sigiriya essay 100 words

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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• 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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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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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

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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.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Ehalagala, Central Province, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is a vast rock used over time as a Buddhist monastery and as a 5th-century royal fortress.

Lily Johnson

23 jul 2021.

About Sigiriya

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka combines a natural phenomenon with history and religion, as the site of an ancient rock fortress and royal palace.

Sigiriya history

Comprised of a vast red rock mound rising over 660 feet, it is thought that Sigiriya (meaning “Lion Rock”) was originally inhabited during the 3rd century BC, when a Buddhist monastery was founded there.

In the 5th century AD, it is thought that Sigiriya’s use changed from a sacred site to a royal one. It is said that, having assassinated his father King Dhatusena and taken the throne, King Kashyapa I of the Anuradhapura Kingdom sought an easily defensible place to build his palace, and that he chose to construct it atop Sigiriya.

In the late 5th century, Kashyapa was defeated in battle and Sigiriya once again became a Buddhist monastery, eventually falling into decline.

Sigiriya today

The ruins of Kashyapa’s castle can still be seen at Sigiriya today, and include the remnants of a city at the foot of the rock. From these ruins, it is evident that the king’s city was grand, with gardens, monuments and, of course, his palace.

One of the most notable sites at Sigiriya is also its series of frescoes painted onto the rocks, depicting numerous female figures. There would have originally been hundreds of similar frescoes. There is a debate as to whether these were created under Kashyapa or whether these were the creation of the Buddhist monks as numerous representations of one of their deities.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya is now open to the public.

Getting to Sigiriya

Sigiriya is located in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, just off the A6 road and along the B162. A train is available from Colombo to Habrana, which would take around 5-6 hours depending on delays, from which a 30-minute taxi can take you to Sigiriya itself.

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Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya: Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Scattered across the central plains of Sri Lanka are the country’s most important historical and archaeological sites. Sigiriya is easily the most recognisable, identified by its towering rock formation with an ancient fortress perched atop its flat mount.

However, Sigiriya is also close to two other impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites forming a triangle: the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Together, these make up Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heartland. If you’re interested in exploring more of the fascinating history and surprising geology of the teardrop shaped island, then spending a few days in and around Sigiriya should be a priority for your Sri Lanka itinerary.

This post is going to look at how to explore Sigiriya and the surrounding area. I spent five days based in Sigiriya, with day trips to Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Ritigala. I’m going to detail everything you need to know about visiting the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

Why I Based Myself in Sigiriya

Sigiriya is perfectly located in the middle of the cultural triangle and offers the perfect base for exploring the area. The village has plenty of high quality accommodation for reasonable prices and lots of good restaurants too. It’s also a lot quieter than bigger towns like Dambulla and Habarana, and I liked the “local feel” that staying in a home stay and eating at local restaurants had in Sigiriya. I found the locals extremely friendly and it really made my time in Sigiriya extra special.

It’s also ideal to be close to Pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya Rock for sunset or sunrise hikes. Plus, it’s easy enough to do day trips from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and Dambulla either by public transport or tuk tuk. While some people tend to stay a night in Dambulla, a night in Sigiriya and then a night in Polonnaruwa, I found it was easier just to base myself in one place and organise everything from there.

How to Get to Sigiriya

Sigiriya is off the main A6 highway, so you’ll likely have to transfer buses at least once to reach it. There’s no train service to Sigiriya. However, being in the middle of the country, it’s quite easy to reach from various places.

Dambulla is the main transport hub for Sigiriya. It has buses running every hour to Sigiriya from the Dambulla Bus Stand for 100 LKR or you can take a tuk tuk for around 2000 LKR (US$7). The final bus stop in Sigiriya is just a 10 minute walk from the entrance of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but you can also hop down closer to your accommodation, just let the driver know.

From Kandy to Sigiriya

From Kandy, take a bus heading to Dambulla. There are both normal buses and AC buses. The AC bus costs 500 LKR (US$2) while the local bus will cost a little less. The journey time should take 2-3 hours.

Once you arrive at Dambulla Bus Station, you’ll find local buses heading to Sigiriya every hour for 100 LKR (US$0.50). This journey travels via Inamaluwa Junction and takes around 30 minutes.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Short on Time? Try These Day Tours from Kandy

From colombo to sigiriya.

Ask around the Colombo bus stand for buses heading to Dambulla (it may be #49 Trincomalee bus, #15 bus to Anuradhapura, or #48 bus to Kaduruwela). A local bus might take around 5 hours for the journey, but you can also find AC buses which will shorten the journey to about 3.5-4 hours via toll roads.

From Dambulla, take a bus or tuk tuk to Sigiriya as above.

Read more: How to Spend 24 Hours in Colombo

From Trincomalee to Sigiriya

From Trincomalee, you can take any bus heading towards Colombo. Ask if they’re passing through Dambulla (bus #49 is ideal as this definitely does). Either get off in Dambulla itself or get off a bit earlier at Inamaluwa Junction (the turnoff for the Sigiriya Road). The journey should take about 3 hours and cost 500 LKR (US$2).

In Dambulla, jump on a bus heading to Sigiriya or flag the bus down at the Inamaluwa Junction (make sure you’re standing on the left side of the road for the bus to pullover on its way to Sigiriya). From the junction, the bus costs 80 LKR to Sigiriya and you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for it.

Read more: Guide to Trincomalee: Sri Lanka’s Underrated Beach Destination

From Anuradhapura to Sigiriya

From Anuradhapura, there are regular buses heading to Dambulla and the journey should take about 2 hours and cost 300 LKR (it’s usually #15 bus heading to Colombo). From Dambulla, hop on a bus to Sigiriya as described above.

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya village has exploded in recent years with plenty of accommodation. While you might not notice from the main road, there’s hundreds of home stays, guesthouses and resorts tucked away in the forest down skinny back roads all over the area.

There’s something for every budget, with reasonable prices because of the high competition. Here’s my recommendations in order of price (budget to high-end):

Freedom Home Stay | This is where I stayed for five days and, for the price, it’s incredible value. They offer two large en-suite rooms with a patio near the family home. The family are beautiful and serve a delicious breakfast every morning. The husband is also a tuk tuk driver and he took me on all the day trips I outline below for a good price. Check prices here .

Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay | Just a 5-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance, this home stay offers a handful of double and single rooms amongst a pretty garden. With a shared patio area, friendly hosts, and a delicious breakfast served every morning. Check prices here .

La Dolce Vita | A rustic, homely property with modern comforts, this boutique hotel has an outdoor pool, private patios for the rooms, and a restaurant serving daily breakfast. It’s located 2km from Sigiriya Rock. Check prices here .

Atha Resort | An exceptionally rated resort just 3km from Sigiriya Rock, this place features an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. The beautiful rooms overlook the garden, some with private balconies. Check prices here .

When to Visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya is best visited during the dry season , from December until April , especially in terms of visibility and weather conditions. However, it will be extremely hot during these months, so you’ll likely want to be exploring early in the morning and late in the afternoon with a midday siesta.

Keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so you should expect large crowds at most sites and long wait times for climbing Sigiriya Rock.

The wet season runs from May until November, but you might still be lucky with sporadic dry patches. It’s also incredibly humid during these months and afternoon storms are common. I was there in late August and had relatively good weather during the day, and just some stormy afternoons. It’s difficult to predict the ever-changing weather in Sri Lanka!

Where to Eat in Sigiriya

Kenoli Restaurant | One of the most delicious rice and curry joints I visited in Sri Lanka, the couple running this small restaurant are super friendly and excellent cooks. Well-known as one of the best places to enjoy local food, it’s home cooked Sri Lankan cuisine at its best.

Liya Restaurant | Right next door to Kenoli, this place might not have the same reputation but I ate here plenty of times and it was always good. The family running this place are super friendly and always up for a chat. The serving portions are huge and good value for money.

The Lion’s Choice | Located on the main road in Sigiriya, I happened upon this place on my first day in town. The rice and curry was delicious and featured some very obscure local delicacies to try. They’re also happy to change the menu to suit vegans.

Best Things to Do in Sigiriya and Around the Cultural Triangle

While the main attraction of Sigiriya is the famous Lion Rock Fortress, there’s plenty of incredible historical sites to explore in and around town. Both Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be done within a day in Sigiriya, while the other major attractions will require a day trip.

Here’s the best things to do in Sigiriya, with everything you need to know to visit each of the attractions.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Fortress)

Brief History: Lion Rock Fortress is the fortified palace built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, perched on the imposing Sigiriya Rock seen from miles around. The King moved the capital to the more strategic location of Sigiriya, from the plains of Anuradhapura. The Palace in the Clouds only lasted 18 years though, before it was forgotten, until British colonialists rediscovered it with the help of locals.

How to get there: Sigiriya Main Entrance is on the west side of the complex and within walking distance from Sigiriya town (about 1.5km depending on where you’re staying)

Ticket price: US$36 for adults (including the Sigiriya Museum)

Opening hours: 5am to 5pm every day (you can stay inside the park after 5pm, but tickets must be purchased before 5pm)

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset is ideal if the clouds are clear as you’ll avoid the searing sun and some of the day trip crowds, but sunrise is equally nice if you don’t mind an early morning

How long is the hike: Those with a reasonable level of fitness who are also stopping to look at things along the way should be able to complete the hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock in an hour. You should also factor in about 30-45 minutes at the top, and half an hour for the descent.

Is it worth it? The price is enough to make many backpackers think twice about visiting Sigiriya Rock. And while I agree the ticket price is steep, I’d have to say it’s still worthwhile. For Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is on par with what Machu Picchu is for Peru, as it’s main archaeological attraction. I just hope (as do others) that the money is going back into research and conservation efforts. If the price is really out of your budget, just stick to visiting Pidurangala which is far cheaper and offers just as beautiful views, but lacks the historical significance.

Things to See at Sigiriya Rock

The Sigiriya Museum is included in the price and located close to the entrance. Very few people actually bother with it, but it does offer a nice overview of the history, geology, and architecture of the ancient city. Then, you’ll pass many of the landscaped royal gardens as you walk towards the giant rock, which consist of terraced pools.

The first set of steps through the rocks will take you up to the famous lion paw staircase , which is how the Lion Rock Fortress got its name. From there, you’ll be looking up at the narrow metal staircase that seems to be precariously nailed into the side of the rock. You need to ascend these stairs to finally reach the flat plateau of Sigiriya Rock .

The ruins of King Kasyapa’s fortified palace have been reduced over time to mere foundations. While it can be difficult to imagine what it would have looked like at its peak, the terraces are still worth exploring for different vantage points.

The highlight of the climb up to the top of Sigiriya Rock is for the panoramic views . You’ll be able to see across to Pidurangala Rock and the forested plains home to elephants and other wildlife.

You have to descend the same way to exit. However, if you’re visiting for sunset, the main entrance will be closed after 5pm, and you’ll have to follow the signs indicating the exit for after hours.

Good to Know

There are many steps (over 1000) to reach the top, including some steel ladders with steep drops, so those with a fear of heights or physical difficulties may not make it to the top.

Unlike other attractions, Sigiriya doesn’t have a strict dress code because it’s not a temple or place of worship, but ensure you wear comfortable clothing and footwear for walking.

There are toilets and an ATM at the main entrance.

Pidurangala Rock

Brief History: When King Kashyapa discovered Sigiriya in 5th century, he wanted to move the monks to Pidurangala so he could build his palace on top of Lion Rock. The monks obliged and the monastery was built into caves around Pidurangala Rock.

How to get there: The car park and entrance is about 4.5km from Sigiriya town on the west side of the rock. A tuk tuk will cost about 1500 LKR (US$5) for the return trip from your accommodation, including wait time for the climb up and back.

Ticket price: 1000 LKR per adult

Opening hours: 5am to 6pm every day (you can stay at the top after 6pm, but tickets must be purchased before 6pm)

Sunrise or sunset? Many people recommend sunrise for Pidurangala, as you’ll likely get to enjoy the view with only a few others. In the wet season, you’ll also likely avoid the stormy afternoons. However, I went for sunset and equally enjoyed it.

How long is the hike: The hike up to Pidurangala is steep and covers some rough terrain. Most people will be able to make it to the top in about 45 minutes, although fit people could do it in 20-30 minutes or less with no breaks. It only takes about 15 minutes going down.

Is it worth it? For the much cheaper ticket price than Sigiriya Lion Rock, Pidurangala is definitely worth it. The view of Sigiriya Rock is unbeatable and if you’re visiting at sunset or sunrise, it’ll likely be one of the most memorable things you do in Sri Lanka.

Things to See at Pidurangala Rock

The hike starts at Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya , a white temple at the base of the rock. This is where the ticket office is and the endless stairs begin up to the top. You’ll also need to cover up just to walk through this area, so bring a shawl or borrow one from the monastery.

From there, you’ll ascend some steep stairs and then follow a rough jungle path over rocks and tree roots, and through caves. On the way, you’ll pass Pidurangala Temple, of which the most impressive sight is a 12m reclining Buddha lying under a rock face.

From there, the hike gets even more adventurous. The last 10 minutes requires some basic bouldering and climbing over large rocks. The final push requires a bit of a scramble up to the top, and then a short walk through the last bushes to the open views awaiting above.

The panoramic views are arguably more impressive than those from Sigiriya Rock, as you’ll have an incredible view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock , which glows with the rising or setting sun. You can also gaze out over the forested plains of Minneraya and Kaudulla National Parks.

Most people take a seat on the rock face to watch the sun rise or set. You need to return the same way. Expect some queues at the rock scrambling section, if there’s lots of people about.

You’ll need good walking shoes to attempt this hike, especially ones with decent grip. Sandals won’t really cut it on this trail.

If you’re heading up for sunrise, it’s best to explore the temples on the way back down when you have some sunlight. It’s also a good idea to carry a headtorch , if you’re visiting at sunrise or sunset as the path isn’t overly well lit.

Polonnaruwa

Brief History: Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It was home to the Sinhalese kingdom that expanded across Sri Lanka from 1070 until 1232, with the city of Polonnaruwa being the cultural and commercial centre of the empire.

How to get there: A return trip in a tuk tuk from Sigiriya, including driving around the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa site costs about 10,000 LKR (US$34). Alternatively, you can jump onto the #48 bus to Kaduruwela that passes through Dambulla from Colombo. Then, you’ll have to arrange a tuk tuk or rent a bicycle to get you around Polonnaruwa.

Ticket price: US$30 per adult

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm every day

How long do you need: You’ll probably need 3 hours to really explore the complex properly, which means if you’re visiting from Sigiriya on a day trip it will be a decent 6 hour day all up. It may take longer than 3 hours, if you’re exploring on a bicycle or on foot.

Is it worth it? Yes, the vast ruins of temples, palaces, and religious buildings in Polonnaruwa was one of the most impressive things I saw in Sri Lanka. Often compared to the more famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s best preserved and incredible archaeological site. It’s a steep entry ticket, but I’d pay it again!

Things to See at Polonnaruwa

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is not small. There are different buildings, temples, and statues scattered around the huge area, some preserved better than others. Next to the ticket office is the Archaeological Museum, which provides a nice overview of the area. This is worthwhile if you’re not going to have a guide with you.

Some of the must-see attractions within the complex include the Royal Palace and surrounding temples, King’s swimming pool , Sacred Quadrangle Temple , and the huge stupa of Rankot Vihara .

However, my two favourite spots were the nearly 17m high buddha statue of Lankatilaka Temple and the carved buddha figures of Gal Vihara .

The complex is huge. You can either get a tuk tuk to drive you around, explore on foot or rent a bike to get around. In the searing heat of Sri Lanka though, I opted for the tuk tuk and my driver included a tour of the complex in the price from Sigiriya.

It’s very hot in the middle of the day with minimal shade, so ensure you have a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You also need to take your shoes off many times throughout the complex and the stone and sand can be hot. It’s a good idea to pack some socks to slip on to protect your feet!

Dambulla Cave Temple

Brief History: Dambulla is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, with Buddhist monks inhabiting the area since the 3rd century. Many of the buddha statues were built in the 12th century and the impressive wall paintings were completed over the 18th century.

How to get there: You can take a bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla which should take about 30-45 minutes. From Dambulla Bus Stand, you can either walk or take a tuk tuk for the 3.5km to the ticket office for the cave temple.

Ticket price: 3000 LKR per adult

Opening hours: 7am to 6pm every day

How long do you need: You only need around 1-2 hours to explore the caves, depending on how long you take to climb the stairs from the ticket entrance. The actual Dambulla Cave Temples are located up on top of a large rock and it can take 10-20 minutes to walk up.

Is it worth it? Yes, the Dambulla Cave Temple is an incredibly unique place to visit. I had no expectations before visiting and was blown away by the beauty and craftsmanship of the temples, being carved out of the rock with many buddha statues and detailed paintings. As it’s an easy half day trip from Sigiriya, I highly recommend a visit.

Things to See at Dambulla

There are several separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some dating back over 2,000 years. Murals cover over 2,000 square metres of cave walls, depicting Buddha’s life, while the views overlooking the surrounding valley all the way to Sigiriya are also really beautiful.

It’s a rather small attraction that doesn’t require as much walking as the other places on this list. However, I suggest taking your time to wander through each of the cave temples admiring every corner.

There’s also a Golden Temple , a huge golden buddha statue perched on top of a temple on the other side of the Dambulla Cave Temples.

The dress code to enter the temples is very strict. Make sure you remove your shoes at the entrance where you’ll find a small shoe rack that requires a small donation of 20 LKR. You must also have your knees and shoulders covered.

If you want to explore the Golden Temple as well, it’s down the other side of the hill. You can take the stairs down the opposite side of the hill and exit via the Golden Temple (don’t enter through the Golden Temple as there’s no ticket office for the Cave Temples this way and security will make you walk around to the ticket office!). Although, I wouldn’t say it’s a must see.

Ritigala Archaeological Site

Brief History: Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to the 1st century. It’s believed to have been an important centre of Buddhism during the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the 12th century when it was abandoned. The legends surrounding the mountain relate to its unique and unusual flora and fauna and it’s thought that many of its plants have medicinal properties.

How to get there: A return trip in a tuk tuk should cost around 5500 LKR (US$20) from Sigiriya, with the journey being just over an hour one way. There’s no public transport that will get you to Ritigala.

Ticket price: US$5 per adult

How long do you need: You can walk up and down the ruins of Ritigala mountain within an hour, but allow 2 hours if you really want to take your time and stop at each site. From Sigiriya, you should allow about 5 hours all up for a visit.

Is it worth it? While it’s not as impressive as Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa, I still really enjoyed my day trip to Ritigala. It’s quite an offbeat location to visit, so you’ll get to explore some back roads in Sri Lanka and have the archaeological ruins almost all to yourself. If you have the time and budget, I recommend a visit.

Things to See at Ritigala

From the ticket office, there’s a singular path that winds its way up Ritigala Mountain to the last ruins on the slope. While things are not well signposted at all, it’s quite easy just to follow the paved trail up and back (although there are some little side trips you can explore as well).

First, you’ll pass through a large old bathing area , with wide stone steps leading into the now-overgrown forest. As you follow the path heading up into the forest, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna without any disturbance.

You’ll pass more foundations of temples, a hospital, a library, stone bridges and more. You’ll have to use some of your imagination for the site, but it’s still quite impressive as to how they got the huge stone blocks up the mountainside all those years ago.

Eventually you reach the final ruin, a large pavilion platform with supporting columns still visible. Behind this ruin, a dirt path continues to what maps.me refers to as the “Big Tree” , which is in fact very accurate. There is a huge tree with tangled roots sprawled out into the dirt. Beyond this point, the sign warns the army controls the area so the public is not allowed.

Simply turn around and head back down. On the way back, I discovered a couple of impressive ruins on little side trails off the main path. Again, nothing is signposted well, so be careful where you go.

The car park and ticket office for Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve are accessed down a dirt road and it all feels quite remote . I quite liked this though, because we only saw a couple of other people there the entire time!

Carry enough food and water for your trip as we didn’t pass any shops along the way.

Where to Next? More Sri Lanka Travel Guides

• Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella: An Essential Guide
• Kandy:   10 Best Things to Do in Kandy: An Essential Guide
• Colombo:   Best Things to Do in Colombo in 24 Hours
• Galle:   2 Days in Galle Fort: Best Things to Do in Galle
• Hiriketiya:   Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise
• Weligama:   Layback Surf Camp Review in Weligama
• Digital Nomad Travel:   Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Remote Workers
• Trincomalee:   Trincomalee Travel Guide: Underrated Beach Destination in Sri Lanka
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna, North Sri Lanka

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Sigiriya Rock: A Timeless Legacy of Architectural Grandeur and Cultural Significance

Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece in Sri Lanka ‘s central Matale District. Because of its historical significance, spectacular design, and architectural wonders, this magnificent monument has received worldwide recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a top-rated tourist destination in Sri Lnaka. This case study will cover everything about Sigiriya Rock from it’s design philosophy, construction techniques, and sustainability features, to the massive impact it has on Sri Lanka’s urban fabric and cultural legacy.

The Design Philosophy of Sigiriya Rock 

The design philosoph of Sigiriya Rock revolves around the pleasant blending of the structure with its natural surroundings. This ancient fortress city’s planners envisioned a walled complex that would serve as both a royal residence and a capital city. The architects demonstrated extraordinary skill in incorporating the natural elements of the rock, such as its towering vertical walls and round moat, into the overall plan and defensive system of the building. The strategic placement of Sigiriya Rock atop a massive rock formation provided a natural advantage in terms of protection and added to the site’s majesty.

From the intricate water management system to the majestic stairway leading to the top, every component of the design demonstrates the architects’ attention to detail. The magnificent staircase was carefully carved into the rock, with brick and stone parts expertly combined to provide stability and accessibility. This staircase had a utilitarian purpose as well as a dramatic ascent, enhancing the visitor’s experience and underlining the structure’s awe-inspiring character.

Construction Techniques of Sigiriya Rock

The techniques used to build Sigiriya Rock speak to the ancient builders’ architectural expertise. Despite the fact that it was built between the fifth and sixth centuries, the architects used sophisticated engineering skills to transform the natural rock into a functioning and visually magnificent structure.

The rock itself served as the city’s foundation, with various constructions built out of brick, stone, and plaster. The builders cleverly transformed the natural caves and cracks of the rock into dwelling quarters, gardens, and reservoirs. This innovative use of existing geological formations reduced the need for additional construction materials while respecting the natural integrity of the site.

The beautiful carvings and sculptures that adorn the walls of Sigiriya Rock reveal the careful artistry that went into its creation. These intricate artistic expressions reflect historic Sri Lankan art and design trends of the time, showcasing the craftsmen’s outstanding ability and attention to detail in bringing this vision to life.

The Environmental Features of Sigiriya Rock

While the concept of sustainability was not officially addressed during Sigiriya Rock’s construction, the location has natural traits that contribute to its environmental sustainability. The use of natural rock formations and caves for shelter and water storage decreased the need for extra construction materials and the project’s environmental impact .

In addition, the city was precisely built to assist efficient water management . The architects cleverly used monsoon rains to fill reservoirs, guaranteeing a steady supply of water during dry periods. The existence of well-designed gardens and green spaces within Sigiriya not only demonstrated a love of nature, but also provided a sustainable habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, encouraging biodiversity in the area.

The Impact of Sigiriya Rock

The surrounding urban fabric and cultural history have been greatly influenced by Sigiriya Rock. As a towering tribute to ancient architectural and engineering achievement, it is a symbol of pride and awe-inspiring wonder. The site served not just as a royal residence but also as a symbol of power and authority, leaving a lasting imprint on the Sri Lankan people’s collective memory.

Today, Sigiriya Rock continues to attract visitors from all over the world, helping to boost the local economy and promote cultural tourism. The rock serves as a gateway to Sri Lanka’s rich history and heritage, offering tourists a glimpse into the past and encouraging a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the region’s cultural legacy.

The architectural style of Sigiriya Rock recalls the period in which it was created, displaying elements of ancient Sri Lankan art and design. The massive paintings, amazing carvings, and lovely gardens that adorn the rock surface testament to that era’s artistic brilliance and cultural depth. These artistic representations offer crucial insights into the society, beliefs, and values of the time, allowing visitors to interact with the past on a profound level.

In conclusion, Sigiriya Rock is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel that conveys the brilliance, vision, and artistic quality of ancient architects and engineers. Its clever use of natural materials, strategic design, and significant impact on the urban fabric and cultural heritage make it an interesting case study in architectural history. Sigiriya Rock continues to amaze and attract visitors, providing as a wonderful tribute to our ancestors’ extraordinary achievements and reminding us of human creativity’s eternal legacy.

An exceptional civil engineer, combines her innate writing prowess with technical expertise. As a Content Writer at CreativeHub, she crafts captivating SEO-friendly blogs, insightful case studies, and visually stunning newsletters. Engaged in the RTF Architectural Writing Training Programme, she eagerly unleashes her voice and bold ideas upon the world.

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Nestled amidst the emerald landscapes of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya rises like a sentinel of time, beckoning travelers to unravel its ancient mysteries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural tapestry and architectural prowess.

Sigiriya is more than just a rock fortress; it's a journey through the annals of history. Ascend its weathered steps, and you'll find yourself transported to a bygone era, where a once-mighty kingdom thrived atop this colossal monolith. The summit reveals panoramic vistas that stretch across the lush plains, offering a breathtaking panorama that captivates the soul.

The allure of Sigiriya extends beyond its historical significance. Adorned with vibrant frescoes, the ancient rock walls narrate tales of celestial maidens and artistic brilliance. Wander through the meticulously landscaped gardens that surround the base, a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity that showcases the island's botanical diversity.

Sigiri Frescoes

Lion’s paws terrace, royal palace, mirror wall, opening hours, view in gis app.

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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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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

• Travel Guide

My visit to Sigiriya – Sri Lanka

This holiday season, we planned our holiday to South Asia, where we first visited Sri Lanka. We traveled to so many places in that country but our visit to Sigiriya will remain in our memories forever. My goodness, it was an astounding place to visit. I, my husband and our two little-ones really enjoyed our holiday this time.

Prior our visit, I read some online articles about the places, which in-fact initially created our desire to visit this place, so now I thought of penning my experience to people like me, who do some online research to plan their holidays.

Sigiriya in one word is amazing. A must visit place in Sri Lanka . If your interests are in the field of Arts, Architecture, history, nature and etc. then Sigiriya is the place you should visit. Fortunately, I met a group of school kids, who had come there on an educational tour who taught me so many things, which I’m going to share with you. 1600 years back King Kashyapa had made this rock to be his fortress. There are some great paintings, which they call it to be ‘Frescos” and I was told that those pictures of those beautiful ladies were in King’s harem. These are the best-preserved paintings that I’ve ever seen in my life, those paintings which are 1600 years old still, look great and fresh. If you are into arts and crafts, don’t miss visiting this place.

There were many astounding sites that you can see and one such thing was the mirror wall. I couldn’t ever believe that a reflective wall still persists even after 1600 years. Even if you visit this place today, you will still see this very wall reflect your image. Undoubtedly it will not fail to astonish any one of us. Also, not to forget the lion stair ways, which proves Sri Lankan architectural knowledge during the ancient time, is remarkable. Maybe that’s why they even resemble the lion in the Sri Lankan Flag.

We went on Elephant rides which my kids really enjoyed to the core and few pics that we clicked when we were on the ride had been framed and placed in their rooms. You could also find a museum in Sigiriya, which has some historical monuments, which resembles the history of Sigiriya. I would reckon, that everyone who visits Sigiriya should also visit this museum as it explains a lot of history about the place, which will make your kiddos grasp some learning, while they enjoy. There are places where you could shop, textiles, wood works, and more importantly Sri Lankan tea, Oh my god, they taste the best in the world.

Please wear a loose outfit as the place is a bit humid and don’t fail to take your sunglasses with you. I would also recommend Hotel Sigiriya, which is an amicable place to stay and more importantly Travel Center UK, who got me flights at a very cheaper rate. As four of us were on this holiday, we had to plan out our budgets accordingly, for which Travel Center UK, immensely get us to manage our costs effectively. Thank you Sigiriya, Thank you Travel Center UK and thanks to all the Sri Lankan folks, who made our holiday a lifetime experience.

Best Trips 2016

Malaysia – truly asia.

Kane Parker

Related posts, where to go next: best places to travel in 2025 by travel center, the best time to visit sri lanka in 2024: a month-by-month guide, facts about la tomatina 2024: 20 things to know about spain’s chaotic festival.

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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

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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.

I really helpful this thanks you 👍

No word to tell.it's a very Valuable place in Sri Lanka.

It's true

Very use full information

Information is very fruitful

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

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

This was very helpful for my studies. Thank youall.😄😄😄❤❤❤👍👍👍👌👌👌✋✋✋

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Yes it is very helpful for my assignment on the topic of the sigiriya rock. Thank you so so so much.❤❤❤❤❤💗💗💗💗😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤

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.

It is very interesting

Thanks for help me...��

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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

Useful essay

That's most helpful thanks ✌️

It is very helpful essay thank you so much

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Thawa kikak dannako

Awesome can you add about landscape Gardens for that

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i had seen hydraulikpresse gebraucht in that fortress what do you think there were getting used in that fortress ??

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