When I first arrived at the famous Sigiriya Rock, the eighth wonder of the world, I was overwhelmed by its sheer size. From the ground, it looks like nothing more than an ancient monolith. But when I started to wander among the remnants of the walls on the first floor, I found myself in a surreal state. Rock climbing is still a thrilling journey, and hundreds of people still flock to it every day – although it is no longer the abandoned stronghold it once was. Indeed, considering its illustrious past, it’s an adventure worth living!
Once upon a time, this place was a glorious kingdom, attracting tourists with its majestic royal gardens and magnificent hydraulic installations such as a series of pools, ponds and fountains. Today, these are just the mossy remnants of a long-forgotten era. Yet the anticipation they evoke remains strong. You will feel an exhilarating thrill the moment you step into this place! Your mind is full of questions like how do I climb that rock? Where is the lion’s paw? Can I explore underground and rocktop ruins? etc.
Ready to explore the mysterious past of Sigiriya Rock Fortress? Let’s embark on a journey through time and space to discover the secrets hidden within its walls. To make it easier for you, I’ve broken this blog into sections so you can easily access the areas of the Bastion you want to explore. So buckle up and let’s get started!
History of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Mysterious ancient Sigiriya or Lion Rock, also known as Sinhagiri, is a 660-foot-tall rock near Dambulla that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The legend tells of King Kashyapa, who made this rock his abode some 50 thousand years ago. The fabled city of the gods, Alakamandava, is said to have been built by the architect Maya Danava in response to Vishravasam, father of the great Ravana king. Built at the behest of King Vishravasamuni. A true archaeological wonder, Sigiriya is a must-see for all travelers!
After his illustrious reign, King Kuvira gave the city of Lanka a new name: Cithranakuta. This momentous event is said to mark a defining moment in the life of King Ravana. Adding another chapter to this epic saga, Ravana’s half-brother Vibishana took the throne after Ravana’s death and chose to transfer his kingdom to Kelania. The majestic Chiththakuta murals are believed to have been inspired by the famous Ravana Watha. Here, the blue woman is represented by the Yakka tribe, while the other women represent the Serpentine tribe of the Naga, the Divine Devas and the Celestial Musicians of Gandabhbha.
These flowers represent the unity of the country and King Kassapa’s admiration for it. According to Culavamsa, he moved in and restored Chiththakuta to its former glory, as it once was during the reign of King Ravana. At the end of the fourth century, this place was chosen as his new royal castle. To add color, King Kashyapa painted the walls of his castle in bright colours. But he wasn’t done yet; halfway through this rock, he built a magnificent tunnel in the shape of a huge lion, reminding us of his unparalleled passion for this land.
A legacy of King Kashyapa, Sinhagiri or Lion City is named after his reign. With his own capital he presented a perfect example of ancient city planning that all neighboring kingdoms emulated. But, alas, the royal family and the magnificent city were abandoned after his death. Still, the city was not completely deserted, and since the fourteenth century some Buddhist monks decided to stay and make the city their monastery.
Detailed Site Planning
The majestic city of Sigiriya is worth seeing! Marvel at its imaginative pools, rock gardens, frescoes and famous mirrored walls – a true first-century archaeological masterpiece. Each floor is ecstatic with its masterful combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, both geometric and organic, that blend seamlessly with the environment. What about the cherry on top? Five magnificent entrance gates, a royal park arranged in a striking symmetrical pattern, ancient water retaining structures and complex hydraulic systems still in use today.
On the other side of the horizon, a magnificent artificial lake stands tall. Look down from the grounds and you’ll find the lower palace and gardens, as well as a wide, deep ditch that surrounds the castle with a once impassable defensive wall. On the terrace halfway, the majestic Lion Gate comes into view, and the mirror wall full of exquisite paintings greets the eyes. Climb to the flat top of the rock and you’ll see the remains of the upper palace, with its troughs and reservoirs dug deep into the rock.
mirror wall
The legendary Sigiriya Wall of Mirrors is breathtaking, polished so shiny that the king could even see his own reflection in it! Covered in gleaming white stucco, the brick wall has seen thousands of people pass by through the ages, leaving their imprints in poetic graffiti. The inscriptions, which date back to the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries, are preserved in perpetuity – thanks to the Ceylon Archaeological Commissioner’s ban on making any new inscriptions.
My trip to Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri Lanka was amazing! Ascending the majestic structure of this ancient volcanic lava plateau was an adventure I will never forget. This was definitely the highlight of my cultural trip in the country. If you’re looking for somewhere worth visiting, there’s no better place to explore than this magnificent fort – you won’t regret it!
If you’re ready to climb to the top, you’ll want to set aside a full day to fully appreciate the rock fortress of Sigiriya. Get there early to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds, and be sure to pack comfortable shoes and clothing—you’ll be climbing over 1,200 steep steps! The Heritage Museum is open from 7am to 4pm and entry costs 4,500 rupees per person – a lot of money for a truly memorable experience.
