Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, renowned for its ancient rock fortress and palace. Located on a 200-meter-high granite rock, Sigiriya features extensive gardens, reservoirs, and other structures, including the iconic Lion Rock and its remnants. The rock itself is a lava plug from an extinct volcano.
Key Features of Sigiriya:
Lion Rock:
The massive rock formation, rising 600 feet above the surrounding plains, is a key feature of Sigiriya.
Frescoes:
The western walls of Sigiriya are adorned with ancient frescoes, showcasing uniquely Sri Lankan styles and depicting nude female figures.
Mirror Wall:
This wall is covered in graffiti and poems written by visitors throughout history.
Palace Ruins:
The summit of Sigiriya features the ruins of a palace built by King Kasyapa.
Terraced Gardens:
Elaborately landscaped gardens and fortifications surround the base of the rock. Sigiriya Museum:
This museum displays artifacts excavated from the site, including reproductions of the frescoes and examples of graffiti.
Historical Context:
Sigiriya was built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD) and served as his royal palace and capital.
The site was rediscovered by British historians in the 19th century and has since been extensively studied and restored.
Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
Visitor Information:
The best time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season (November to April).
The site can be reached by regular bus services from Dambulla. There are several platforms along the climb to the Lion Rock, providing opportunities to rest.
Entrance fees vary for non-SAARC foreign adults, SAARC foreign children, local adults, and local children.
Key Features of Sigiriya:
Lion Rock:
The massive rock formation, rising 600 feet above the surrounding plains, is a key feature of Sigiriya.
Frescoes:
The western walls of Sigiriya are adorned with ancient frescoes, showcasing uniquely Sri Lankan styles and depicting nude female figures.
Mirror Wall:
This wall is covered in graffiti and poems written by visitors throughout history.
Palace Ruins:
The summit of Sigiriya features the ruins of a palace built by King Kasyapa.
Terraced Gardens:
Elaborately landscaped gardens and fortifications surround the base of the rock. Sigiriya Museum:
This museum displays artifacts excavated from the site, including reproductions of the frescoes and examples of graffiti.
Historical Context:
Sigiriya was built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD) and served as his royal palace and capital.
The site was rediscovered by British historians in the 19th century and has since been extensively studied and restored.
Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
Visitor Information:
The best time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season (November to April).
The site can be reached by regular bus services from Dambulla. There are several platforms along the climb to the Lion Rock, providing opportunities to rest.
Entrance fees vary for non-SAARC foreign adults, SAARC foreign children, local adults, and local children.
