Experience The Thrill of a Lifetime at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
When I first arrived at the renowned Eighth Wonder of the World, the Sigiriya Rock, I was in awe of its sheer size. From the ground level, it looked like nothing more than a huge ancient boulder. But as I began to wander through the remnants of the ground-floor walls, I found myself in a state of surrealism. Climbing the rock remains 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, it is an adventure worth experiencing, considering its illustrious past!
Once upon a time, this location was a glorious kingdom that enticed visitors with its majestic royal gardens and magnificent hydraulic features such as a series of pools, ponds, and fountains. Nowadays, these are merely the moss-covered remains of a long forgotten era. Yet, the anticipation they evoke is still powerful. Stepping into this place fills you with an exhilarating thrill that you can actually FEEL! Your mind is filled with a flurry of questions, such as how do I climb the rock? Where are the lion claws? Can I explore the underground and rock top sites? and so on.
Ready to explore the mysterious past of Sigiriya Rock Fortress? Let’s go on a journey through time and discover what secrets lie hidden within its walls. To make it easier for you, I’ve split this blog into sections so you can easily access the areas of the fortress that you want to explore. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
History of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The mysterious ancient Sigiriya or Lion Rock, also known as Sinhagiri, is a 660-foot-high rock near Dambulla that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legends tell of King Kashyapa, who made this rock his abode some 50 millennia ago. It is said that this fabled city of the Gods, Alakamandava, was crafted by the architect Maya Danava at the behest of King Vishravasamuni, the father of the great King Ravana. Truly an archaeological marvel, Sigiriya is a must-see for any traveler!
Following his distinguished reign, King Kuvera graced the city of Lanka with a new name: Cithranakuta. This momentous event was said to have marked a defining moment in the life of King Ravana. Adding another chapter to this epic saga, Vibeeshana, Ravana’s half-brother, assumed the throne after Ravana’s demise and elected to transfer his kingdom to Kelaniya. The majestic Chiththakuta wall murals are believed to have been inspired by the famous Ravana Watha. Here, the blue woman is a representation of the Yakka Tribe, while the other females personify the Naga’s Serpentine Tribes, the Divine Devas, and the Celestial Musicians of Gandabhbha.
The flowers represent the country’s unity, and King Kashyapa’s admiration for it. According to Culavamsa, he moved in and restored Chiththakuta to its former glory as it once was during King Ravana’s reign. At the end of the fourth century, this spot was chosen as his new royal castle. To add a touch of colour, King Kashyapa painted the walls of his castle with vibrant hues. But he wasn’t done yet; halfway through this rock, he constructed a magnificent tunnel with the shape of a gigantic lion, reminding us of his unparalleled passion for this land.
As the legacy of King Kashyapa, The Sinhagiri, or Lion City, was named after his reign. He used his capital to demonstrate a perfect example of ancient urban planning that all the neighbouring kingdoms followed. But, alas, the royal house and the grand city were left deserted once he passed away. Nevertheless, the city was still not completely deserted, as a few Buddhist monks decided to stay and make the city their monastery since the fourteenth century.
Elaborate Site Plan
The majestic city of Sigiriya is a sight to behold! You’ll be in awe of its imaginative water pools, rock gardens, frescos, and the famed mirrored wall – a true archaeological masterpiece from the first century. Each floor is a delight to uncover, with its cleverly designed combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, both geometrical and organic, that blend seamlessly into the environment. And the cherry on top? Five grand entrance gates, plus a royal park arranged in a stunningly symmetrical pattern, complete with ancient water-retaining structures that still work today and complex hydraulic systems.
On the other side of the horizon, a grand man-made lake stands tall. Gaze down from the ground level and you’ll find the lower palaces and gardens, along with a deep, broad water ditch that surrounds the castle with a once-impenetrable defensive wall. At the halfway terrace, the majestic Lion Gate greets you, along with the mirrored wall that holds an array of wonderful paintings. Ascend to the flat top of the rock and you’ll witness the remnants of the upper palace, with its tanks and reservoirs dug into the very rock itself.
The Mirrored Wall
The legendary Sigiriya Mirrored Wall is an awe-inspiring sight to behold, having been polished to such a high shine that the King could even catch his reflection in it! Covered in a shimmering sheet of white plaster, this brick wall has seen thousands of people pass by it throughout the ages, leaving their mark with scribbles of poetry. These writings date as far back as the 8th, 9th, and 10th centuries and have been preserved for eternity – thanks to the Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon who forbade any new inscriptions to be made.
My trip to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka was truly an awe-inspiring experience! Ascending this grand edifice of an ancient volcanic lava plateau was an adventure I certainly won’t forget. It was definitely the highlight of my cultural tours in the country. If you’re looking for a trip worth taking, there’s no better place to explore than this magnificent fortress – you won’t regret it!
If you’re ready to ascend to greatness, then you’ll need to set aside a whole day to fully appreciate the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Get there as early as possible to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds and make sure you bring along comfortable shoes and clothing – you’ll be climbing up over 1,200 steep steps! The heritage museum is open from 7am to 4pm, and entry fees are LKR 4500 per person – a small price to pay for a truly unforgettable experience.
