Architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design – Sigiriya frescoes the artistic value which extends back to a long history and Sigirii graffiti speaks of the thousands of admirers who visited the site, since the 6th century A.D. These poems are among the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language, providing evidence for the contemporary literature.

Criterion III – Bear a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or has disappeared – This cultural property is a unique witness to the civilization of ancient Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kasyapa.

Criterion IV – Be an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history- An exceptional and significant event was the determining factor in the creation of the royal capital woven around the life of King Kasyapa.

External Link – සීගිරිය හා එහි රජ උයන (Sigiriya and it’s Royal Garden – A Sinhala video by Prof. Senarath Dissanayake – Director-General, Department of Archaeology)

  Reference

Amarasinghe, M, (2003), Sri Lankave Purana Raja Maliga (Ancient Royal Palaces in Sri Lanka), Ja-Ela, Samanthi Poth Prakasakayo.

Amarasinghe, M., (2005), Sigiriya: loka urumayaka wagathuga , Dayawansa Jayakody, Colombo.

Bandaranayake. S, (1987), The ‘first’ and ‘second’ urbanization in Sri Lanka: a review , Paper presented at the second SAREC Archaeological Congress, Kandy.

Bandaranayake. S, (1993), ‘Amongst Asia’s Earliest Surviving Gardens: The Royal and Monastic Gardens at Sigiriya and Anuradhapura’, Historic Gardens and Sites, pp. 3-35, ICOMOS Series, Colombo, Central Cultural Fund.

Bandaranayake. S, (2005), Sigiriya , Central Cultural Fund, Colombo.

Bopearachchi, O, (2006), The pleasure gardens of Sigiriya , Godage Book Emporium, Colombo.

Cooray. N, (2012), The Sigirya Royal Gardens: Analysis of landscape architectonic composition .

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Premium Content

• HISTORY MAGAZINE

The 'Lion Fortress' of Sri Lanka was swallowed by the jungle

Built in the fifth century, Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya fortress attracted the attention of British archaeologists in the 1800s, who were amazed by its leonine rock art and beautiful frescoes.

Perched on a slab of rock that juts dramatically over the forests of central Sri Lanka , Sigiriya is as imposing a sight now as it must have been when it was first built by a fierce king in the fifth century A.D. Meaning “lion’s rock,” Sigiriya (designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982) is accessed by way of passageways cut into the rock face between a monumental pair of lion paws.

The fortress was later swallowed by the forest, and only familiar to local villagers. Outsiders used knowledge of its past, preserved in Buddhist texts, to search for the ancient site. British historians rediscovered its astonishing buildings and frescoes in the 19th century.

Kingdom to colony

Sigiriya was built by the fifth-century king Kashyapa I, who ruled the native Sinhalese dynasty, the Moriya. The imposing fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom until Kashyapa was defeated in A.D. 495. (Watch: An ancient palatial fortress overlooks this barren desert in Israel .)

After Kashyapa, dynasties rose and fell, their fortunes shaped by internal power struggles and conflicts between native Sinhalese and outside invaders from India .

The Lion People

The Mahavamsa, a fifth-century Sri Lankan epic, tells how the Indian prince Vijaya was the grandson of a lion. He traveled to the island of Sri Lanka and married Princess Kuveni. From their union was born the Sinhalese race ( sinhala means “of lions”). In the Sinhalese tradition, the lion is the mythical ancestor of kings and a symbol of royal authority. The photograph shows what remains of the monumental Lion Paws Gate at Sigiriya.

Various cities held the status of capital after Sigiriya, such as Polonnaruwa. By the 12th century, however, overall control of Sri Lanka progressively weakened. Sinhalese power retreated to the southwest of the island, abandoning the Rajarata region, and the former administrative centers, including Sigiriya, started to fall into disuse.

Sri Lanka’s position in the Indian Ocean made it vulnerable to Europeans looking to expand their control in the region. By the mid-1500s the Portuguese had thoroughly exploited dynastic tensions in Sri Lanka’s ruling elite and controlled much of the island.

A century later the Dutch had replaced the Portuguese as colonial masters, and they were in turn displaced by the British in the late 1700s. By 1815 the Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent, native state on the island, became part of the British Empire.

Knowledge is power

British imperial rule brought civil servant George Turnour to the island. An aristocrat, scholar, and passionate historian, Turnour worked with a Buddhist monk to translate an ancient fifth-century chronicle, the Mahavamsa, from the Sri Lankan Pali language into English. Based on this and other texts, he identified two ancient capitals: Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Turnour also studied a later chronicle of Sri Lankan history, the Culavamsa, which told the story of King Kashyapa. In the late fifth century, this Sinhalese prince killed his father, King Dhatusena, and seized the throne, usurping his brother, who fled to India. Fearing reprisals, he built the fortress Sigiriya—but in vain: His brother returned, defeating Kashyapa, and Sigiriya lost its brief status as capital.

In 1827 a Scottish officer, Jonathan Forbes, became friends with Turnour, and on hearing the story of Kashyapa and his palace, decided to look for it. In 1831 he set off to where locals told him he would find the remains of an ancient city.

His memoir, Eleven Years in Ceylon, describes “the rock of Sirigi [sic], . . . frowning defiance over the scanty fields and the far-extending forest of the surrounding plain.” As he approached, he could see platforms and galleries carved into the rock. Two of his party managed to scramble some way up but dislodged rocks, “which crashed among the boughs of the trees at a great depth below.”

Unsure as to whether he had found the Sigiriya mentioned in the Buddhist texts, Forbes abandoned the expedition. Revisiting a few years later, he traced the moat that surrounds the gardens at the foot of the rock but did not attempt to climb the cliff face. He doubted that the name Sigiriya was related to lions, as he had seen nothing to support that etymology.

Fabulous frescoes

British mountaineers eventually reached the top in 1851, but the task of surveying the site fell to the Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon, Harry C.P. Bell. His survey at the end of the 19th century has formed the basis of all studies since.

Bell painstakingly ascertained the layout of Kashyapa’s fantastical city as well as detailed the magnificent carving of the lion’s paws at the entrance, which Forbes had not been able to see.

In addition to the elaborate water gardens at the foot of the rock, Bell’s survey also lavished attention on the galleries on the rock face. These are decorated with exquisite wall paintings that have become some of the most prized objects in Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage. A total of 21 surviving frescoes may depict apsaras, celestial singers and dancers. (See also: 40,000-year-old cave art may be world's oldest animal drawing .)

Nearby, also on the walls of the rock face, are well over 1,000 items of graffiti, scratched by monks and pilgrims who visited the site in the eighth to the 13th centuries. These messages from the past can cause a frisson when read by visitors today. One reads: “At Sigiriya, of abundant splendor, situated on the island of [Sri Lanka] we saw, in happy mood, the rock that captivates the mind of all people who come here.”

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Sigiriya: An Early Designed Landscape in Sri Lanka

2018, Orientations

Inscribed today on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Sigiriya, an archaeological site in central Sri Lanka, may be one of the oldest gardens known in Asia. The late antique (4th–7th century) remains of buildings, zoomorphic architecture and rock paintings upon its central outcrop have elicited interpretation since the late 19th century (Figs 1 and 2). Sigiriya was thought to be a palace complex, and the art historian Ananda Coomaraswamy likened its paintings to the Gupta period (c. 320–550 CE) cave paintings at Ajanta in India (Coomaraswamy, 1971, p. 163).

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The history of archaeology at Sigiriya, in its antiquarian manifestation that worked with the notions of discovery and adventure, began in the mid-19 th century with the adventures of European explorers. The published travelogues of Major Jonathan Forbes on the island 1 are an early example of this. A century later, by the mid-decades of the 20 th century, Sigiriya had begun to permeate and play a vital role in the shaping of the historical consciousness of modern Sri Lankans. The migration of the idea of Sigiriya, and other similar sites that the adventurous colonial explorers first brought into the discourse of discovery from ruined wild places, and then to the discourse of archaeology and heritage, over time, registered the notions of the ancient glory of the Sinhalese, with nationalist rhetoric that fueled anti-colonial sentiments. The colonial discourse of "discovery", bolstered by authoritative English-language publications on Sigiriya and other such sites, ensured this migration and persisted throughout the 20 th century, first by colonial archaeologists and then by their brown descendants as an integral component of the discipline of archaeology 2 .

The conditions that affect the heritage management of archaeological sites in Sri Lanka arise from two interrelated but distinct histories. One has its roots in the colonial legacy of Sri Lankan archaeology, and the other in the populist-nationalist politics that draw rhetorical strength from archaeology and history. In this setting, "heritage" 1 means religion and ethnic identity. In a word, ethnonationalist. Since its inception in the late 19th century and its engagement in Anuradhapura, the Archaeological Survey Department of Ceylon (now the Department of Archaeology) had to negotiate the idea of heritage and "sacred site." The demands by Buddhist devotees, led by Walisinha Harishchandra in the early 1900s, that confronted the Archaeological Survey Department in the historic city of Anuradhapura was a struggle between colonial archaeology and the idea of heritage. Buddhists urged that the living characteristics of historic Buddhist sites be taken into account in their preservation 2. These early-twentieth-century clashes with colonial archaeology had long-lasting consequences for the country's post-colonial politics. The ancient city of Anuradhapura, thus acquiring a wealth of historical truths through colonial archaeology, and having been co-opted in a nationalist discourse, pitched by Harishchandra, that showed a particular kind of anti-colonial sentiments 3 , became the treasured historical center for Sinhala-Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura became the ethnonationalist symbol of the ancient grandeur and political authority of modern Buddhist rulers 4. These two mutually inclusive histories effectively keep archaeology from becoming a critical social practice. For a significant majority of Sri Lankan archaeologists, archaeology remains a project to construct culture-historical narratives about the country's past, using a loosely positivist-empiricist and commonsense approach of knowledge production entangled in locating essences and origins in ethnic, geographical, and chronological categories in Sri Lanka's past 5. Finding such

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Aditya Joshi

D.A.M.S. Silva

VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION OF ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES OF SRI LANKA Silva, D.A.M.S.* and Yakandawala, K.** Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka *[email protected], **[email protected] ABSTRACT The history of architecture in Sri Lanka spans to the prehistoric era. However, well developed architectural and landscaping knowledge was transmitted from Indo-Aryan settlers, after Buddhism was introduced in 3rd century BC. Ancient Sri Lankan architecture primarily developed around religion. Sustainability and natural balance were key philosophies of this. All these monuments and landscapes have a remarkable calming effect on visitors. Remains of Buddhist and Hindu shrines, literature, maps and silpa texts are the main sources of evidence for studying ancient architecture and landscape gardening in Sri Lanka. Historic books like Mahawansa gives a detailed explanation of construction efforts led by each king during their ruling dynasties. Sinhala and Pali books written by great scholar monks, specially the Sandesha kavyas provide descriptive information on ancient buildings and gardens as well the biodiversity of surrounding landscapes. Stupas, the world's universal Buddhist architectural monuments, were built to preserve holy artifacts of the Lord Buddha. Ancient Stupas emphasize architectural and engineering capabilities of the ancestors of the island, and Stupas are considered the largest brick monuments of the pre-modern world. Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture was under threat ever since it was introduced, first by the South Indian invasion, then by Europeans, and recently by civil war, when many architectural monuments as well as architectural documents were destroyed. In spite of the brave effort by the Sri Lankan people, Buddhist monks, and leaders who tried to protect ancient Buddhist monuments, many of them have rapidly decayed and have been destroyed in the past. The protection and restoration of ancient architecture, its theories and techniques has become a challenge to the present generation. Focus should not be limited to protecting, maintaining and restoring ancient heritage but also on the need to reuse these principles in modern architecture and landscaping, mainly because of its sustainability and ecological balance. Developing 3D models of ancient monuments using computer software is very useful for in-depth studies and reconstruction efforts. However, designing 3D models using traditional geometrical designing software such as AutoCAD, Maya, 3D’s max are sophisticated and time consuming. Google SketchUp was recently introduced as a free and open source 3D modeling system, which is user-friendly and easy to learn. Now many engineers, architects, researchers and students are using Google SketchUp together with Google Earth in engineering, geography and archeology projects as a rapid designing tool. KEYWORDS: Buddhist Architecture, Computer Aided Designing, Archeology, 3D modeling

Roots of Sri Lankan Art

Osmund Bopearachchi

The present book is the first of five volumes that I wish to publish in the near future on Śrī Laṅkān art. The next book will be on the sculptures of the Classical Period (5th-10th century CE). The third book will cover Buddhist and Hindu sculptures of the Polonnaruwa period (11th-13th century). The fourth one will be on the Yapahuwa and Kandiyan periods (13th-20th century). The final volume will focus on the mural paintings extending from the 2nd century to the 20th century CE.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Thusitha Wagalawatta

Robin Jones

Robin Jones Abstract This paper discusses the landscape garden of Lunuganga, Sri Lanka designed by the architect Geoffrey Bawa for himself after 1948. It assesses this space as a site of memory and a location where modernity and history are negotiated. The present article theorizes the making of Lunuganga in relation to the production of modernity in Sri Lanka and negotiation of the island’s relationship to colonial and pre-colonial histories. The island of Sri Lanka has a long history of the development of cultural landscapes. Bawa’s landscapes can be located within these traditions. Furthermore, the time he spent in Europe furnished him with an understanding of the picturesque landscape tradition. Lunuganga could be described as a site where these (colonial) histories and vernacular traditions re-staged or re-presented the modern in contemporary Sri Lanka. Bawa’s landscapes can also be ‘read’ as ‘sites of memory’, where, although of the modern era, the past is recalled. The landscape of Lunuganga references negotiations between adoption of a universal modern, with its taint of colonial subjugation, the neglect of this troubled past and the pursuit of an uncomplex indigenism and, in so doing, intervenes in the production of modernity in Sri Lanka.

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Exploring Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, the Remarkable Rock Fortress Complex

• by Vasudevan R
• February 19, 2024
• 13 Comments
• 32 min read

Table of Contents

Complete Guide to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, also known as Lion Rock, is a breathtaking architectural marvel located in the heart of Sri Lanka. This ancient fortress, built in the 5th century CE (AD), sits majestically atop a massive rock formation that rises to about 200 meters above the surrounding jungle.

This was built as the capital city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka by the second Moriya King Kasyapa I. The site is considered as one of the most important cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka and probably most the visited tourist attraction by both Sri Lankan and Foreign tourists alike.

Though magnificent, it was built at the end of tragic happenings, about which we will talk in a few minutes. However, if you are a history buff first and then a traveler, please click here for the historical events leading up to the building, of one of the finest examples of urban planning of that period called the rock fortress of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. So here is our complete guide to Sigiriya based on our experience including the enchanting stories of Kings and Queens!

Click Here for a Get Your Guide: Sigiriya Walking Tour

What to see and what to do at the Rock Fortress complex of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya city was the capital of Anuradhapura the reign of Kasyapa (also spelt as Kassapa or Kashyapa) for 18 years. After which the Capital returned to Anuradhapura. For the next 800 years it was used by the monks and later completely abandoned. Soon nature took over the whole place. In the early 19 th century, a young Bristish army officer called Jonathan Forbes, while hunting elephants, stumbled upon the ruins of the gardens at the foothill of the Sigiriya hill. The rest, as they say, history was rediscovered and restored. 😊  

The remarkable Rock Fortress of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is filled with a rich history, breathtaking architecture, and stunning art. From exploring the ancient ruins to climbing the seemingly impossible rock to the summit, there’s something for everyone when visiting this magnificent complex.

Here is athe Sigiriya blog, a complete guide to Sigiriya detailing what to see and do while at the Majestic Palace in the sky complex at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka.

First View of the Sigiriya fortress complex at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

As you approach the main entrance of the Sigiriya Rock Complex, you are greeted by lush green landscapes and the towering rock that stands in the center. You will see a pathway that leads to the base of the rock, surrounded by water gardens and ponds. All these seem to lead your vision to the majestic rock mesa (tabletop or plateau), that seems to magically rise from the ground. There are no other rock outcrops in the vicinity.

Klook: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Click here for more options

Imagine the whole rock is white in colour, like a cloud. Now imagine there are 100s of paintings and frescos of Apsaras and celestial maidens covering a strip of about 10 – 20 Metres high, encircling the rock at the middle part of the rock. You can see in your mind’s eye, these figures floating around, praying, cavorting and dancing. You are probably already in heaven.

It is believed that King Kasyapa wanted to recreate the city of gods, Alakamandawa, with an ornate golden palace on top of the rock fit for Kubera or Kuvera, the god of wealth. He also wanted this fortress with the sky palace to be a pleasure place to entertain his royal guests and friends and their families.

Visit the Water Gardens, Fountains & Ponds

On either side of the dry-weather pathway leading to the bottom of Sigiriya rock, you will see the water gardens. These gardens are considered some of the most sophisticated in ancient Sri Lanka and are dotted with stone and brick structures and fountains, adding to the serene beauty of the complex. The ponds, pools and fountains are symmetrically laid out on both sides of the central path.

The artificial ponds, fountains and canals were used to create a cool atmosphere in summer. The pressure of water for the fountains was created by gravity. The water itself was fed from the rainwater collected by pools, moats, elaborate underground drains and terracotta conduits right from the top of the summit to the bottom most pool. Wow! Think of a gigantic “Rainwater harvesting” and you have it here.

As per the information board, an artificial serpentine stream was created to regulate the speed and volume of water. The more you see it the more you wonder, how did they achieve it 1500 years ago! There were also supposed to be summer palaces (in ruins now) in the center of the ponds.

From the main entrance of Sigiriya rock fortress complex to the base of Sigiriya, it is about 1 KM.

Marvel at the Octagonal Pond, Moats, Boulder Garden and Ramparts

At the next higher level, after climbing a few steps, on the left side, is the octagonal pond. For some reason it is not duplicated on the other side. On one side of the octagonal pool is a boulder which carries tell-tale marks of a roof over this place, which the ravages of nature have destroyed.

As you cross the moats and climb on to the rampart, you will come across remnants of the old monastery. It is said that there was a monastery here before the Sigiriya fortress was built and again later when the capital was shifted back to Anuradhapura. While the images are not there in the Image house cave of the monastery, we could still see some paintings and plasters. The info board says that before Sigiriya was made the capital, this was dwelling for the monks and after Sigiriya period this was converted to the image house.

This is also called the boulder garden (boulder rampart) as we can see a lot of boulders strewn interspersed with pathways. This also provides protection against enemy attack as one can defend by rolling the boulders on the oncoming army of the enemy.

There are many caves, some of them still sporting faded old paintings on the walls and ceilings of the caves.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock

The climb to the summit of Sigiriya hill, which is about 180 Metres high, starts after entering an archway formed by two boulders leaning on each other. There are about 1200 steps to the top of the rock from the water garden. A series of galleries and staircases provide access to the summit, where the famed Sigiriya Sky Palace was situated.

Once you start the climb there are very few places to stop and rest till you reach one of the most significant parts of Sigiriya, the Lion’s Paws Terrace. The climb is moderately difficult but the steps are quite well laid out and once can do this stretch in about 20-25 minutes.

Sigiriya is evolved word from the older Sanskrit word Simhagiri (सिम्हगिरी ) or the tamil word Singagiri (சிங்ககிரி). Simha means lion and giri is mountain. However, till now we had not seen anything that remotely resembles the lion or its features. Neither any paintings nor a sculpture of a lion.

It is said that HCP Bell (Harry Charles Purvis Bell), the archaeologist who first excavated this site, had the same question (!). From 1894 to 1898, they excavated most of what we can see today. The above question still persisted.

The Lion’s Paw Terrace

The only part they had not yet excavated was the last terrace before the final climb. The team had already installed iron ladders from the terrace to the top starting from a mound of what they thought was the debris of some earlier brickwork above. (Maybe a gallery). A mound is the most important starting point of any excavation and so they started digging into it and found some hard brickwork.

In his own words, HCP Bell, writes, “When following the curved ground line of the north façade to the massive brick structure, some stucco-covered work was uncovered. This at first seemed to represent very roughly moulded elephant heads – three on either side of the central staircase – projecting from the brick work in high relief, life size. Closer examination and the presence of a small boss further back than the ‘heads’ gave the clue to a startling discovery – the most interesting of many surprises furnished during the four season’s work at Sigiriya.

These alto relievos were not a variant form of the ‘elephant-headed dado’. They were none other than the huge claws – even the dewclaw – of a once gigantic lion, conventionalized in brick and plaster, through whose body passed the winding stairway, connecting the upper and lower galleries, towering majestically against the dark granite cliff, bright coloured and gazing northwards over a vista that stretches almost hill-less to the horizon, must have presented an awe-inspiring sight for miles around.

Thus, was clinched forever to the hill the appellation Sihigiri “Lion Rock.” …here then is the simple solution of a crux which has exercised the summaries of writers – the difficulty of reconciling the categorical statement of the Mahawamsa and the perpetuation to the present day to the name “Singha-giri” (Sigiri) with the undeniable fact that no sculpture or paintings of lions exist on Sigiri-gala”.

Wow! What an interesting life these archaeologists lead!

The lion’s paw terrace is the gateway to the summit and the royal palace. Not everyone was allowed to enter the “Den of the Lion”, so to speak!

The paws and the claws were gigantic. Just the claws were over one meter in height, chest high of an average male. This alone gives an idea of the proportions. the top is about 50Metres from this terrace. Just imagine a 50 Meters tall sitting lion.

After resting for a couple of minutes, we started our final ascent with the steps in between the two paws. The steps and iron ladders were now steeper, made more perilous due to the intermittent showers which made the iron steps slippery. The iron ladders are well fastened to the rocks, but at least once thoughts would arise as to the safety of these contraptions. Well, I made it back to write about it! It took us 16 minutes to climb the final 50 metres! By far it was the most difficult part of the climb.

The staircases are often steep and made of steel clasped onto the sides of the rock. It is not very difficult to climb if you do not have any joint issues and lead a reasonably active life. It took me around 1 hour to reach the top, from the water garden, including taking photographs on the way and resting for a couple of minutes.

If you have enough time, you may want to stay back for a spectacular sunset at the Sigiriya Summit.

Explore the Ruins of the Royal Sky Palace

The tabletop summit was quite huge but not well marked. You would surely need a guide to explain stuff at this Palace on the sky also called Akasa Maligawa (Sinhalese – Alalamandawa, Tamil Agasa Maaligai , Hindi -Akash Mahal).

As expected, the place is in ruins, but one can make out the foundations of several levels of stairs, rooms, ponds, gardens, palaces etc. There is a huge bathing pool which serves multiple purposes of ablution and the water here is piped to reach the ground level by series of underground drains!

It is believed that a compound wall fully surrounded the summit rising from the rock’s slopes.

Since there are no walls or roof extant here, you would have to use your imagination to visualize several golden roofed rooms and the central palac e with the biggest golden roof of all. The central palace is also the highest point on the Sigiriya mesa summit.

Take time to look around for some amazing views of the emerald forests and Pidurangala Hill. Do not miss the stunning view from the Western side. The view of the gardens below is just out of the world! If time is not a constraint you may want to climb Pidurangala Hill for a view of Sigiriya fortress.

Check out the Mirror Wall and its Ancient graffiti at Sigiriya Lion Rock

Descending the iron steps was a bit more challenging in the light drizzle. The slippery surface of the narrow metal tread meant one had to descend ever so slowly. The authorities had made sure after a point the route for descent was different to enable smooth traffic of tourists. Upon reaching the Lion’s Paw terrace we continued to descend to the staircase that led us to the next attraction, the famous Sigiriya mirror wall.

As per the original design, along a 100 M ledge about midway up the rock a protective brick wall was erected, plastered, smoothened and polished using special chemicals, to a point that it reflected like a mirror. It is said that this was done so that King Kasyapa could admire himself while passing by.

Over period, the sheen wore off and people and monks used it to post stuff (graffiti) on the wall (why am I reminded of social media!). Expert epigraphists have identified more than 1500 different messages, many of them poems in Sinhalese. The graffiti on the mirror wall is a rich source of original information about the Sinhalese people 800 or more years back. Many of these poems are about the Sigiriya Frescoes, on the rockface above. Some of them describe the lion on the western terrace.

Even though it is not shiny, the mirror wall did reflect people’s thoughts, wouldn’t you say!

On the internet I found this interestingly funny poem, scribbled on the mirror wall of Sigiriya. The English translation goes like this:

If you are interested in more on the graffiti poems, head here !

Admire the Frescoes of Heavenly Maidens or Apsaras or Celestial Nymphs or Cloud Maidens

The Mirror Wall Gallery leads us to an iron spiral staircase which takes us to the Frescoes of the cloud maidens.

When the ancient city Sigiriya was at its peak, researchers say that western side (main entrance side) of the rock was not only painted white but also frescoes of semi-nude Apsaras or the celestial damsels were created on a canvas of 40 Meters height by 140 Meters length! It seems, as per one of the messages on the mirror wall, there were 500 such figures.

We saw that only about 21 or so survived in this particular stretch of the overhang, called the “fresco pocket B”, in a depression in the rockface. As per our guide there are a few more but not allowed for tourists and not as beautiful.

Some of the ladies are seen carrying flowers as if in a procession. One common factor is that all the figures start only waist up as if rising from the clouds. It is still a matter of debate if these mysterious ladies are from the harem of the king or depict the heavenly maidens or someone else! Some of the paintings are in pairs. One of them fair skinned and the other dark skinned. Some scholars say, the dark ones are the cloud ladies, and the fairer ones represent lightning. We don’t think we will have any definitive answer soon. 🙂

These paintings reminded me of Ajanta caves frescoes. Our guide mentioned the technique used to create these exquisite frescoes was quite the same. Only after getting on to the gallery, we realized that we were literally hanging in the air! There was no solid rock beneath us. Just a steel box covering the place.

Photography and Videography is Strictly prohibited in this fresco gallery. There are guards watching you!

It was not always so till a few years back when photography was allowed without flash. However, many tourists did not pay heed and often used flashes. The menace was so much that the authorities completely banned all forms of photography including the use of mobile phones.

Discover more Attractions at Boulder Garden level

The exit is by another spiral stairway that takes to a terrace on the Southern side. (Lion’s Paw is North). On reaching Boulder Garden we found there were more 5th century structures.

Audience Hall: This is probably the royal visitors waited before being escorted up. It once had a roof then but not anymore.

Asana Cave: Asana means a chair or a seat which has been carved out of the rock. This was made for use by meditating monks, when Sigiriya was a monastery.

Cobra Cave: It is so called as the roof looked like a cobra ready to strike. Also used by monks.

Visit the Archaeological Museum at the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fort Complex

For want of time we did not visit the museum at Sigiriya. However, if times is not a constraint, then it is very much worth a visit.

All artifacts such as clay pots, human skeletons, Jewelry, tools etc. discovered during the excavation of Sigiriya Lion Rock, are exhibited here.

For those who cannot climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Summit, they must visit the Sigiriya Museum, near the entrance. The museum has been designed to mimic the look and feel of the Rock Fortress Complex of Sigiriya.

We are told that more information on and translations of the messages on the mirror wall are found here. Also, for those who would like to take home photos of the Apsaras, they can do so here. There are reproductions of the original frescoes for you to click away.

After returning to our vehicle, the only thought in my mind was how did they achieve this engineering marvel built during a period when almost everything had to be done by manual labor.

Story of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is steeped in a fascinating history—some believe the complex dates to the 5th century CE and others relate it to the Ravana period.

There are various versions of the story of Sigiriya doing rounds. We will, however, stick with the one told to us by our guide and some research we did by studying the English translation of Chulavamsa (Culavamsa), one of the ancient chronicles delineating the history of Sri Lanka.

The Story of Sigiriya, the rise and fall of King Kashyapa I

Before diving into the history, let us know who the main characters are.

King Peetiya (Pithiya)- 458 CE to 459 CE: He was the last of the line of 6 Tamil kings who represented the Pandiyan Dynasty of Southern India. The island of Sri Lanka was split into two or three kingdoms traditionally. Of which Ruhuna in the south was always ruled by Sinhalese Kings and often provided refuge to the Sinhala Kings and their family when they were not in power. Anuradhapura was the more affluent and often the target of Tamil kings.

King Dhatusena – 459 CE to 477 CE: Anuradhapura was ruled by 6 successive Tamil kings. Dhatusena, when he came of age, three of them had already died of natural causes. Dhatusena, then called Lord of men, assembled a resistance movement in 455 CE and killed the 3 remaining Tamil Kings, King Peetiya being the last. From Lord of men, he became the King of Anuradhapura in 459 CE.

He was one of the most popular kings and credited with the all-round development of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Apart from all the constructions of reservoirs and viharas, he is also credited with building Vajra-Chumbata (Lightning conductor) on some of the Viharas. I am sure it is one of the oldest lightning conductors (lightning rods) in the world.

He founded the Moriya dynasty.

In the words of “the English translated version of Chulvamsa”, Dhatusena had two sons, Kasyapa (Kassapa, Kashyapa) and Mogaallana. Kassapa by a mother of unequal birth and the mighty Moggallana by a mother of equal caste (meaning royal blood).

Mother of Moggallana : She was the primary Royal Queen Consort. The ancient chronicle does not tell us more about her. In Hindi she would be पटरानी (Chief queen). In Tamil, பட்டத்து ராணி. As per the traditions it would be her son (Moggallana) in line for the throne.

Mother of Kasyapa: She was perhaps the favorite concubine of Dhatusena and of non-royal background. Her son Kasyapa was not in line for the throne even though he was the older son of the King.

Prince Kasyapa I – 477 CE – 495 CE : Born to King Dhatusena and a woman of non-royal background. Being the eldest, he did wield enough power in the royal corridors.

Prince Moggallana I – 495 CE– 512 CE : Moggallana was the heir apparent and the younger brother of Kassapa, born to Dhatusena and his chief queen.

Sister of Dhatusena : Mother of Migara, the senapati.

Princess – Daughter of Dhatusena : We could not find her name, but it is said that the King dearly loved her as his life.

Migara : Migara was the son of King Dhatusena’s Sister. He was married to the daughter of King Dhatusena. That is, he was the nephew and the General (Senapati) of Anuradhapura Army. A very powerful and important position in the Kingdom. He later married King Dhatusena’s daughter.

Events leading up to the creation of Sigiriya Rock Fortress

How did kasyapa become the king of anuradhapura.

The popular and powerful King Dhatusena gave his daughter in marriage to Migara, son of his sister (Nephew). Once it came to be known that Migara was ill-treating the princess, torturing and beating her too, the king was furious. He punished Migara by burning Migara’s mother (King’s own sister) alive…. (why man, why?)

Migara was angered but decided to wait for the appropriate time to take revenge.

Migara kindled a desire in Kasyapa’s mind, saying that Kasyapa should be the successor and not Moggallana. He also poisoned Kasyapa’s mind to the extent that Kasyapa started hating his father and nursing a desire to be the king sooner than later.

Kasyapa won over the subjects and some courtiers and imprisoned his father and crowned himself as the King of Anuradhapura. He also selectively punished all the people who were loyal to Dhatusena.

Mogallana could not fight back as he could not raise an army, fled to Jambudipa. We need to assume he took refuge under some friendly Tamil kingdom.

*Note: Jambudipa or Jambudveepa is the old name for mainland India in Sanskrit. In Chulavamsa, India is always referred to as Jambudipa. While performing Havans in India and chanting sanskrit mantras, we Indians also refer to our location as Jambudveepa.

Why did Kasyapa build Sigiriya?

As far as Migara was concerned, he wanted further revenge. He again went to the now King Kasyapa and said there was an untold amount of wealth which Dhatusena had hidden for use by Moggallana. In reality, there was no treasure.

When Kasyapa confronted his father in the prison with this information, asked Dhatusena to reveal the treasure’s hiding place. He kept his silence even after being asked repeatedly, day after day. Dhatusena thought this was a new ploy to kill him. After a few days finding no other choice, he asked the soldiers to take him to Kalavapi or Kalavewa reservoir (one of the biggest reservoirs built by Dhatusena), he would reveal the hiding place of the wealth.

The erstwhile king was taken to the tank where he spent time enjoying the refreshing bath. He then called the soldiers and told them that this tank was his entire wealth.

The soldiers took him to Kasyapa and related the events to him. Kasyapa thought Dhatusena was keeping the treasure for Moggallana, which was why he did not reveal its place. Kasyapa just could not believe that there was no treasure.

He ordered Migara to take Dhatusena away and kill him. Migara decided not to give him an easy death. This was the time for revenge. He chained Dhatusena and immured him in a wall. (World history is full of such atrocities). It is to be noted that Kasyapa did not order his father to be immured.

When word got out that he was a patricide, the people and the monks were not too happy. Slowly he was afflicted with fear that one day Moggallana would return with a big army and kill him.

So, he decided to create a new capital with a fortress that would not be easy to breach. On seeing the Sigiriya rock outcrop, he knew this was where he would build his new capital. He got the area cleared, built a wall around it. He wanted the whole complex to look like Alakamandawa (Palace in the sky), as it was described in one of the scriptures. It had gardens, the lion gate and the palace on the clouds. He built the mirror wall to admire himself as he passed by, probably to reinforce his thought that he was the most powerful king…. as powerful as Kubera himself!

Note: Some scholars say that part of construction of Sigiriya as a pleasure place for the people was already completed by Dhatusena, an ardent builder. That is how Kasyapa was able to complete the project quickly .

Death of King Kasyapa and return of the capital to Anuradhapura.

As time passed King Kasyapa was ashamed of his past actions and repentant. He did a lot of good for his subject including building orchards, reservoirs, viharas and such. He is known to have expanded the Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya to 10 times more than what it was.

On the 18th year of his reign, what Kasyapa feared happened. Moggallana had collected a huge army and was coming towards Sigiriya. In due course a mighty battle ensued between the two brothers of a scale not seen before.

Kasyapa noticed while progressing, a swamp in front of him and turned his elephant to find another route. The soldiers following him thought that their king was fleeing, which brought down the morale of the soldiers and all of them retreated.

King Kasyapa was astonished and cried out to the army to return but it was too late. Kasyapa knew that in no time Moggallana would arrive and take him prisoner. Kasyapa took his dagger out and cut his throat, raised the dagger high and sheathed it, before he fell dead.

In due course, Moggallana collected all the treasures from Sigiriya, handed over the Sigiriya complex to senior Buddhist monks, to be converted into a monastery, and moved the capital back to Anuradhapura and ruled for 17 years.

Legendary Past of Sigiriya Sky Palace, the Ramayana Connection

…….. Involving Ravana, the villain of the Epic Ramayana 

There are older histories and legends involving Sigiriya.  

One researcher, Dr Mirando Obesekera, says that Sigiriya with its golden palace itself was the abode of Kubera (the god of wealth) several centuries ago. It was called Alakamandawa (Akasa Maligawa, Sky Palace). 

Kubera was the ruler of Lanka Island. He was also the half-brother of Ravana, the notorious villain of Ramayana, the grand old epic.  

In time Kubera was sent to the Himalayas to find a place near Mount Kailash and Ravana took over the reins of Lanka.  

It is also said that Ravana had kept Sita as prisoner at the Cobra Hood Cave at Sigiriya.  

Useful Information on the Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Tidbits, snippets, trivia.

• Duran Duran’s song video “Save a Prayer” was completely shot in Sigiriya and other parts of Sri Lanka. Don’t say a prayer for me now Save it ’til the morning after No, don’t say a prayer for me now Save it ’til the morning after
• The Ancient city of Sigiriya is one of the 8 UNESCO world heritage sites accorded in the year 1982.
• Yet another myth doing rounds is that the flat topmost part of the Sigiriya Summit, which is as big as a small helipad, was used to land the Pushpaka Vimana, which Ravana had stolen from Kubera. Some others say that the airfield was in Wariapol.
• Locals call Sigiriya, the 8th wonder of the world.
• From the sources, it does not look like this Moriya Dynasty is not related to the Mauryan Dynasty of India. They are about 700 years apart.

Tips on Sigiriya

• Better to arrive early in the morning before 9am or late in the afternoon. It may be hard to climb during noon due to hot weather during some parts of the year.
• Wear a hat or a cap to protect you from heat at the summit. There are no shelters on the top of Sigiriya.
• Carry an umbrella (Locals always do), raincoat or a waterproof poncho as it may rain without much warning.
• Book your tickets online to avoid standing in long queues
• Monkey Menace. There are a lot of monkeys in the complex right from the ground level to the Lions Paw terrace. Be careful when you open a bag of chips. That may be the last you will see of it. We did not see any at the summit.
• There are also Bees and Wasps. There are enough notice boards warning of wasp or bees attacks. The best way not to disturb them is to be as quiet as possible, wherever the warnings are there. It is even more difficult when you have school tours on the premises.
• Having a guide is surely a plus. Alternately you may read this article just the night before the climb and refer to it while climbing. This, I am sure is one of the most comprehensive guides on Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
• If you keep a whole day for Sigiriya, then we strongly suggest using morning time to climb Pidurangala, then the museum and finally Sigiriya and stay till sunset. We are sure to do it during our next trip.
• We stayed at Dambulla, as it was more central to visit various attractions like Dambulla Rock Temple, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Minneriya Elephant Reserve etc.
• However, if you want to reach Sigiriya very early, then you may want to stay closer to Sigiriya. See our section accommodation options.

Opening Hours

From 6.30 AM to 5.30 PM every day

Last entrance is 5:00 PM

Ticket Price

• Non Saarc Foreign Adults – 30 USD
• Non Saarc Foreign Children – 15 USD
• Saarc Foreign Adults – 15 USD
• Saarc Foreign Children – 15 USD
• Local Adults – 100 LKR
• Local Children – 50 LKR
• Please note that Museum tickets are separate and costs 5 USD
• Pidurangala Rock – 500 LKR buy at site only

Can I Buy a Sigiriya Lion Rock Entrance Ticket Online?

The short answer is yes. In fact, it is better to buy online to avoid standing in long lines at the ticketing booth.

Where to stay   near Sigiriya Archaeological Complex ?

There are a lot of accommodation options like hotels, guest houses and homestays too, around Sigiriya, Dambulla and Habarena.

Please Click here for other accommodation options in Sigiriya, Dambulla and Habarena

We Stayed at Jetwings Lake. Click here to book .

Book Your Tours Here

Get Your Guide: Sigiriya Walking Tour

FAQ on Things to do in Sigiriya

Where is the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka?

Sigiriya is located in Matale District and is about 175 KM North-East of Colombo.

How to Get to the Ancient City of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka?

We suggest staying at Dambulla or Habarena, which is central to a lot of other attractions like Dambulla cave, Sigiriya, Minneriya elephant reserve etc. Sigiriya is just about 18 KM from Dambulla by road. There are tuk-tuks and regular buses to Sigiriya. Checkout the last bus back and plan accordingly. We had hired a cab for our entire Sri Lanka trip of 7days which was comfortable, convenient and time-saving. Alternatively, it’s also possible to hire a taxi or join a guided tour from Colombo or other nearby cities.

How much time does it take to explore the Rock Fortress complex of Sigiriya?

On an average it would take about 3 hours give or take a few minutes to explore the water garden, lions paw, Sigiriya summit, Mirror Wall, Fresco gallery and boulder garden. The museum is likely to take an hour or so, depending on your interest.

What is Sigiriya?

Sigiriya is an ancient royal palace located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century A.D. It was originally developed as a fortress-palace complex and is renowned for its beautiful gardens and amazing architecture. The site consists of impressive ruins, archaeological remains, artworks, and sculptures.

What is the meaning of Sigiriya?

The name ‘Sigiriya’ translates from Sinhala to mean ‘Lion Rock’ as it resembles a lion that stands guard over its kingdom at the top of the cliffs surrounding the royal palace complex below. It seems to be adapted from Sanskrit word Simhagiri. Simha (Lion) + Giri (mountain)

What is the best time to visit Sigiriya?

The best time to visit Sigiriya is during Sri Lanka’s dry season which is s between December and April when temperatures and humidity levels are lower, making it more comfortable for the arduous climb with no cover.

Is Sigiriya rock a wonder of the world?

Sigiriya is not part of the top wonders of the world. However it is one of the 8 UNESCO heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The locals, however, do call Sigiriya as the 8th wonder of the world!

Why is Sigiriya rock famous?

Sigiriya Rock is famous for its ancient rock fortress, stunning frescoes, and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

Who built Sigiriya rock?

Sigiriya Rock was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD as his royal palace complex, featuring elaborate architecture and intricate water gardens that showcase the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

What is Sigiriya rock made of?

Sigiriya Rock is primarily made of volcanic rock, specifically a hardened magma plug, known as ‘trachyte,’ which provides the fortress with its formidable structure and enduring presence amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s landscape.

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13 thoughts on “Exploring Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, the Remarkable Rock Fortress Complex”

Very interesting article. And very detailed too!

Why don’t you write a novel? You have a knack for writing very well about these historical stories.

Thank you for the compliment! Writing a novel sounds like a great idea, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that level of commitment. I think I’ll stick to shorter pieces for now, but who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day I’ll be the next bestselling historical fiction author!

Your detailed guide provided me with invaluable information about this UNESCO World Heritage Site and has inspired me to plan a visit there myself. I particularly enjoyed learning about the tragic events that led to the construction of the rock fortress, and how it was rediscovered and restored in the 19th century.

I’m glad to hear that my detailed guide on Sigirya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka, was able to provide you with invaluable information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even more so that it has inspired you to plan a visit there yourself. It’s always rewarding to hear that our knowledge and insights can have a positive impact on someone’s travel plans. The history behind the rock fortress is truly fascinating, and it’s wonderful that you enjoyed learning about it, particularly the tragic events that led to its construction and the restoration efforts. I hope you have a fantastic trip and enjoy exploring this incredible site firsthand!

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka looks looks like such a fascinating place to visit. I would really love to check out the murals and the water garden.

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, is indeed a marvel, with its beautiful murals and refreshing water garden.

This is such a neat historical feature to visit. It reminds me a little bit of the Mayan ruins in Mexico. I love exploring these old structures.

Well, it’s always great to discover a piece of history, whether it’s in Mexico or right in our own backyard! Archaeologists are still exploring our ruins, trying to piece together the mysteries of our civilization.

I’ve been to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago and loved it! I would love to visit it again, a gorgeous country.

It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Sri Lanka! With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that the country is a popular destination among travelers. If you do have the opportunity to visit again, you may want to explore some of the other regions or attractions that you may have missed on your previous trip. Sri Lanka has so much to offer, from ancient temples and historical sites to breathtaking beaches and wildlife reserves. I hope you get the chance to return and create even more amazing memories! Please checkout our other articles on Sri Lanka https://lemonicks.com/category/asia/sri-lanka/

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is such an interesting and unique place to visit! It looks so unusual from the distance – and something I’d love to see in real life.

It’s great to hear that you find Sigiriya in Sri Lanka interesting and would like to see it in person! There’s nothing quite like experiencing a unique destination firsthand and being able to take in all the sights, sounds, and the experience that make it so special. If you do end up visiting, I hope you have a wonderful time and make lots of unforgettable memories!

Definitely going to visit here one day. Such a phenomenal place.

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A Guide to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka (aka: Lion Rock)

Even before you get to the top, it’s undeniable that Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, an ancient fortress known more affectionately as the Lion Rock, is a magnificent and impressive site. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, this rock, towering at 200 meters above water, has obtained a lot of history, story and legend, and archeological wonder throughout its many years of existence. Although not an easy climb (there’s over 1200 steps!), it’s a site not to be missed when in Sri Lanka.

In this guide, you’ll learn about its history, what the site holds in today, and how you, too, can check climbing Sigiriya off your bucket list .

History of Sigiriya Fortress

Sigiriya Fortress was built by King Kashyapa I, in the 5 th century, at the time of which the area belonged to the Moriya, who were the natives to the Sinhalese dynasty. This fortress played the role of capital to the kingdom, until the king was defeated in 495 A.D. Before the fortress was built, the rock was inhabited by Buddhist monks, and after the passing of the king, it returned to its function as a monastery. However, evidence exists that this area has been lived in since as long ago as the 10 th century B.C.

From then on, the capital changed with each short-lived dynasty, until the region was mostly abandoned by the Sinhalese dynasties altogether. It wasn’t until the 19 th century that Sigiriya became of any significance again, when it became a military fortress for the kingdom of Kandy. Directly afterwards, it became a site of interest during the colonization of the British Empire, and through the efforts of military officer Jonathan Forbes specifically. 

It is generally regarded to be one of the most valuable historical sights in Sri Lanka. The structure of the rock was formed from magma, which came from a now extinct volcano. It’s deemed to have a lot of importance from archaeological perspectives, with the fortress including numerous intriguing features, such as the Mirror wall, which is said to have been so polished once upon a time that the king could see his reflection in it. Additionally, its time as a center for power, however brief, in combination with its remote location, have paved the way to creating a significant legacy to Sigiriya Rock. Not to mention its significance to the Sinhalese cultures.

About Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

As was mentioned, there are many striking features to Sigiriya, which are the reason why it’s quite possibly Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist attraction.

The Gardens

The Gardens are composed of three components: the cave and boulder gardens, the terrace gardens, and the water gardens. Located on the west side of Sigiriya, the water gardens themselves are further divided into three sections, with especially the fountains remaining an impressive sight to see today. But while both the water gardens and the boulder gardens are stunning, it can be said that the terrace gardens are the most impressive among the gardens of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, complete with a limestone staircase that runs through it. In general, these gardens are worth visiting already simply for the fact they are some of the oldest gardens still existing in the world. 

The Rock Palace

This Rock Palace was officially the king’s palace once upon a time. It is also perhaps Sigiriya’s biggest source of pride, and certainly among the biggest reasons why tourists flock to the attraction. Besides the palace, there’s the fortified fortress, as well as numerous rock carvings and sculptures, at this site.

Lion Rock Sigiriya Graffiti

Much of the Lion Rock’s Mirror Wall is covered with ancient graffiti. They were inspired by the frescoes – which you can read more about below – and in a major part feature poetry. These graffiti have been a great help in identifying new words of the Sinhala language.

Boulder Garden of Lion Rock Sigiriya

Unlike the other gardens at Sigiriya, the Boulder Garden is built in a largely asymmetrical fashion. Much of the gardens are also from a time period before Sigiriya ever became of significance to the Sinhalese, having instead been built by the monks who were the original inhabitants of the rock. Sadly, not a lot of this ancient handiwork has lasted through the times to still be admired today, although plenty of artistry and artifacts still remain to be seen today. 

Lion Staircase

This staircase was also built by King Kashyapa I, guarding the entrance to his palace. It is located on the northern side and is about all that remains of what was once a much larger structure. At its prime, the staircase was 35 meters high and 20 meters wide. 

Palace Complex of Sigiriya Lion Rock

Besides the above-mentioned qualities, the palace complex of Sigiriya Rock also featured impressive frescoes, as well as a cave named “Cobra Hood Cave”. Located within the Boulder Garden, it is a projection representation of a cobra with an open hood. This cave is typically visited on your way back from the site’s summit.

Lion Rock Frescoes

Featured in many essays about Sigiriya and making up a large wall area on the western side of the Lion Rock, these frescoes represent women with flowers in their hands. Specifically, they are located about halfway up the rock. Not many of them have survived up until today, but the ones that have remain as impressive as ever, and a lot of speculation over who these women were continues all the way until today. 

Climbing the Steps of Sigiriya

Although climbing up Sigiriya is not difficult per se, it is quite demanding. The rock stands 200 meters above water and there are 1200 steps to be conquered to get up there. Divided into six parts of climbing, the climb gets harder the further into it you get. It can take nearly 2 hours to reach the summit, but frankly you are not in any rush to get there anyway, as there are many attractions, starting with the boulder gardens, scattered on the lower stages of the climb. 

To climb Sigiriya during the best possible time, time your trip to January, February, or March, with February being the best of these months. During this time of year, the temperatures are somewhere around 28 to 32C (82-90F), with possible downpours, but mostly in the afternoons and only lasting for a short while. Even during these months, your very best bet is to climb up Sigiriya in the morning hours of the day.

Visiting Nearby Pidurangala Rock

While not as popular to visit as the Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock is another impressive rock in the region—it’s actually almost as tall as Lion Rock! The attraction is definitely a worthwhile addition to your itinerary for discovering this part of Sri Lanka. The hike up there takes around 30 to 40 minutes, at around moderate difficulty level. It’s said to have also been a Buddhist monastery once upon a time, and there’s still a cave temple located on the trail today. From its summit, you’ll have amazing panoramic views, as well as views of the Sigiriya Fortress.

My Experience Essay

Climbing the 368 stairs to the top of  Bartolome island  in the Galapagos made my brow trickle with sweat and scaling the 468 stairs of the Florence Duomo made my lungs ache, even the measly 109 steps of the St. Simons Lighthouse in Georgia made me embarrassingly winded. If these were all examples from the past, then what would the 1200 steps of the 200m high Sigiriya rock in Sri Lanka do to me? I was about to find out and I was afraid—very afraid.

Sigiriya is an ancient palace, built in 480AD, located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. The UNESCO World Heritage site is known for it’s beautifully landscaped gardens, well-preserved frescos and… a crap load of stairs, all at different anxiety producing levels. But, I was convinced that the experience would be a great addition to my list of the top things to do before you die .

In the early morning, I left the safety of my cozy room at Cinnamon Hotel’s Chaaya Village Habarana  to embark on a bus road trip to the the rock. When the tour guide stopped at the bottom of Sigiriya to allow for a photo opportunity, I sensed that I may be in a bit of trouble. It looked HUGE from far away, which meant it would only grow in size as we got closer. All the agonizing pilates classes better help with climbing this rock.

Stepping out of the bus, climbing guides immediately approached each of us asking if we needed any assistance for the trek. We were warned that if you agree to an escort, it will cost you about 1000 rupees ($7.62 usd). I opted to do this climb solo, though some strong man pushing me up sounded like a solid back-up plan.

Crossing the lilypad filled moat, I saw a glimpse of hope for a leisurely climb. The stairs started in sections of about 20 at a time. This was nice. The moss filled steps were picturesque with plenty of landing pads for photo opportunities, monkeys climbed the walls and stray puppies were scampering about. Maybe climbing Sigiriya won’t be so bad after all. Wishful thinking.

Things got a little hairier as I continued on, the steps steeper and sections longer. Then there was a line forming to walk up a spiral metal staircase. In order to see the well preserved Sigiriya frescoes you need to take this route, which I did.

Carrying on I finally reached the Lions Den, a large plateau which acts as a resting ground for explorers. I was warned that if you suffer from vertigo do not go past this point and many climbers opted to turn around here. But, I pressed on hoping that vertigo would not find me.

The stairs hugged the side of the rock and, though they seemed secure, looking down took my breath away in more ways than one. Climbers of all ages were attempting this part of the trek and you could visibly see the fatigue on their faces. I am sure mine looked the same. After stepping foot on the last step of my ascent, before looking at the picturesque view before me, I congratulated myself for the feat that had just been accomplished. And I silently thanked my pilates instructor.

Then, I took a look around to see beauty in a form that I had never witnessed before. At the top was weathered stone ruins, lush green land, a water filled pool and a perfect view. The ideal reward. After taking in the scene, I started my decent, which in some areas was more dangerous than the ascent. Plus, it was a bit of a labyrinth to get out, lacking any signs and each set of stairs leading to another outlook.

In the end, after a total of two and a half hours, there was no choice but to exit through a section of souvenirs (of course), where I gratefully paid 300 rupees ($2.29 USD) for a diet coke, extremely expensive by typical Sri Lankan standards. As I walked towards the bus at the bottom of Sigiriya monkeys roamed close by, most likely wanting a sip of my overpriced diet coke. Not gonna happen.

My legs were wobbling when I climbed the last few stairs for the day, the ones onto the bus, where I plopped into my seat and took a well deserved nap.

Have you already visited this majestic Sigiriya in Sri Lanka or is it in your dreams to do so in the near future? As one of the most fascinating sights to see in all of Asia, surely you’ll want to venture out to Sri Lanka and the Lion Rock one day in your life! Especially when you are in Sri Lanka, you ought not to miss out on visiting this legendary fortress that’s still gaining curiosity among archeologists today. 

Sigiriya Essentials Where is Sigiriya?: Sigiriya is located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. More specifically, it is located in the northern part of Matale District. Dambulla is perhaps the closest town to Sigiriya. How to get to Sigiriya?: You can get to Sigiriya by bus from Dambulla, from where you can catch the bus at 30 minute intervals every day between 6:30AM and 6:00PM. If you are not staying in Sigiriya for the night, it is highly recommended you do not miss the last bus back to Dambulla as it is still a 25km distance between the two places. You can get to Dambulla from most cities, including Kandy. If you’re coming by car, you can reach Sigiriya by driving on A1 or A6.  The easiest choice would be to join a tour group like the all-inclusive Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya Tour departing from Dambulla. Opening Time of Sigiriya Lion Rock for Visitors?: The site opens for visitors at 7AM each day of the week. The last time of admission is at 5PM, and the Lion Rock closes for the day at 5:30PM. Entrance Fees for Lion Rock Sigiriya: For foreign tourists, the entrance fee to Sigiriya is $30 USD— and the ancient site is worth every penny! Can I Buy a Sigiriya Lion Rock Entrance Ticket Online?: Yes! If you place on venturing to Sigiriya on your own you can book your ticket online in advance at this link ! This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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2 thoughts on “A Guide to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka (aka: Lion Rock)”

i was really planning to go thank you for your guide

Thank you for sharing this information its informative

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Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sri Lanka

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What is Sigiriya ?

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace built by King Kashyapa during the reign of 473 – 495 which is standing majestically 660 feet straight up. It is located in the northern Matale district near the town of Dambulla in central province of Sri Lanka. The word Sigiriya or the Sinhagiri means the Lion’s Rock where you have to climb up 1200 steps before you reach the Lion Rock Fortress on top of Sigiriya. There are several platforms that break up the steps and allow for a little break if you need it. Today Sigiriya rock fortress is one of the most famous Archeological Treasure and UNESCO named Sigiriya rock as a World Heritage in 1982 under the name “Ancient City of Sigiriya Sri Lanka”. 

Architecture of Sigiriya Lion Rock

This fortified garden city of Sigiriya rock fortress is an exceptional master piece of ancient urban planning / landscape & architecture / construction technology /exceptional hydraulic engineering & management / ancient fine art with unique harmony between nature and human imagination and all these living examples proved that it was a Well Planned City & Palace in 5th Century AD. Sigiriya rock fortress is recognized as one of the best preserved surviving ancient urban sites in Asia from the 1st millennium or simply it’s a Living Museum. Sigiriya World Heritage Site is versatile and many-faceted appeal, and it is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient political capitals and Sri Lanka’s most sensational heritage site.

History of Sigiriya Rock Fortress 

Historical research carried out at the site has brought to light evidence to show that the origins of Sigiriya date back to pre-historic times. Situated at the base of the Sigiriya rock of its eastern side, is a monadnock named Aligala (Elephant Rock). In a cave underneath this, excavation have revealed remains of pre-historic human settlements that existed here around 5,500 years B.P. In addition, there is evidence of human habitation in this area, as far back in history as the 9th — 10th centuries B.C. 

In the 3rd century B.C. a Buddhist monastery had been established at Sigiriya rock fortress. Thirty cave-shelters with drip-ledges, which accommodate monks, have been identified at the base of the great rock so far. In eight of them, details of donations of cave shelters have been inscribed in Brahmi script. All the principal structures that are found today in Sigiriya, have been erected during the reign of King Kasyapa (A.D. 477 - 495), who chose to make Sigiriya as his seat of administration. According to the eminent archaeologist Prof: Senerath Paranavithana, Sigiriya reflects the sensuousness of a pleasure-loving king, who modeled the city  on  the   mythical   Alakamanda   of god Kuvera. Indian and Roman coins and pottery belonging to the Sassanian dynasty of Persia (Iran) found in Sigiriya rock fortress as well as the affinity to Persian styles in the creation of pleasure gardens all indicate commercial and cultural relations with foreign countries during this brief period.

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress in 7th AD 

Subsequently however, in the 6th and 7th centuries A.D., Sigiriya ceased to be of political importance and once again became the abode of Buddhist monks. During this period, the cave-shelters with drip-ledges which belonged to the earlier monastic phase were further improved. Additional shrines such as stupa, image house and bodhi tree shrine were constructed. This second phase of the monastic development continued up to the 12th - 13th centuries A.D.

19th Century Sigiriya Rock 

In the centuries that followed, Sigiriya was totally abandoned, until the 19th century, when it was used as n military out-post of the kings of Kandy. Later, it was a British military. officer, Jonathan Forbes in 1832, who once again brought Sigiriya out of its obscurity, back into historical focus. In 1894, under H.C.P. Bell the Archaeological Department commenced archaeological activities in Sigiriya. Nearly a century later, in 1982, the Central Cultural Fund took over the task, which it continues with great success, to date.

City Planning of Sigiriya Rock 

The Lion rock Sigiriya has two fortified precincts where the western precinct encompasses 90 hectares, and the eastern precinct covers 40 hectares. The western area was the royal park area, a symmetrically-designed pleasure garden with elaborate water-retaining structures, as well as surface and subsurface hydraulic systems. It is surrounded by three ramparts and two moats, forming a rectangular area whose inner precincts measure about 700 meters from east to west and 500 meters from north to south.

On the other side of the Lion rock Sigiriya, the eastern area appears to have been a ceremonial precinct with a large central pavilion as its only permanent structure. Kasyapa and his royal family lived their lives within these walls. Moving inward from the two precincts in an ever-ascending fashion are a series of boulder gardens and then terraced gardens, leading to the entrance to the Sigiriya rock. Access to the rock is gained via a long passageway that begins on the west side of the terrace gardens, and winds northward along the Mirror Wall to the Lion Platform.

Water Garden / Landscape & Gardening of sigiriya

Among the significant features of Sigiriya, the Water Gardens are especially noteworthy. Though outwardly the Water gardens appear to be one garden system in Concept, four distinct parts are clearly discernible in its creation, and at present they are called the Water   Garden Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and the Miniature Water Garden.

Lion Rock Sigiriya Graffiti

Main features of Sigiriya rock are Sigiri graffiti, Lion’s paw entrance, Boulders garden, Mirror wall, Fresco paintings of female figures, Extensive networks of landscaped garden, Water gardens, Moats, Ramparts and the remains of the palace.

The lion rock Sigiriya Graffiti were written on the surface of the Mirror Wall at Sigiriya. Scribbled on the wall are over 1800 pieces of prose, poetry and commentary written by ancient tourists. These graffiti offer a fascinating insight into the history of Sigiriya and the evolution of language in Sri Lanka over a period of 800 years. The majority of the graffiti refer to the beautiful paintings of semi-nude females. These graffiti confirm that this site was the residence of King Kashyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD. The texts also suggest that the females depicted in the frescoes are the ladies of the King's royal court - the ladies of the harem. The graffiti range from statements of awe, declarations of love, commentary, curses, laments, diary entries, or mere statements of visit.

Many demonstrate a very high level of literacy and a deep appreciation of art and poetry written in a Sinhala, Sanskrit and Tamil. These early scribblers have left us priceless insights into the past. Out of these paintings 685 individuals identified so far, 12 were women, over half identified themselves by name, many noted their social rank, and some even mentioned where they came from towns like Weligama and Ritigala in Sri Lanka. The majority of these visitors appear to have been from the elite of society: royalty, officials, professions, and clergy. There were also soldiers, archers, and even metalworkers. Over 1000 unique words have been identified.

Boulder Garden of Lion Rock Sigiriya 

The Boulder Garden comprises sloping terrain around the central rock which is dotted with boulders of various sizes. The routes to the palace on the rock summit are laid out through the boulder garden as winding pathways that are punctuated by natural boulder arches.  Among the unique features of this garden are the Cistern Rock  deriving its name from a large cistern formed out of the natural boulder and large granite slabs, the ‘Audience Hall’ where a five-meter long main throne is carved out of the living rock,  the  ’Preaching  Rock’  where a seat is carved out at the flattened edge of a fairly high boulder, and the ‘ Asana Cave’ where a seat is carved out inside a natural cave. Rock caves with drip-ledges and shrines used during the periods when Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery are also to be seen in this area. The Terraced Garden of Sigiriya Lion Rock lies in the high ground between the Boulder Garden and the Sigiriya rock and it is fashioned into a series of roughly concentric terraces by means of stone retaining walls.

Lion Staircase

The final ascent to the royal palace atop Sigiriya rock lies through the Lion Staircase, which faces north and has two huge paws  of  a  lion in front. These lion-paws, made of brick and covered with plaster, are the remnants of a fore part of lion figure that must have once stood there.

Palace Complex of Sigiriya Lion Rock 

The Palace  Complex  on  the   top of the Sigiriya rock is around 1.5 hectares in extent. The principal monument to be seen there is the royal palace which lies towards the west. The palace garden consisting’     of a  large  artificial  pool  and. other garden features are located to the east. Below the palace, on a rock facing the east is a throne carved out of the natural rock.

Lion Rock Paintings

The fifth century A.D. paintings are indisputably the zenith of all artistic creations of  Sri Lanka. These paintings, found in a depression on the western side of the rock-face, nineteen in number, are figures of exquisitely beautiful damsels, floating among clouds. According to the Sigiri graffiti (verses scratched on the Mirror Wall over the ages) however, there had been five hundred such figures painted all over the western and northern rock-faces, originally.

Many theories attempt to interpret the. identity of the beautiful women portrayed in these ancient masterpieces.    According to H.C.P Bell, they are Kasyapa’s concubines, on their way to worship at the Pidurangala temple near by, bearing flowers for offering. According to the eminent scholar Ananda Cnomaraswamy, the damsels are Apsaras or goddesses. The eminent Sri Lankan archaeologist . Prof. Senerat Paranvitana offers a very original interpretation of the identity of the Sigiriya damsels, which maintains that the damsels are symbolic representations of rain-clouds and lightning. According to this interpretation, the dark- skinned maidens (Meghalatha)  are symbols of rain clouds and fair golden skin once Vajji Kumari symbolized lightning. Apart  from  these  paintings,   Caves   in the Boulder Garden also appear to have contained   paintings.      The  Deraniyagala Cave, Cobra-hood Cave and Asana Cave show clear traces of paintings. In addition to this, it has been recently discovered that there had been paintings on the outer surface of the Mirror Wall. Though these paintings are all faded, one female figure, apparently floating among clouds, can be discerned.  The Terracotta figurines, closely resembling tire figures in the. paintings have been discovered at Sigiriya during archeological excavation. According to Prof. Senaka Bandaranayake, who headed the major archeological projects in Sigiriya, these may be replicas of Sigiriya Damsals sold to visitors as souvenirs in the past.

How Sigiriya related to Ramayana Yatra Sri Lanka ?

Cobra hood cave & ramayana yatra sri lanka .

Cobra hood cave also known as the “Parumaka Naguliya Lena”, is a natural geological formation projected as a cobra hood located within the boulder garden of Sigiriya Rock Fortress complex with plastered interior of the cave once embellished with floral and animal paintings. This is also part of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress complex (UNESCO World Heritage) 

According to the Palm Leaf Book (Puskola Potha) of Ravana Watha (Ravana Story) the architect of the Sigiriya was a Danava called Maya Danava. He built up Sigiriya on the instructions given by King Visthavasa (Vishravasamuni) the father of Ravana. During that period the Sigiriya was called Alakamandava and during the period of King Kuwera it was called Cithranakuta. After the death of Ravana, Vibeeshana became the king and he shifted the kingdom to Kelaniya.

The man-made drip ledge and Brahmi inscription of the 3rd century B.C. associated with this cave indicate that the cave has served as a Buddhist monastery / dwelling for monks. The paintings on the rock ceiling has floral and stylized animal motifs with a geometric composition. The brick paved floor of the cave has been finished with lime plaster. The boulder connected with the cave has been sliced from the mother boulder and resembles the hood of a cobra. A fallen off piece of the boulder is still to be seen in front of the cave. 

Therefore hhistorians believe Sigiriya to have a connection with Ramayana. It is believed that the plateau top was the site of Ravana’s majestic palace, made of solid gold and crafted by Kubera, the God of Wealth, around 50 centuries ago. One look at the site, and you would know how big an architectural feat this place must have been. As believed, one of these caves is where King Ravana imprisoned Princess Sita, after abducting her. 

Skeletal discovered at Cobra Hood Cave Sigiriya The archaeological excavations conducted at the cave / rock shelter has led to the discovery of nine human skeletons. Excavations at the Sigiriya Cobra Hood Cave excavated what appears to be a Middle Historic Period burial site. The excavations yielded skeletal remains of nine individuals. This study suggests that at the time of death these individuals were young healthy adult males of 152 cm or more in height. Burial practice has been in an extended position in a west-east orientation with hands clasped in front and the face turned towards the south. No burial offerings or other ritual objects were found.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress FAQ 

What is sigiriya famous for.

Sigiriya is a best-preserved ancient rock fortress and one of the archeological treasure in South Asia. It’s a masterpiece of ancient urban planning / landscape & architecture / construction technology /exceptional hydraulic engineering & management / ancient fine art with unique harmony between nature and human imagination. Thus UNESCO declared this site as a World Heritage 

Who Built the Sigiriya rock?

A Sri Lankan King Kashyapa built the famous Sigiriya lion rock 

How many steps are in Lion Rock Sigiriya to climb? Approximately 1,200 steps are to be climbed to the summit. 

What is the height of the lion rock sigiriya? Its 660 Feet from surrounding plain 

Is it hard or danger to climb lion rock Sigiriya ? Its is not danger to climb but make sure you are healthy enough to climb 1,200. 

Can senior citizen climb Sigiriya lion rock fortress? Yes people do and you may take time and climb. There are places for you to take rest and climb.  We suggest you to keep senior citizen in nearby restaurant and climb. Also you may let them to visit the Sigiriya museum close to the main gate. 

Can I climb lion rock with my infant or kid ? Not recommended but people do climb with kids like 8 Y and above. 

Opening time of Sigiriya lion rock for visitors ? 7.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entrance fees for lion rock Sigiriya  30 USD per person / Foreign  15 USD per person only for SAARC Countries nationals (Need to submit the passport to get this discount) 

What is the best time to climb Sigiriya lion rock? Ideally in the morning 8 – 10 Am or 3 – 5 PM to avoid hot sun 

What is the temperature of Sigiriya lion rock ? Approximately 27 – 30 C 

Can I buy Sigiriya lion rock entrance fees ticket online ? Not yet as of now but this will be online soon

What is the dress code for Sigiriya Lion rock? Sigiriya is not a temple or any religious place and you can wear your own dress. 

CCF – Central Cultural Fund Sri Lanka 

SLTDA – Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority 

SLITHM – Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management 

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King Kashyapa reigned with an iron fist during the 5 th Century AD, and it certainly shows in the artistic creations that adorn the walls of Sigiriya. It is believed that the king wanted Sigiriya to emulate the fabled Alakamanda, the city of gods, a feat the ancient craftsmen possibly achieved, based on the remains we can see today.

The Sigiri Frescoes

The walls of Sigiriya are believed to have originally been plastered and painted white to convey the idea of purity, similar to the manner in which the city of gods was depicted in the ancient world. But Kashyapa was more intent on creating a magnificent spectacle that would stand out and capture the attention of anyone who visited the citadel.

The king possessed a harem of more than 500 concubines, who were admired for their sensuous and exotic beauty. Therefore, it is widely believed that they were the inspiration for the golden skinned, bare breasted women that make up the ‘Sigiri Frescoes’. The intricate and lavish gem studded jewellery that adorns the women in these paintings also suggest that they may have been members of the royal family, namely Kashyapa’s daughters. There is also a belief that the paintings depict apsaras, or goddesses, that are emerging from the heavens to bless the citadel. This is corroborated by similar depictions in the Ajanta Caves of the Gupta period in Maharashtra, India. Some historians even believe that the drawings are really depictions of celestial nymphs who are believed to have been protectors of the Rock Fortress. What we see now is just part of what was supposed to be one of the oldest and most intricate picture galleries in the ancient world.

Pidurangala Rock

The Mirror Wall

The ‘Mirror Wall’, was once so highly polished, that when the king walked along the drip ledge, he could see his own reflection in it. Subsequently, the wall functioned as a stone tablet, recording the thoughts and experiences of those who came to visit the fabled rock. Prof. Senarat Paranavitana’s work in deciphering these inscriptions is foremost. The poetry and prose carved into the ‘Mirror Wall’ describe the culture, lifestyle and environs of Sigiriya. Referred to as ‘Kurutu Gee’, these words have fascinated both history and literature enthusiasts throughout the generations. Over 1000 unique words stemming from the main languages of the country – Sinhala and Tamil, have been identified from these writings. However, there are also prose written in the ancient language of Sanskrit, showing that visitors from the main continent ventured to see this sentinel. More than 850 individuals’ names have been inscribed on the wall, of which 12 of them were women.

The importance of the Sigiri ‘Kurutu Gee’ in Sri Lankan culture cannot be stressed enough as these act as primary sources to understand just how life was back in the day, and how this rock functioned after the death of King Kashyapa. An intriguing passage of prose that depicts the beauty of the Sigiri Frescoes reads:

Wet with cool dew drops fragrant with perfume from the flowers came the gentle breeze jasmine and water lily dance in the spring sunshine side-long glances of the golden hued ladies stab into my thoughts heaven itself cannot take my mind as it has been captivated by one lass among the five hundred I have seen here.

Another reads:

Like a Luffa flower entangled in a blue Clitoria flower, the golden-complexioned one who stood with the lily-coloured one will be remembered at eventide

A poem that embodies the joy of the traveller venturing through the rock fortress reads: May you remain for a thousand years, like the figure of the hare the King of the gods painted on the orb of the moon, though that to my mind be like a single day The ingenious planning and building of the ‘Mirror Wall’, allowed visitors to access the Boulder Gardens or climb up to the Lion’s Paws from it.

The Lion Staircase

The Lion’s Paws are all that is left of the magnificent Lion Staircase which was the only entrance to the palace at the summit. Chiselled out of the natural rock itself, it is believed to have depicted a crouching sphinx-like lion that guarded the entrance, intimidating visitors who dared venture forth. The fingernails on the lion’s paws, which are as tall as a man, provide a clear indication of the size of the gargantuan feature that gave Sigiriya (Lion Rock) its name. From this point of the citadel, it is possible to see the splendid views Kashyapa would have enjoyed during his reign. A royal view, now to be enjoyed by all who brave the summit.

The Magnificent Palace in the Sky

The Ancient Rock Monastery

Political Turmoil & Palace Coup

Sigiriya Rock: The Ancient Fortress

The magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most iconic landmark. Once the palace of a Sri Lankan king, this rock fortress is a masterpiece of engineering, urban planning, irrigation, and landscaping. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was even named the 8th wonder of the world at one point. This travel guide will take you through Sigiriya's history, culture, and engineering, providing you with detailed information to make the most of your visit.

History of Sigiriya

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient fortress in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. The fortress was built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa, who chose this location as his new capital and fortified palace. The fortress is a massive rock formation that rises over 200 meters.

The history of Sigiriya is rich and fascinating. According to historical records, King Kashyapa built the fortress as a refuge from his brother, Prince Mugalan. Kashyapa killed his father to take the throne for himself, and his brother sought vengeance.

Despite the heavy fortifications, Prince Mugalan managed to invade the fortress, which resulted in King Kashyapa's suicide. Albeit the brutality it has seen, this magnificent structure endured the test of time. It is now known as an icon where culture, history, engineering, and art unite to showcase the wonders of civilization.

The hike to the top of Sigiriya is a must-do for anyone if he or she is capable. The hike is moderate to difficult, taking about 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level. The path to the top is well-maintained and has steps, handrails, and platforms to help you along the way. The climb is steep in some places and can be challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

As you make your way up Sigiriya, you'll come across many intriguing sights that speak to the site's historical and cultural significance. One such feature is the ancient frescoes gallery, where you'll need to traverse a narrow, spiral staircase to access the vivid paintings. You'll also pass through the Lion's Gate, once guarded by a massive lion sculpture that lent the fortress its name. Today, only the lion's paws remain, but they provide a striking reminder of the grandeur and power that Sigiriya once represented.

The climb is a perfect opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the surroundings and the impressive engineering of the fortress.

Exploring the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Once you reach the top of the rock, you will arrive heart of the fortress. The fortress is a complex of buildings, gardens, and pools that were once the palace of King Kashyapa. Sigiriya's palace complex is a marvel to behold, as it was ingeniously designed to maximize the limited space available atop the rock. The palace features many well-preserved buildings, including the Audience Hall, the Lion Staircase, and the Mirror Wall. The palace is an architectural masterpiece and gives visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the ancient Sinhalese royalty.

The Water Gardens

The water gardens at Sigiriya are a true testament to ancient engineering and design. The intricate system of pools, fountains, and streams is absolutely stunning. However, the true marvel of these gardens lies in the engineering that makes them function. The fountains, for example, are pressure-operated, functioning without the need for modern pumps. Pipes carved through the rock bring up the water to the top. How this was actually achieved is a mystery to this day.

The Sigiriya Frescoes

One of the most fascinating features of Sigiriya is the frescoes that adorn the rock face. The frescoes are located on the western face of the rock, and they are best viewed in the morning or evening light. The frescoes are a series of paintings of women thought to be the king's wives or divine beings. The paintings showcase an advanced understanding of human anatomy and movement, with each figure gracefully poised and adorned with intricate jewelry and colorful garments. The skillful use of shading, color, and perspective in the frescoes is truly awe-inspiring and will leave you with a lasting impression of the artistic heritage of ancient Sri Lanka. They are considered some of the finest examples of ancient art in Sri Lanka.

The Mirror Wall

Sigiriya's mirror walls are another feature of the fortress. They were supposedly so well polished in ancient times that one could see his reflection. Ancient visitors wrote inscriptions and poems on these walls. The inscriptions found on the wall range from poetic verses to declarations of love, offering a unique perspective on the thoughts and emotions of those who visited Sigiriya centuries ago. As you walk along the mirror wall, take a moment to appreciate the connection between the past and the present, and imagine the countless individuals who have stood in the same spot, marveling at the splendor of Sigiriya. This graffiti provides a glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of visitors from ages ago, offering a unique perspective on the history and significance of the fortress and the Sinhala language.

There is an entrance fee to visit Sigiriya, and tickets can be purchased at the site or in advance through a travel agency.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Sigiriya area. The area around Sigiriya is especially known to have several luxury hotels and resorts. But accommodations for any kind of budget, such as hostels, Airbnbs, and homestays, are available. Booking your accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during the peak tourist season.

Transportation

Sigiriya is well-connected to other parts of Sri Lanka by road. You can reach the site by your own vehicle, taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus.

Guided tours

To get the most out of your visit to Sigiriya, we advise that you hire a knowledgeable local guide. A guide can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and engineering of the site and ensure that you don't miss any important features.

Photography

While photography is allowed in most areas of Sigiriya, certain sections may have restrictions, especially where frescoes and other delicate artworks are present. Be respectful of the site and follow any posted guidelines or instructions from your guide.

Supporting the local community

Consider supporting the local community by purchasing souvenirs, handicrafts, or food from nearby vendors. This not only provides an authentic experience but also contributes to the local economy and helps preserve the heritage of the region.

Tips and Advice

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the climb to the top, can be strenuous.
• Start your climb early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
• Carry plenty of water with you.
• Respect the cultural and historical significance of the site by not littering or causing damage to the fortress or its surroundings.
• If you are not fit for this climb, an alternative route is available to reach the top. Or you can simply admire the view of the fortress from the bottom.
• Make sure to take your camera to capture the stunning views and beautiful frescoes.
• The climb is filled with many smaller sites offering a wealth of cultural and historical knowledge. So make sure to hire a guide to get an in-depth understanding.
• The nearby Pidurangala Rock is a famous viewpoint and offers one of the best views of Sigiriya, so consider hiking there as well.

Nearby Attractions

• Pidurangala Rock: Just a few kilometers away from Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a more serene hike. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding jungle. Pidurangala Rock also has its own historical significance, as it once served as a monastery for Buddhist monks.
• Dambulla: Dambulla is a fascinating city situated in close proximity to Sigiriya, rich with historical, cultural, and religious significance. This enchanting destination is home to the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning rock cave murals and intricate architecture. There are also several other wonderful attractions, such as the Rose Quartz Mountain, the Kandalama reservoir, and the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. Find out more about the top things to do in Dambulla.
• Minneriya National Park: Approximately 34 km from Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park is an excellent place to experience Sri Lanka's wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and many species of birds. Minneriya is best known for "The Gathering," an annual event where hundreds of elephants congregate around the park's central reservoir during the dry season. This is the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.
• Anuradhapura: About 73 km from Sigiriya, Anuradhapura is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that displays the rich history and culture of ancient Sri Lanka. The city was the first capital of Sri Lanka and flourished for over a thousand years. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and stupas that provide a fascinating insight into the past.
• Polonnaruwa: Located about 60 km from Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the ruins of an ancient city. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of the island and served as the royal capital from the 11th to the 13th century. The site is home to well-preserved palaces, temples, and other structures that showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.

Sigiriya is one of the world's most iconic landmarks and, without a doubt, Sri Lanka's number one travel destination. It is revered by Sri Lankans and hailed as a national treasure. If you visit Sri Lanka, this is one place you definitely should explore. Explore the ancient architecture, history, and culture while taking some incredible photos. It will be a journey to remember!

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress

109 comments:

King Khashyapa's brother is King Mugalan. Not Mihidu. Please correct this.

In this essay have many spelling problems

Verry important information

Thanks for this thees are very important informations.

Sigiria is an ancient city in Sri Lanka

Every one have mistake don't say like that ok

It is very nice , Thank you

Yes Mugalan (moggallana).

Very important details

Yah it is Mugalan not Moggalana

Nope.these two names are correct (Mugalan/Moggallana)

King Khashyapa's brother is Mugalan.

Very important details 👈

Nice post and pics about sigiriya. Sigiriya is truly awesome place see this post to know more about Sigiriya.

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Kasyapa's brother is Mugalan .not mihidu .But information is very useful

Don' you know? King kashyapa's brother is MUGALAN Please correct this

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Don't you know king Kashyapa's brother king Mugallan?

Shut up dear don't ask like that

You shut up asshole

Aww! This is damn helpful to understand the history and their knowledge!

Very interesting

மிகவும் நன்று🙌🙌 என்றும் இவ்வாறு

It's very useful❤️ thank you... but you have to correct king kahsyapa's brother is mugalan not mihindu😒

Thank you. It's very useful for my son's studies.

වැරදි අදහස්

Nice.but there ara small mistakes.

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Thanks for help me...��

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Very helpful

Nice..but there are small mistake...

It is nice...but you have to correct quickly king kashapa's brother is mugalan not mihidhu..don't chainge our(sihala nation) chronicle ....thank you..

this is very useful for my studies,thanks

This is very useful for everyone and thanks a lot for this description

King kashysppa's brother is mugalan. And this is very helpful for my essay. Thank you. The picture are clear. Last trip o went to sigiriya as a trip without a guide and a notebook. So, I couldn't get all the information in my mind. But this information made me to get a lot of information. And for the last. I say, thank you

Spelling mistakes are most in this essay.

What are they????

It is very helpful

Mugalan is king kashyapa's brother..not mihidu

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