Located 116 kilometers from Colombo and just north of Dambulla is one of Sri Lanka’s most famed and acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Known to be populated by tourists and locals alike, this popular tourist attraction was built during the reign of King Kassapa from AD 477 to 495. Sigiriya or what can be translated to mean ‘Lion’s Rock’ had many uses; it was a fortress and a palace, complete with gardens and pools. What is perhaps most inspiring about this attraction is that it is made out of a rock that soars 200 meters from the ground. It has a water supply system that still works after 1,500 years, and beautiful wall paintings or frescos of 21 maidens to be seen.
Visitors are allowed to make the hike all the way to the top; there are hand rails and a network of stairs to climb that is carved out from the original rock in most parts. The half way mark is defined by the immense lion paws that are carved out of rock and along with a lion’s mouth also made of rock that you can walk through. At the summit, visitors can expect to see unparallel views of the local scenery and the palace grounds that are adorned with bathing pools and gardens. The fables and stories that led to the creation of Sigiriya and the murder of the then ruling king add to the mystique of this sacred place.
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