Sri Lanka's most visited historical site, the Sigiriya Rock, has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1982. The palace and fortress complex is recognized as one of the best examples of ancient urban planning.
The Sigiriya rock plateau is a powerful formation formed from the magma of an extinct and collapsed volcano. It rises 170 meters above the surrounding flat plain. The area around the rock was probably inhabited in prehistoric times.
There is clear evidence that many of the caves and shelters in the area were inhabited by Buddhist monks and ascetics as early as the 3rd century BC.
In the 5th century, mountain monasteries began to be built on the top of the Lion Rock, dotted with many caves and passages, which were a reliable refuge for their inhabitants.
The construction of the palace and fortress complex located on the top of the mountain took place during the reign of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). According to historical chronicles, he immured his father, King Dhatusen, alive in the wall, seizing the throne, which by right should have passed to the king's other heir, Mogallan. To avoid the threat of death at the hands of his brother, Mogallan fled to India, where he began to gather an army against his treacherous relative.
Fearing Mogallan's attack, King Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from Anuradhapura to the safer Sigiriya. During his reign it was developed into a complex city that became an impregnable fortress. At the top of the rock, defensive structures and a palace were built, decorated with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau at the entrance to the fortress, located halfway to the top, the king created a monumental gate in the form of a giant lion carved into the rock, hence the name “Lion Rock”. Around Sigiriya, on an area of about 140 hectares, endless gardens with ponds, canals, alleys and fountains were created.
After some time, King Kashyapa, confident in his power, sent word to Mogallan that he wanted to fight him. Soon he responded to the offer and, accompanied by his army, returned to Sri Lanka in order to return the throne that rightfully belonged to him, taken away by his cruel brother.
It is unknown how everything would have ended if not for the intervention of the war elephant Kashyapa, who at the most decisive moment of the battle went to the lake to drink water. The army, seeing that their ruler was leaving the battlefield, decided to follow his example and fled. Left alone with the enemy army, the king, out of powerlessness and despair, plunged a sword into his chest.
Mogallan returned the capital to Anuradhapura, and gave Sigiriya to the disposal of Buddhist monks. The monastery existed there until the 14th century, after which it was abandoned. No information about the fate of Sigiriya was discovered until the 17th century, when it became an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.
Europeans discovered Sigiriya in 1831, when British Army Major Jonathan Forbes, returning from a trip with a party of 78 Scots, stumbled upon the place. After some time, Sigiriya became of interest to archaeologists. Small archaeological work took place in the Sigiriya complex back in the 1890s, and the Sri Lankan government began large-scale exploration of the area in 1982.
The ancient complex, built by King Kashyapa, has survived in the vastness of Sigiriya to this day. It includes the remains of a fortress and palace, water and stone gardens, walls and moats, which are still beautiful and graceful. On the flat top of the rock are the ruins of the upper palace, the middle terrace houses the Lion Gate and the Mirror Wall, and on the slopes of Sigiriya is the lower palace. According to descriptions from travelers, the front part of Kashyapa's palace, built of marble, was previously strewn with precious stones.
King's throne:
The western part of the rock is a unique sight - it is almost completely covered with amazing frescoes. In 1907, British scholar John Still, who examined an area painted with nude women, called it the largest “picture gallery in the world.” The height of this area is 40 m and the length is 140 m. In total, the king’s architects created 500 beautiful frescoes, but, unfortunately, only 18 have survived to this day. Many images were destroyed by the monks when a Buddhist monastery was located here, so that they would not interfere concentrate during meditation.
Another famous Sigiriya treasure is the Mirror Wall. In former times, it was polished so thoroughly that when walking near it, the king could see his reflection. The wall, made of porcelain, is covered with reflections and poems from visitors who have been here. The oldest inscriptions date back to the 8th century. Today it is prohibited to paint walls.
The Sigiriya Gardens are one of the main attractions of the complex. They extend west from the cliff and represent a symmetrically planned park, equipped with a complex hydraulic system, which consists of canals, locks, lakes, dams, bridges, fountains, as well as above-ground and underground water structures.
The gardens are divided into three separate areas: rock gardens, water gardens and terrace gardens. King Kashyapa's water gardens are located in the western part of the park. During the rainy season, all the canals connecting the rectangular reservoirs are filled with water, which begins to circulate throughout the territory. The fountains of Sigiriya, built in the 5th century, are perhaps the oldest in the world. The pool area is surrounded by a picturesque garden with a rich variety of trees.
All paths in the royal park are oriented according to parts of the world; on their right and left sides there are swimming pools. When approaching the foot of the cliff, on the terraces you can see a large number of huge boulders of the most intricate shapes and sizes - these are the stone gardens of Sigiriya. Many of the boulders have steps carved into them that you can climb.
The Lion Gate, which is a huge lion whose mouth served as the entrance to the fortress, was practically destroyed. Only the paws of the animal survived; looking at their size, one can only imagine how large and majestic the figure of the animal, which today is a symbol of Sri Lanka, was.
- a huge rock plateau rising in the middle of the plain, and one of the most famous attractions of Sri Lanka, which is located near the city of Dambula and is famous for its unique frescoes and the ancient palace of King Kassapa. When we were planning a trip to Sri Lanka, we especially wanted to see Sigiriya, such a unique and popular place where thousands of tourists from all over the world come every day. Sigiriya got its name because of the huge stone lion located below. A stone staircase leads from the entrance to the palace, located on top of the lion rock. This isolated rock is a UNESCO protected site and is shrouded in legend.
Previously, we had heard a lot about this mysterious place, and now we also had to storm the seemingly impregnable Mount Sigiriya, unraveling its secrets along the way. We were pleasantly surprised by the grandeur of Lion Rock and the beautiful views from it. In the article I will tell you all the details of visiting Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, share practical information about how to get there easier and which hotel is better to stay in, show photos of ancient frescoes of royal concubines and share the secret of a free visit to the Lion Rock. So, let's begin the assault on the ancient fortress of Sigiriya together.
Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
First, I’ll tell you what Sigiriya is like in Sri Lanka and why it’s so interesting.
is a huge rock standing alone in the middle of the plain on the island of Sri Lanka, the likes of which are unique in the whole world. Unlike, Sigiriya is not a mountain of volcanic origin. She attracts everyone's attention from afar with her unusualness. Driving by, you won’t even guess that you weren’t the only one who paid attention to it.
Previously (from the 3rd century) Buddhist monks lived on its top, and then in the 5th century the parricide king Kasapa fled here. By building a fortress on Sigiriya, he protected himself from everyone who wanted to take revenge on him and lived at an altitude of 183 meters for 18 years, never going down.
Isn't it true that this story is somewhat similar to the two-year imprisonment of the Jews on the same flat natural hill called? Kasapa also committed suicide, like the Jewish rebels. This is where the similarities end, because the regicide himself was to blame for his imprisonment, and the Jews resisted the Roman invaders.
Basic information:
| Name | Sigiriya (or "Lion Rock" in Sinhala). The official name is the Ancient City of Sigiriya. |
| Where is | In central Sri Lanka, 170 km northeast of Colombo |
| GPS coordinates | 7° 57′ 25″ N, 80° 45′ 35″ E 7.956944, 80.759722 |
| What is | A rocky plateau with a fortress built on its top - the palace of King Kassapa, rising 170 meters above the plain in the center of the island of Sri Lanka. Has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 |
| When was the Sigiriya fortress created? | Last quarter of the 5th century AD |
| What is she famous for? | Frescoes depicting half-naked concubines on a wall measuring 140 meters long and 40 meters high in a hall of mirrors on a rock ledge |
| Number of surviving frescoes | 18 |
| Interesting fact | There was also a cave monastery on the rock before and after the reign of King Kassapa |
| How to get there | By bus or tuk-tuk (taxi) from the nearest city of Dambulla, located 25 km from Sigiriya |
Sigiriya is often called the Lion Rock because of the sculpture of a giant lion that stood in ancient times at the stairs to the mountain. Now it has already been destroyed, and only giant paws remain, making an indelible impression on all visitors. At this place everyone is sure to take a photo as a souvenir. We, too, were delighted with the curious idea of the Sinhalese architects. It also seems to me that the rock itself is shaped like the body of a lion.
Over time, Sigiriya was abandoned and the magnificent palaces and water gardens now lie in ruins. However, time has been kind to the magnificent frescoes depicting heavenly maidens (they are also called the king’s concubines). These stone paintings are so impressive that thousands of tourists climb Lion Rock every day to have a look at the ancient Sinhalese art. Everyone especially likes half-naked young ladies.
Sigiriya on the map of Sri Lanka
Photo at the top of Sigiriya
Lion Rock is not at a highway crossroads, but due to its popularity, getting to Sigiriya is still very easy. Buses from Polonnaruwa and Dambulla pass near it (this is the closest city to Sigiriya, only 15 km between them). And next to the rock there are many guesthouses and hotels.
There are several ways to get to Sigiriya. I’ll tell you about each of them separately:
- By bus: There are different buses from Dambulla to Sigiriya several times a day, the journey time is 30-40 minutes and the fare is 40 rupees. Passing buses from Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala all stop in Dambulla, and from there you can easily travel to Sigiriya. The best way to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya is by tour bus. Although it will cost much more than getting there yourself.
- By train: Sigiriya does not have its own railway station. The closest ones are on the Trincomalee branch - Kekirawa and Habarana, which can be reached from Colombo by train. From there you need to change to a bus going to Dambulla, and then change again to a local bus from Dambulla to Sigiriya. It turns out that this is not a convenient way at all.
- By car: If you rented a car or are traveling with a guide-driver, then you don’t need to worry about anything. You will find yourself right at the gate to Sigiriya. This is the most convenient way to get to Sigiriya. Typically, a trip to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka costs $150-200, although guidebooks indicate much higher amounts.
- By tuk-tuk: You can get there from Dambulla for 700-900 rupees.
- On a motorbike: This method is suitable for those who know how to ride a motorcycle. In Sri Lanka it is quite easy to rent a motorbike; there is a large selection in the capital and in other cities. It’s convenient to drive on your own, but you’ll have to pay for gas and constantly make sure it’s not stolen.
This time we traveled in comfort, we were driven by a driver-guide, and therefore we happily avoided traveling on public transport in Sri Lanka at this stage of our trip around the island of Ceylon. However, the choice of driver must be approached very carefully. Personal contact is very important.
Review of good hotels in Sigiriya
There are several good hotels and lodges near Sigiriya, although most prefer to stay where the hotels are cheaper. Eco-tourism is very popular in Sri Lanka, so it is better to choose a quiet place away from the city and live for a few days among nature.
For example, one of these hotels called Heritance Kandalama, is located on the side of a cliff on the border of the forest and Lake Kandalama. It is literally made from everything natural. Here you can relax in harmony with the environment, and the walk from your room to the reception is reminiscent of a path through the jungle. Living in such a hotel means acquiring a simply unique experience. If you want to choose the best hotel near Sigiriya, then I recommend booking Heritance Kandalama follow this link >>
Hotel Heritance Kandalama
Another unique hotel in Sigiriya is Aliya Resort and Spa. This luxurious 5* hotel is located near the Lion Rock (it can be seen directly from the pool). Guests can enjoy 4 restaurants, a bar, a fitness center and a spa. There are separate outdoor tents made from eco-friendly materials surrounded by tropical greenery. All rooms are stylishly decorated and the staff are highly rated. This hotel is in high demand, I recommend booking in advance
- Hotel Sigiriya- grade 8.4 (4*, the best view of the Sigiriya rock, restaurant, swimming pool, spa)
- Sigiriya Village- grade 8.1 (4* hotel, cottages in nature, great view, wooden furniture)
- Royal Retreat, Sigiriya- grade 8.0 (4*, green area, playground, swimming pool, restaurant)
- Flower Garden Eco Village- grade 8.4 (3*, excellent hotel in nature, restaurant, bar, swimming pool)
- Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay- grade 9.5 (inexpensive hotel near the cliff, delicious breakfast and dinner)
Read also:
Climbing Sigiriya to Kasapa Palace
Due to the fact that Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is one of the main attractions of the country, almost all tourists are brought here on excursions. The cost of visiting this UNESCO Cultural Heritage site is quite high. This is especially true for budget travelers.
Sigiriya attractions map
What you need to know about Sigiriya:
Advice: It is best to conquer Sigiriya in the morning, when it is not so hot and there are fewer people. After 11 am there will be pandemonium here.
At the entrance, Sigiriya greets visitors with water gardens and a very long road that leads to the base of the mountain. Along the way, you can admire views of the Lion Rock itself and the ruins of ancient gardens. The small hall is located on the territory of the Terrace Park, to the right of the main path.
This is how Lion Mountain appears to tourists 
To see the water gardens in all their splendor, it is better to visit Sigiriya during the rainy season 
The area around the mountain is very beautiful 
The terraced park is famous for its huge megaliths, through which steps are built
The ascent begins at the lion's paws. The steps are nice at first and then turn into iron spiral staircases where you have to be careful.
On the way up, we stopped a lot to take photos and admire the gorgeous views: of the gardens remaining inside, of the white Buddha statue and of the surrounding area in general. It is curious that the surface of the rock actually resembles a lion's mane or molten sweetness that has spread due to the heat. It would be interesting to know the geological origin of Sigiriya.
On the stairs 
Rock of amazing color 
The most interesting attraction in Sigiriya, in my opinion 
Beautiful view from the top 
Here comes the most difficult part of the climb to Sigiriya. If you don't want to climb those stairs, stop at Lion's Paws
Finally the 200m climb was over and we were on the flat top of Lion Rock. Here we first found a shady place and caught our breath after the climb. Many expect to see luxurious royal mansions at the top, but they are not here. In truth, Kasapa's palace is completely destroyed. All that was left of it was a pool, some walls in the rock, a throne and, in general, that’s all. But the views, as from any hill in Sri Lanka, are simply unforgettable! If you are lucky with the weather, you can generally spend several hours at the top admiring the surroundings.
And here we are in the palace of the rebellious king Kasapa 
There are many stairs on the top of the cliff 
Swimming pool in the palace 
The king's throne is the most interesting thing in the palace! It is carved from a single piece of rock 
From the top of Sigiriya there is a beautiful view of the neighboring hill. In sunny weather you can see far away. And in the cloud it’s the only way 
And if clouds roll in, the view becomes very mystical
Heavenly maidens on the frescoes of Sigiriya
The celestial maidens are considered the main attraction of Sigiriya. The artist depicted more than 500 life-size women, but only a few portraits of them have survived. It is believed that these are guests from all countries who came on a royal visit to Sri Lanka. Now these beauties are protected by UNESCO.
All in precious stones the heavenly maidens shine 
Not all frescoes have survived to this day.
How to get to Sigiriya for free
And now I’ll share the secret of how to get to Sigiriya for free, that is, without a ticket. This question worries many budget travelers, who sometimes skip Lion Rock due to very expensive tickets. And a search on the Internet gives the same recommendation: if you are traveling on a budget, it is better to skip Sigiriya. Keep in mind that you can organize a free visit only at your own peril and risk. Now I’ll tell you how it really happened.
During our visit to Sri Lanka, we also traveled on a budget (although we traveled around the Cultural Triangle by car with a driver). We decided not to miss Sigiriya under any circumstances. Our driver took us to the main entrance. First we went for a walk around the mountain. From the western gate we followed the road forward to the north. Turning the corner, we found another entrance in the wall to the territory of Sigiriya. Together with the local boys, we climbed the high rampart without any problems and quite easily entered the territory of the cultural site. This way we managed to avoid ticket offices and the first checkpoint.
winding road
There is another checkpoint near the frescoes with celestial maidens. But there they check the tickets only of those who come from below, and not from above (everyone goes back along a different path). You can try to avoid this checkpoint, to do this, keep to the left at all times in Terrace Park, and go straight up to the area with the lion's paws.
But the third checkpoint is already very difficult to overcome without a ticket. There is no way around it and there are several guards on duty. You need to write down your ticket number in the journal, after which you can go to the spiral staircase. We wrote our names and, naively batting our eyes, said that our tickets were left with the driver who was waiting for us in the car. The guards were very unhappy and did not want to let us in for a long time, and we had no intention of returning. After some hesitation, we just took it and went. They didn't stop us and let us go upstairs. Thus, we showed persistence and, in general, blatantly lied. But I think we were just very lucky. After all, everything could have ended completely differently.
If you also want to take a risk, then that's up to you. We warn you that in addition to security guards, there are also police officers on duty there. According to other travelers, now all the “hares” at this checkpoint are forced to buy tickets.
Our review of Sigiriya
From the very beginning, we will frankly say that our review of Sigiriya will be non-standard. We must admit that this is truly a unique place. Although it can really be skipped if you are not a big fan of ancient art and frescoes. It is this attraction that brings here crowds of American and European tourists (lately a huge number of Chinese have been added to them) who want to see something unusual. Personally, it seemed to me that the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya can be compared to stone ones. They decorate ancient temples there, and it’s hard to imagine without them. But tell yourself honestly, would you go there just for the apsaras?
I liked three elements of the Kasapa Palace - the lion gate, the royal throne and the frescoes. And of course, the lion rock of Sigiriya itself, visible from afar. But now, already knowing what I would see there, I would not pay $35 for a ticket. And I am very glad that we managed to avoid payment.
However, for budget travelers, I can recommend the following. If you still want to see Sigiriya, but do not want to pay an entrance fee, then you can simply walk around Lion Rock without going up. You can even just walk around its territory, entering through the northern gate, as we did, and walk to the lion gate. And then go to the nearby rock monastery of Pidurangala. It was here that the monks went when the rebellious king Kasapa drove them out of Sigiriya.
Pidurangala is located on another rock, 1 km north of Sigiriya. Entrance there is free, and from the top of the rock there is a beautiful view of Lion Mountain and the surrounding area.
What to see near Sigiriya
It is best to continue your more detailed acquaintance with Buddhism and the history of Sri Lanka by visiting the following attractions.
When we talk about palaces, the imagination pictures some airy, almost weightless castles. But the palace, built in and which was taken under the protection of UNESCO, is the only one of its kind in the world - it is carved on a huge rock. Translated from the Sinhala language, the word Sigiriya means "Lion Rock". It is considered one of the main attractions of the country. Mount Sigiriya is a high plateau with a magnificent palace and fortress complex. It is surrounded by gardens, swimming pools, and many dilapidated ancient buildings. There is a long series of steps leading from the base to the top - to get to the top of the rock you need to climb 2,100 degrees!
Mount Sigiriya - video
A little history
The history of Sigiriya began with the fact that Kasapa, in order to seize the throne (on the advice of his power-hungry and treacherous wife), walled up his own father alive in a rock. And he built the huge Sigiriya Palace to protect himself from his brother’s revenge. But fate turned out to be such that Kasapa died in this impregnable palace: the enemies finally got to him and when the king saw a huge army at the foot of the mountain, he cut his throat.
The scale of the city that surrounds the rock is simply amazing - its area is approximately 130 hectares. The most amazing part of the city is undoubtedly the Sigiriya rock, on which the royal palace was once located. Only the irrigation canals today remind us of the complex structure of this city and its unusual architecture. The royal residence was located on the top of the rock, and it was from there that the ruler enjoyed a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Built in the 5th century, Kasapi Palace looked like a huge monumental building. Sigiriya Fortress: many rooms, throne rooms - only their foundations have survived to this day, but from their outline you can understand that there was something majestic here.
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka - photo
Sigiriya - attractions
On a small observation deck (immediately in front of the rock) the foundation has been preserved royal staircase. It was made in the shape of a lion's head - the mouth was open and the stairs led straight inside. Now all that remains of the lion are its paws. It was not by chance that Kasapa chose the lion as a symbol of his power - he believed that the sight of this animal inspired sacred fear in his enemies. The Lion's Staircase was the last bastion before the entrance to the castle. It is noteworthy that the king himself did not walk up the stairs - a special lift was installed for him on the steepest section.
Tourists often think Sigiriya a place of sinful carnal pleasures - the inhabitants of this palace spent their time in pleasures and carnal pleasures. It becomes clear why this place has such a reputation. The “Cave of Heavenly Virgins” leads to the top of the rock, where there are numerous frescoes. One version says that the frescoes depict Kasapa’s concubines, because the king had a very large harem. According to another, these are images of goddesses who allegedly descended from the sky to greet Kasapu. According to legend, 500 beautiful girls were depicted on the walls of this cave (which is 40 meters long). "Cave of the Heavenly Maidens" frescoes of Sigiriya is the largest art gallery in the world. However, only 15 images have reached us intact: when Kasapa died, monks came here to found a monastery on the mountain. Religious feelings rose up against the images of naked girls and the monks washed those frescoes that they could reach. But those frescoes that remain are enough to appreciate the depth of the skill of the ancient artists. Looking at the images of ancient beauties, you never cease to be amazed at how well the frescoes have been preserved over the past 1.5 thousand years. It should be noted that a feature of these images, intentionally emphasized by the artist, is that the women have a very narrow waist and a full bust.
Also of interest is an old wall made of sand, granite chips and tree bark, which was previously used for defense. This wall is very old, so you can’t go close to it. It is notable for the fact that the chronicle of the state is written on it. The numbers on the wall indicate the chapters (there are 60 in total), and in some places there are still inscriptions in ancient Sinhala that tell an amazing story.
At the foot of the cliff with the royal palace, there are amazing and lush Sigiriya gardens. There are several types of these gardens - terrace gardens, rock gardens and water gardens. From the cliff they stretch almost to the horizon.
How to get to Sigiriya
Get to Sigiriya The most convenient way is to take a bus from to the city of Dambulla, and then transfer to a sightseeing bus, which brings tourists directly to Sigiriya. Climbing to the top (overcoming all the steps) is not a test for the weak in spirit and body. But for those who decide to climb, a real miracle awaits at the top.
Sigiriya - attractions map
Sigiriya on the map, panorama
Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) is a single rock 170 m high and a fortress built on it in the Matale district, in the central part of the country.
A castle was built on the top of the mountain, the walls of which were painted with unique frescoes. Some of the latter have survived to this day. Halfway to the top there is a plateau where arrivals are greeted by a huge gate in the shape of a lion's paws. According to one version, the fortress was built at the request of King Kassap (Kasyapa), and after his death the palace was empty and stood abandoned. Until the 14th century, a Buddhist monastery functioned on the territory of Sigiriya. Today the attraction is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under its protection.
Sigiriya is a unique attraction
According to archaeological excavations, in the area adjacent to the mountain, people lived in the prehistoric period. Numerous grottoes and caves are proof of this.
In 477, Kasyapa, born a commoner to a king, forcibly took the throne from the rightful heir Datusena, enlisting the support of the commander-in-chief of the army. The heir to the throne, Mugalan, was forced to hide in India to save his own life. Having seized the throne, Kasyapa decided to move the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya, where it was calm and quiet. This measure was forced, since the self-proclaimed king was afraid that he would be overthrown by the one to whom the throne belonged by right of birth. After these events, Sigiriya became a real urban complex, with well-designed architecture, defensive structures, a fortress and gardens.
In 495, the illegitimate monarch was overthrown, and the capital returned to Anuradhapura. And on the top of the Sigiriya rock, Buddhist monks settled for many years. The monastery functioned until the 14th century. No information has been found about Sigiriya from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Legends and myths
According to one legend, Kassapa, wanting to take the throne, killed his own father by walling him alive in the wall of a dam. Kasyapa's brother Mugalan, born from the queen, left the country, but swore an oath of revenge. In South India, Mugalan gathered an army and, upon returning to Sri Lanka, declared war on his illegitimate brother. During the struggle, the army betrayed Kassapa, and he, realizing the hopelessness of his situation, committed suicide.
There is a version that the army did not intentionally abandon its leader. During the next battle, Kasyapa's elephant unexpectedly turned in the other direction. The soldiers took the maneuver as the king’s decision to flee and began to retreat. Kassapa, left alone, but being proud and unyielding, pulled out a sword and cut his throat.
Archaeological excavations and amazing finds
Sigiriya (Lion Rock) was discovered by Jonathan Forbes, a British soldier, in 1831. At that time, the top of the mountain was heavily overgrown with bushes, but immediately attracted the attention of archaeologists and historians.
The first excavations began 60 years later in 1890. Full-scale excavations were carried out as part of the Sri Lankan government's Cultural Triangle Project.
Sigiriya is an ancient citadel built in the 5th century. The historical and archaeological area consists of:
- palace on top of Lion Rock;
- terraces and gates, which are located approximately in the center of the mountain;
- a mirror wall decorated with frescoes;
- the lower palaces, which are hidden behind lush gardens;
- fortress moats performing a protective function.
Photo: Sigiriya rock, Sri Lanka Archaeologists note that the Sigiriya (Lion Rock) fortress in Sri Lanka is one of the most striking buildings in the world, which dates back to the 1st millennium and is relatively well preserved. The city plan surprises with incredible diversity and exceptional thoughtfulness for that time. In accordance with the plan, the city harmoniously combines symmetry and asymmetry; man-made buildings are skillfully woven into the surrounding landscape without disturbing it at all. In the western part of the mountain there is a royal park, which was created according to a strict symmetrical plan. To water the plants in the park area, a complex technical network of hydraulic structures and mechanisms has been created. In the southern part of the rock there is an artificial water reservoir; it was used very actively, since Mount Sigiriya is located in the arid part.
Frescoes
The western slope of Lion Rock is a unique phenomenon - it is almost completely covered with ancient frescoes. That is why the surface of the hill is called a giant art gallery.
In the past, the paintings covered the entire slope on the western side, which is a surface area of 5,600 square meters. According to one version, 500 girls were depicted on the frescoes. Their identity has not been established; different sources contain different assumptions. Some believe that the frescoes depict images of court ladies, others believe that these are girls who took part in religious rites. Unfortunately, most of the drawings have been lost.
Mirror wall and path to the frescoes
During the reign of Kasyapa, the wall was regularly polished so that the monarch, walking along it, could see his own reflection. The wall is made of brick and covered with white plaster. The modern version of the wall is partially covered with various poems and messages. There are also inscriptions on the wall of Lion Rock that date back to the 8th century. Now it is impossible to leave a message on the wall; the ban was introduced to protect the ancient inscriptions.
Sigiriya Gardens
This is one of the main features of Sigiriya, as the gardens are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the whole world. The garden complex consists of three parts.
Water gardens
They can be found in the western part of Lion Rock. There are three gardens here.
- The first garden is surrounded by water and connected to the territory of the palace and fortress complex through 4 dams. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was designed according to the oldest model and there are very, very few analogues that have survived to this day.
- The second garden is surrounded by pools into which streams flow. There are fountains in the shape of round bowls, they are filled by an underground hydraulic system. During the rainy season, the fountains work. On both sides of the garden there are islands where summer palace residences were built.
- The third garden is located above the first two. In its northeastern part there is a large octagonal pool. In the eastern part of the garden there is a fortress wall.
These are huge boulders with walking paths between them. Stone gardens can be found at the foot of Lion Mountain, along the slopes. The stones are so large that buildings have been built on most of them. They also performed a defensive function - when enemies attacked, they were pushed down onto the attackers.
Terraced gardens
These are terraces around a rock on natural elevations. They partly consist of brick walls. You can get from one garden to another via a limestone staircase, from which there is a road to the highest terrace of Sigiriya Castle in Sri Lanka.
How to get there
You can go to the attraction from any city on the island, but you will have to change trains in Dambulla. Bus routes No. 549/499 depart regularly from Dambulla to Sigiriya. Flights depart from 6-00 to 19-00. The journey takes only 40 minutes.
Possible routes to Sigiriya
Entrance fee:
- adult – 4500 rupees, approximately $30;
- for children – 2250 rupees, about $15.
For children under 6 years old admission is free.
Rock palace the complex is working from 7-00 to 18-00. The ticket office is open only until 17:00.
The visitor receives a ticket, which consists of three tear-off parts. Each part gives you the right to visit:
- main entrance;
- mirror wall;
- museum.
It is important! The exhibition in the museum is weak and not very interesting, so you don’t even have to waste time visiting it.
The best time for the excursion is from 7-00, when there is no sweltering heat. You can also explore the attraction after lunch - at 15-00, when the number of tourists decreases. Be sure to take water with you, since you will have to walk for at least 3 hours, and water is not sold on the territory of the complex.
The best weather conditions to visit Sigiriya are from December to April or mid-summer to September. At this time, it rarely rains in the central part of Sri Lanka; the weather is most favorable for visiting the castle. The most precipitation falls in April and November.
It is important! The most popular entertainment among tourists is to watch the sunrise in Sigiriya. To do this, choose a clear period so that the sky is not overcast.
Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) is an ancient complex on a rock, which is recognized as the most visited on the island. This is a unique historical architectural monument that can still be admired today.
An interesting video with useful information - watch it if you want to know more about Sigiriya.
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The most popular tourist site of the world center of Buddhism is located in the central part of the Asian island state. The ancient country of Sri Lanka, whose attractions are innumerable, is famous for this architectural monument, which arouses the greatest interest among travelers. The man-made masterpiece, protected by UNESCO, has been well preserved, and thousands of guests rush to see the mysterious place every day.
As local residents say, it is impossible to understand the soul of an exotic country without visiting this plateau, where the ruins of a palace and fortress complex shrouded in legends are located. It embodies the essence of Asian sophistication and exquisite luxury.
Sigiriya - rock and palace of the same name
In the middle of the plain in the Matale region rises the Sigiriya rock, whose name translates as “Lion Mountain”. Attracting attention from afar, it is located on the site of a powerful volcano that stopped erupting millions of years ago. The hot lava solidified and formed a rocky plateau, on which a Buddhist monastery was founded in prehistoric times.
There is a legend that in the 5th century Sri Lanka was ruled by Dhatusen, who was walled alive in a wall by one of his sons, who arbitrarily seized power as a result of a coup d'etat. His half-brother, thirsty for revenge, gathered troops to avenge his father, and the frightened traitor decided to build his residence at the very top of the mountain. In a short time, an impregnable fortress appeared, which was to become the new capital of the state.
More than two thousand steps led to the palace, protected by strong walls and located on a hill. Many centuries ago, each guest was greeted by sentries huddled in small niches carved out of the mountain. If someone fell asleep at his post, he would certainly fall down. There were blocks of stone on supports, and in the event of an unexpected attack they could easily be thrown onto the enemy.
Luxurious royal residence
Deep channels were dug along the edge of the plateau, which were subsequently filled with water and served as a barrier for enemies. At the very foot of the mountain there appeared beautiful gardens with luxurious fountains, which are still functioning today.
A giant figure of a lion was carved into the rock, symbolizing the power and strength of the new ruler, who fears revenge. To get to the top, you first had to climb the stone steps, which were located between the paws of the beast, and then enter its open mouth. Above the predator's head, the Sigiriya rock, which is 370 meters above sea level, was painted with images of the monarch. It was no coincidence that the new ruler chose the king of beasts as a symbol of his power: he believed that the sight of this animal inspired wild fear in all enemies. The monarch, hiding from persecution, did not climb the stairs himself, since a special lift was built for him.
Now all that remains of the last bastion in front of the entrance to the residence are the gigantic paws of a lion, three times the height of a man, conveying the grandeur of the large-scale structure, and instead of a magnificent palace, tourists will see a large terrace. For the convenience of visitors, the narrow stone staircase was destroyed and a wide steel staircase was built leading upstairs. Its design is so strong and reliable that it can withstand the weight of several hundred tourists at the same time.
Archaeological excavations
After the overthrow of the king, Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) again turns into a Buddhist monastery. In the 17th century, this area became the kingdom of Kandy, and after the end of the reign of the monarchs, the rock was abandoned again and hidden from prying eyes for many years in the deep jungle. The whole world learned about the destroyed city only at the end of the 19th century, when English archaeologists came here and found mysterious artifacts. The citadel was rediscovered, but scientists had no answers to many of the mysteries. Around the rock, researchers discovered traces of a highly developed civilization: shards of dishes, jewelry, vessels with coins.
Not a palace, but a meditation hall?
Some historians do not agree that this fortress was built by the ruler of Sri Lanka and call the citadel an ancient complex founded long before the birth of the monarch. They consider Sigiriya not the residence of a king, but a meditation hall surrounded by gardens and ponds, which created the appropriate setting for a Buddhist temple.
A fortress resembling a city
Rising above the plain, the mysterious Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) was an impregnable fortress, more reminiscent of an entire city. It was a huge complex with a complex layout: a royal palace at the top, buildings at the foot of the cliff and magnificent gardens.
The residence occupied an area of about 1.5 hectares and included both buildings at the very top and pools located at different levels and descending to the southern part of the rock. The majestic palace and gardens of Sigiriya, harmoniously integrated into the landscape of the fortress at different levels, aroused admiration.
Complex drainage system
There were about 95 swimming pools and ponds in the city. Pressurized water was distributed to the gardens through a pipeline created by ancient master engineers, and it was delivered to the mountain using special devices.
Tourists will still be able to see ancient containers for collecting life-giving moisture, which have survived to this day. Even in the rainiest season, they do not overflow with water, and this is excellent evidence that the irrigation system has not lost its functionality to this day. One can only admire the talent of the ancient builders, who created an entire drainage system that is still in operation today.
It is the irrigation canals that remind us of the complex structure of the royal residence, which looked like a monumental building, and its unique architecture. The ancient castle, built by the self-proclaimed king, did not survive, and only the foundations of the throne rooms and numerous rooms reached descendants, but even from their outlines one can understand how majestic the Sigiriya palace complex (Sri Lanka) looked.
Frescoes with images of beauties
The royal residence, striking in its splendor, is considered a place of carnal pleasures, and its inhabitants had a fun time, having fun and enjoying life. This version is supported by numerous frescoes depicting dancing, half-naked concubines of the ruler, decorated with jewelry. True, some researchers argue that these are not girls from a harem, but goddesses welcoming the new king and throwing flowers from heaven to earth.
The frescoes on the Sigiriya plateau were discovered in a cave that is forty meters high and more than 140 meters long. It is believed that this is one of the largest art galleries in the world. Of the 500 images, only about twenty have reached us in good condition. The thing is that after the death of the ruler, Buddhist monks appeared in the fortress and founded a monastery in the residence. When they saw the naked girls, they erased all the images they could get their hands on.
From the remaining frescoes one can appreciate the skill and talent of unknown artists, who emphasized the high breasts and slender figure of the beauties. Tourists are surprised at how well the cave paintings have been preserved for one and a half thousand years. Despite their venerable age, the paintings have not lost their bright colors thanks to the special composition.
Ancient landscape park
Of course, the fantastically beautiful gardens of the palace, considered the best in the world, deserve special mention. Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) is a unique corner, which is a little-known example of an ancient landscape park. The landscaped area was divided into three separate sections, and before the eyes of the residents appeared water and stone gardens, as well as terraced gardens stretching to the very horizon.
Water garden
The Sigiriya fortress, whose history goes back thousands of years, was famous for its unusual water garden, consisting of three separate parts. The first site was a huge island surrounded by water, connected to the royal residence by roads.
The second is a two-story "Garden of Fountains". On the lower tier there were marble pools, into which water flowed through dug streams from a hydraulic structure that works perfectly to this day in rainy weather. And on the top floor there was an observation deck for viewing beautiful fountains.
The third section was located above all. On a huge territory with labyrinthine corridors there was a deep pond and a terrace built at the very base of the structure, which consisted of stone blocks. Looking at the last part of the lush gardens, one created the impression of unity between the water and stone structures, architecturally connected. There was also a bathing pavilion here.
Recently, archaeologists discovered a miniature water garden, which differed from all others in its extremely complex system of structures and water channels.
Hall of Mirrors
The hall of mirrors located next to the monarch’s chambers amazes the imagination. The walls were covered with a thin layer of porcelain, and every day the servants carefully polished them. As the monarch walked through the spacious room, he saw his reflection. Visitors often left inscriptions on the walls praising the beauty of the girls, and such painting was soon banned.
Sigiriya (Sri Lanka): reviews
Of course, tourists are amazed at the skill of the ancient architects, who designed the unique citadel with mathematical precision. It is difficult to understand how the builders who erected the entire city raised the necessary materials to a height.
Interestingly, low clouds create a unique effect, as if visitors are wandering through the sky surrounded by a snow-white fog. This unusual phenomenon amazes even travelers who have seen a lot.
From above, the plateau looks majestic, and its rocky walls have a unique natural pattern, consisting of layers of marble of various colors. Early in the morning, visitors note the delightful play of the sun's rays, enlivening this mysterious corner.
Tourists also speak with delight about the museum located next to the main gate, which displays reproductions of colorful frescoes, translations of poems in a hall of mirrors and much more.
How to get to the rocky plateau?
How can tourists get to Sigiriya? Getting to the ancient city is not so easy. Those planning to travel by train should remember that there is no railway in Sigiriya. You will first have to drive to Colombo and change trains in Kandy, and the journey to the religious capital of the country will take no more than four hours. Next, you need to take a bus to Dambulla, an ancient city in the central province of the state. The distance from it to the rocky plateau is only twenty kilometers.
The most expensive excursion
The excursion to Sigiriya is the most popular among guests of Sri Lanka and is offered by all travel agencies. As tourists note, this is the most expensive attraction of the colorful country, and you will have to pay thirty dollars for entry (locals get in for $1). The ticket price also includes a visit to the archaeological museum, where you can get acquainted with the amazing history of this corner. It will not be possible to get inside as a hare, since there is strict control everywhere and it will not be possible to climb to the top of the fortress without a ticket.
Opening hours: from 8.30 to 17.30 daily.
If we talk about climbing steep stairs, not everyone can handle it. It takes about two hours, and it is best to start the exciting journey early in the morning, when it is not so hot. Overcoming all the steps is not a test for the weak in body and spirit, plus take into account the strong wind when climbing. After 17.00, tourists are not allowed to climb for safety reasons.
Bring hats and sunscreen for your face, as well as drinking water, which is not sold inside the complex.
Please note that there are no toilets on the plateau.
Those who want to save money can buy one ticket for two. It will be cheaper, but significantly longer in time.
The exotic island of Sri Lanka, whose attractions are the main reason to visit, awaits guests ready for new adventures. Getting to know architectural and cultural monuments helps you learn the eventful history of an ancient country with a unique atmosphere and positive energy.
