Sri Lanka is like a treasure island for historians and history buffs, for this little isle beside the great India is teeming with historical and heritage sites. Step into this country and awed by its sky high stupas, ocean size man made tanks, intricate waterways and mesmerizing paintings and stone carvings among myriads of other things.
Some of the major cities in Sri Lanka like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla nestle remarkable ruins belonging to ancient kingdoms. Among these ruins there is a one that the locals refer to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is none other than the magnificent fortress in the sky, the rock palace of Sigiriya.
This wonderful palace in the sky also known as the Lions Rock is built on top of a massive boulder that soars over 300 metres in height. The Sigiriya rock palace is surrounded by a verdant forest that runs acres and acres into the distance, presenting a breathtaking birds eye view.
It is an engineering feat of the Fifth Century AD, built under the command of King Kassapa also referred as King Kasyapa. He was the son of the great King Dhatusena who built the amazing reservoir Kala Wewa that boasts a 40 mile circumference.
The Sigiriya fortress was an impregnable one which was built as a hide-out for the renegade king Kassapa. The legend around him is a tragic tale which makes him the perpetrator for his beloved fathers death, while Kassapas only brother Moggallana turned into an avenger in the end. After 18 years of ruling in the Sigiriya rock fortress, King Kassapa died as a result of a conspiracy.
Sigiriya rocks palace complex is considered as one of the greatest historical sites in Sri Lanka that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to see in this complex starting from the beautifully landscaped water garden with several ponds that leads to the foot of the rock. The rocks base itself is another work of wonder where you will be greeted by a stone stairway flanked by two massive paws of a gigantic brick lion.
As you ascend middle way, you will come across a well polished wall that is called the Ketapath Paura or the Mirror Wall. The honey toned glazed wall is packed with graffiti of poetic expressions that dates back to more than 1000 years. These poems are mostly about the beautiful Sigiriya frescos that sit just above the Mirror Wall.
Sigiriya frescos are a world famous feature that closely resembles the one at Ajantha Caves in India. The frescos of Sigirya feature heavenly maidens, bearing flowers in their hands and wearing ornamental accessories. Unfortunately only around 22 out of the 500 frescos of Sigiriya survived through centuries.
As you reach the summit you will see the ruins of the ancient palace with a big pond. It is still a mystery to this date how they managed to draw water from the ground all the way up to the summit, about 16 centuries ago. The 360 degree view from the summit is truly spellbinding and exciting, virtually making you feel like a bird soaring in the sky.
Sigiriya rock palace and fortress is one of the best attractions in Sri Lanka that you must visit during your
Sri Lanka travel. To visit this wonderful world heritage site as well as other historical attractions you can opt for a
Sri Lanka car rental such as the Malkey Rent A Car service. With over 30 years of experience Malkey Travel & Tours offer you a top quality service and numerous options for a hassle free pleasurable tour around Sri Lanka.
