Why to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a legendary historical marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is steeped in the ancient history of Sri Lanka. Standing 200 meters above the surrounding plains. This fortress was the royal palace of King Kashyapa in the bygone era. Its breathtaking frescoes, advanced irrigation systems, and panoramic views make it a must-visit for every traveler.
What's Special About Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Royal Heritage: Sigiriya's history is linked to King Kashyapa (477–495 AD), who built this fortress as his kingdom. The location later became a Buddhist monastery, testifying to its worth beyond royalty.
- Genius Architecture: The fortress features advanced hydraulic systems, gardens, and mirror walls that testify to advanced urban planning. The Lion's Paws at the entrance only add to its grandeur.
- Frescoes & Ancient Art: The Sigiriya frescoes, renowned for their depiction of celestial maidens, are one of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. The paintings retain their bright colors despite centuries of exposure.
- Views: A trek to the top rewards the visitor with breathtaking views of greenery, testifying to the arduous climb.
Things to Do at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Climb to the Top: Climb the rock to view the lovely ruins of the ancient palace and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Explore the Gardens: Sigiriya boasts some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, which feature water, boulder, and terrace gardens.
- Visit the Mirror Wall: Earlier, this wall was polished to reflect the image of the king, but now it contains ancient inscriptions and graffiti left behind by early visitors.
- Admire the Frescoes: The Sigiriya paintings of celestial maidens remain a big attraction for art and history enthusiasts.
Little Known Facts About Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Sigiriya is also referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its architectural splendor.
- The fortress was left abandoned after the death of King Kashyapa and was later utilized as a Buddhist monastery.
- The sophisticated water management system is still operational, demonstrating ancient Sri Lankan engineering prowess.
- Sigiriya translates to "Lion's Rock," named after the massive lion-shaped entrance gate at the summit.
Entry Fee
- Foreigners: $30 adult, $15 child approximately
- SAARC Countries: $15 adult, $8 child approximately
- Sri Lankan Citizens: LKR 100 adult, LKR 50 child approximately
Timings
Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry: 5:00 PM)
Average Duration to Visit
2 to 3 Hours: It will take around 2-3 hours to climb and visit Sigiriya, depending on interest and pace.
Distance
- From Colombo: 175 km (4.5 hours)
- From Kandy: 90 km (2.5 hours)
- From Dambulla: 17 km (30 minutes)
Tourist Spots Nearby
- Dambulla Cave Temple (17 km)
- Pidurangala Rock (1 km)
- Minneriya National Park (35 km)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City (60 km)
