7D Sri Lanka - Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Date: 9/6/2013

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. Sigiriya is one of the largest monoliths in the world. A sheer 200m tall magma plug leftover from an eroded volcano jutting out of a flat rain-forest covered plain. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos). The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

The Moat

One of the pool in the garden complex

Sigiriya Rock

Fountains made of circular limestone plates Underground water conduits supply water to these fountains which are still functional, especially during the rainy season.

Steps at Sigiriya - In total there are about 1200 steps from the king's beautiful water gardens to the base of Sigiriya rock fortress.

Boulder Garden

Deraniyagala Cave

The Mirror Wall & Spiral Stairs leading to the Frescos

Spiral Stairs - View from the bottom

The Garden- View from the top The Gardens of the Sigiriya city is one of the most important aspects of the site as it is among 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 Spiral Iron Stairs

Ancient Painting - Frescos The paintings would have covered most of the western face of the rock, covering an area 140 metres long and 40 metres high. There are references in the graffiti to 500 ladies in these paintings. However, many more are lost forever, having been wiped out when the Palace once more became a Monastery so that they would not disturb meditation.

The Mirror Wall Originally this 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.

Steps

Lion's Paw Terrace The entrance to the upper palace where a 60m lion gate once stood. Today only the feet remain.

Stairs to the top of the Rock

Top of The Rock - summit ruins

Palace Pool

The audience hall of the king was situated in the boulder garden, the remains of which are seen on the flattened and polished summit of a large boulder.

Cobra Hood Cave

The Cobra Head Rock