Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous historical monuments. Residents call this ancient palace and fortress complex the eighth wonder of the world and it has significant archeology and attracts thousands of tourists annually. This is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

The Sigiriya rocky plain, made of magma from an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding forest. The exhibition surprises visitors with its unique harmony in nature and human imagination.

Thanks to this lion, the palace got Sigiriya. The word Sigiriya is derived from the word Sihagri, meaning Lion Rock. The western walls of Sigiriya are almost exclusively covered with frescoes, made during the Kasyapa period. Eighteen frescoes are still alive today.

The fresco depicts a naked woman and is seen as a picture of Kasyapa’s wife and concubine, or as a priest containing religious rites. Although the identity of the unknown woman is depicted in the mural, this unique ancient painting celebrates the beauty of women and has a remarkable historical impact.

One of the best features of Sigiriya is its mirrored walls. In the old days it was so refined that the king could see the reflection. The mirror walls are painted with inscriptions and poems written for Sigiriya’s guests.

The oldest inscription is from the ninth century. The inscription says that Sigiriya was a tourist destination more than a thousand years ago. Today it is strictly forbidden to paint walls.

Opening Hours: From 6.30 am to 5.30 pm every day

Sigiriya Mirror Wall Photo

Sigiriya MIrror wall

Just past the "Sigiriya Frescoes", you walk alongside what is known as the “Mirror Wall” — a wall polished so heavily that the king would have been able to see his reflection on the surface. You’ll see names and notes scribbled into the wall, some from as early as the 8th century, by visitors to Sigiriya Lions Rock.

Sigiriya Lion Paw Photo

Sigiriya Lion Paw

At the northern end of the Sigiriya Lion Rock, a narrow pathway emerges on to the large platform from which the site derives its name – Sigiriya (from sinha-giri) means 'Lions Rock'. HCP Bell, the British archaeologist responsible for an enormous amount of archaeology in Sri Lanka, found the two enormous lion paws when excavating in 1898.

Sigiriya Frescoes Photo

Sigiriya Frescoes

After passing the gardens, you’ll approach a staircase which slowly winds its way up Sigiriya Lion Rock. One section of the staircase will allow you to view some of the ancient frescoes painted on the Sigiriya cave walls. These paintings are similar to those of the Anuradhapura period but have a distinct style in the way the lines and shadows are drawn.

Sigiriya Boulder Gardens Photo

Sigiriya Boulder Gardens

As you enter Sigiriya Lions Rock, you’ll first walk through a series of beautiful gardens as you make your way to the towering Lion’s Rock ahead.

The water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraces gardens at Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, so be sure to take some time to appreciate them!

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