Introduction :
Sigiriya is an ancient citadel built on a rock located in the central Matale District of Central Province in Sri Lanka and is the most popular historic site in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya bears witness to the Ceylon civilization during the reign of Kassapa I and is admirers are known to visit the site from as early as 6th century ad to view the poems and paintings inscribe on the rocks. Also known as the Lion Mountain, Sigiriya was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Elephant ride towards the Lion Mountain
Image attribution to james gordon @ Flickr
Ancient water garden at the foot of Sigiriya
Image attribution to dushyk @ Flickr
Entrance at the ancient citadel
Image attribution to lukecz @ Flickr
Octagon shaped pool nearby
Image attribution to travfotos @ Flickr
Painting from the rock walls that dates back to as early as 500 AD
Image attribution to travfotos @ Flickr
History :
Inhabitants have existed around the Sigiriya since prehistoric times and the Lion Mountain served as rock shelters to Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as 300 BC. During the 477 AD onwards, King Kassapa I established his capital at the Sigiriya and built a citadel and beautiful palace on top of the 200 meter rock according to records. Shortly after the king’s death, the royal palace was abandoned and used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
Closer look at the entrance of Sigiriya
Image attribution to james gordon @ Flickr
One of the Sigiriya moats
Image attribution to Photnart @ Wiki
Looking down at the Sigiriya garden from the summit
Image attribution to Chamal N @ Wiki
Aerial view of the sigiriya
The Cobra Hood Cave
Image attribution to Reflex Delight @ Flickr
Getting there :
The nearest airport to the Sigiriya is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and is 143 km away from the attraction.
