The Lion Rock Sri Lanka - SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya also known as The Lion Rock Sri Lanka is a rock fortress and a palace which is 169 KM From Colombo located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. Sigiriya was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best preserved city centre in Asia.
Things to do in Sigiriya
History of The Lion Rock Sri Lanka
Earlier The Lion Rock Sri Lanka was a rock-shelter mountain monastery which was donated by Buddhist devotees. Later King Kassapa renovated it by building gardens and palace. After his death it was again used as a monastery.
Human habilitation in Sigiriya at its earliest was found to be nearly five thousand years during the Mesothilic period.
Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These have been made within the period between the third century B.C and the first century A.D.
In 1831 Major Jonathan Forbes of the 78th Highlanders of the British army while returning on horseback from a trip to Polonnaruwa came across the "bush covered summit of Sigiriya". Sigiriya came to the attention of antiquarians and later archaeologists.
The Sigiriya complex itself consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts which are surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The city is based on a square module.
Structure of the The Lion Rock Sri Lanka
The Sigiriya Lion Rock Sri Lanka is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
Frescos of The Lion Rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka
There are only two pockets of paintings covering most of the western face of the rock. The ladies depicted in the paintings have been identified as Apsaras. However a lot of these ladies have been wiped out when the palace was again converted into a monastery so as to not to disturb meditation.
The Gardens of The Lion Rock Sri Lanka
The gardens are amongst the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The gardens are divided into three distinct but linked forms; water gardens, Cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.
The Mirror Wall of The Lion Rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka
Originally The Lion Rock Sri Lanka Mirror wall was so well polished that the king could see himself whilst he walked alongside it. Made of a kind of porcelain, the wall is now partially covered with verses scribbled by visitors to the rock. Well preserved, the mirror wall has verses dating from the 8th century. People of all types wrote on the wall, on varying subjects such as love, irony, and experiences of all sorts. Further writing on the mirror wall has now been banned.
SIGIRIYA Photo Gallery
SIGIRIYA - The Lion Rock Sri Lanka Information and Google Map
SIGIRIYA Hotels and Resorts
On entering to sigiriya hotels, you’ll feel an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel being in your own home with a tasteful blending of the essence. Hotels in Sigiriya cater according to your preference and you’ll love being here.
SIGIRIYA Sri Lanka - Beautiful Videos
Have you ever dreamed of being in the perfect place for emotions? You’ll get amazed about Sigiriya and its beauty once you start watching these videos. You’ll also feel like capturing the exact scene lively as you come across these spectacular videos.
SIGIRIYA Sri Lanka Comments - Your Ideas & Questions
We welcome your ideas and comments that will help Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism improve in the travel business. Your comments, concerns or ideas will support us in providing high quality services to our customers.