Sigiriya

Sigiriya, the Lion Rock, is the most spectacular sight in Sri Lanka, an ancient royal citadel and pleasure palace built in the fifth century atop a sheer column of rock rising some 180 metres from the surrounding jungle. Climbed by a series of stairways past ancient frescoes of celestial maidens and a mirror wall, and through the giant carved paws of a once-colossal lion, it is crowned by palace ruins with breathtaking views, set above beautiful water gardens, a UNESCO wonder.

History

People sheltered under the Aligala rock east of Sigiriya as early as about 3000 BC, and from the 3rd century BC Buddhist monks lived in caves on the surrounding hills, recorded in inscriptions donating the shelters to the monastic order. The Cūḷavaṃsa tells that Kashyapa, son of King Dhatusena by a non-royal consort, seized the throne in 477, killing his father, and, expecting the return of his half-brother Moggallana, who had fled to South India, moved his capital from Anuradhapura to this rock, building a palace on the summit and, halfway up, a gateway in the form of a huge lion that gave the place its name; most of the palaces, gardens and defences date from his reign, from 477 to 495. After his death the capital and palace were abandoned, and the rock served as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century (Wikipedia, Sigiriya).

Highlights

• The rock summit - the palace ruins and views atop the 180-metre rock.
• The frescoes - the ancient paintings of celestial maidens.
• The lion paws - the giant carved paws at the final stairway.
• The water gardens - the ancient landscaped gardens below.

When to go

December to April, the dry season for this region, for the best weather; climb early in the morning to beat the fierce midday heat and the crowds, as the exposed stairways offer little shade.

Things to know

It is a steep climb of over a thousand steps in the heat, on stairways that can feel exposed and vertiginous, so it is not for those with limited mobility or a strong fear of heights. It is very popular and hot, so go at opening. Wasps occasionally close parts of the climb. The nearby, lower Pidurangala Rock offers a fine view of Sigiriya itself for less effort.

Nearby

The Dambulla cave temple, the ancient cities and Kandy are within the Cultural Triangle.