Sri Lankan Tourism -»
Travel Guide
Sigiriya City
The history of Sigiriya dates back to over 5000 thousand years, to the Mesolithic
period. One of SriLanka’s major attractions and a World Heritage Site,
Sigiriya(Lion Rock) came into prominence in the 5th centaury AD, when the
patricidal King Kasyapa, afraid of reprisals led by his half - brother,
Mogolan, chose to move the seat of power from Anuradhapura to this 500m
rock. It was Kasyapa and his master-builders who were responsible for the
complex plan which made Sigiriya the glorious capital it was, for 17 years
(477 – 495 AD). The frescoes of the ‘ heavenly maidens ‘
halfway up the rock in a sheltered gallery, are the only painted renderings
of a secular subject in this country.The ‘ mirror wall ‘, which
records the poetic outpourings of early visitors to the rock and the colossal
plan of the royal palace, water gardens and fortifications, is entirely
fascinating.
Distance from Colombo 169km
This rock fortress was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered
pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit
of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare, was the site of the old
palace – the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the
precipice. The UNESCO-sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya’s
5th century Water Gardens to its former glory.
Located in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, Sigriya-a city, palace
and garden complex centering a 200 metre high rock-is unofficially known
as the 8th wonder of the world. Literally, the word Sigriya means the Lion
Rock. Sigriya is Sri Lanka's most recognizable landmark and has been declared
as a World Heritage Site.
Built in the 5 century AD, this magnificent complex of geometrically laid
gardens, pools, fountains as well as oldest surviving murals of maidens
was palace of the King Kasyapa. The Complex consists of the central rock,
rising 200 meters above the surrounding plain, and the two rectangular precincts
on the east (90 hectares) and the west (40 hectares), surrounded by two
moats and three ramparts.
The 650 ft monolith was once a rock fortress and a royal citadel from 477
to 495 AD. The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the
Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit. All that remains
now are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround
the ancient limestone steps and the cuts and groves on the rock face give
an idea of the size and shape of the lion figure. There are also remains
of paintings in some of the caves at the foot of the rock. Of special significance
is the painting on the roof of the Cobra Hood Cave. The cave with its unique
shape dates back to the pre-Christian era.
The pleasure gardens on the western side of the rock are studded with ponds,
fountains and promenades showing a glorious past. The miniature water garden
just inside the inner wall of the western precinct consists of water pavilions,
pools, cisterns, courtyards, conduits and watercourses. The largest water
garden has a central island surrounded by water and linked to the main precinct
by cardinally oriented causeways. The fountain garden is a narrow precinct
on two levels. Western half has two long and deep pools, with shallow serpentine
streams draining into the pools. These fountains are still active during
the rainy season from November to January.
Climbing up the rock you will see the Mirror Wall, a highly polished
rock surface that has weathered the times to shine and reflect even today.
In a sheltered pocket are the famous frescoes of beautiful maidens, which
appear to rise out of the clouds. A climb to the top is rewarded by a
panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Sigiriya City, Sri Lanka Travel Guide - Reservation Form
