Sigiriya, or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock), is a rock fortress that dates back to ancient times, situated in the northern Matale District close to the town of Dambulla in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. It is a historical and archaeological site topped by a massive granite column, about 180 meters (590 ft) in height.
History of Sigiriya
The Sigiriya past is mystery and legend. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle of history the Culavamsa, the area was a great forest, which with storms and landslides became a hill. King Kashyapa (477–495 AD) chose the site as his new capital city, building his palace atop the rock and adorning its sides with vibrant frescoes.
On a ledge half way up one face of this rock, he built himself a gateway in the form of a gigantic lion, giving to the place its name: Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock. The royal palace and the capital remained abandoned after the king’s death, and it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. the fortress is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Features
Sigiriya is an ancient fortress built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century.
The complex contains the remains of the upper palace on the level top of the rock summit, the mid-level terrace including the Lion Gate and the mirror wall paintings, and the lower palaces embracing the slopes below the rocks. The moats, walls, and gardens of the palace extended a couple of hundred meters from the base of the rock.
The palace was also fortified. The upper palace atop the top of the rock features cisterns carved out of the rock. Sigiriya is listed among the most important first millennium urban planning sites, and the site plan is seen as very elaborate and imaginative. The plan reconciled concepts of symmetry and asymmetry to intentionally overlap the man-made geometric and natural forms of the landscape.
The Lion Gate
The Lion Gate is maybe the best-known landmark of Sigiriya. It’s a massive gate carved in the form of a lion, the main entrance to the palace during the past. The lion’s paws still remain today and are worth seeing.
The Mirror Wall
The Mirror Wall is yet another unique feature of Sigiriya. It’s a mirror-like wall, whereby the king was able to gaze at his own reflection in the wall. Today, the wall is half-painted with tourist verses, many dating back as far as the 8th century.
The Frescoes
Sigiriya’s frescoes are some of the finest and best-preserved ancient Sri Lankan paintings in the world. They depict episodes from the king’s and his court’s life, religious, and mythological creatures. The frescoes line the walls of the rock, and they are a must-visit sight for everybody who comes to Sigiriya.
Visiting Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a popular tourist destination, and a trip is well worth it. The ruins are open to the public from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, It’s best to go to Sigiriya early in the morning or later in the afternoon as the sun during the middle of the day gets quite hot.
How to Get There
Sigiriya is located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Colombo. It is best reached by taxi or car and will take about 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a bus from Colombo to Dambulla, which is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Sigiriya. Then, from Dambulla, take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Sigiriya.
Things to Do
Other than visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress, there are various activities you can do within the area. You may visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, a World Heritage Site. You can also go on a safari in Minneriya National Park, where you can observe an elevated density of elephants.
Accommodation
There are several hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity, both budget and luxury. It is wise to reserve your accommodation prior to your visit, particularly in peak season.
Food
There are several restaurants in the vicinity, offering both Sri Lankan and foreign cuisine. Be sure to sample some of the local dishes, including rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti.
Overall, Sigiriya is a spectacle that any tourist visiting Sri Lanka shouldn’t miss. It is a great and fascinating place, full of history and culture.
