Sigiriya is a huge Rock. Sigiriya Rock offers a splendid view for miles in all directions. From the top it is elliptical in plan. Its top is flat and slopes gradually along the elliptical axis.
It was the kingdom of the King Kashyapa. When all the other kings selected Anuradhapura as their main controlling centre he was not interested. He was looking for a more protective place to establish the kingdom. So he has selected the Sigiriya fortress. King Kashyapa thought that his brother "Mugalan" would take revenge from him. That was the reason to select Sigiriya as his kingdom. King Kashyapa has built Sigiriya fortress with the palace, gardens and the other royal buildings.
Although you have to pass hundreds of stairs to see the ruins of that Kingdom of King Kashyapa it will be a unforgettable very valuable experience.
Paintings in Sigiriya are world famous. There is a version that these paintings and the paintings at Ajantha group in India are almost alike. Paintigs of Sigiriya are one of the most significant pieces of classical paintings of Sri Lanka.
When you are entering to the Sigiriya fortress you will be able to get this experience. It is wonderful because the entrance is made like an opened mouth of lion. The most significant feature of the Rock was the lion staircase leading to the palace garden. Now the colossal paws and a mass of bricks masonry that surround the ancient lime stone steps are still remaining and they are giving an idea of the size and shape of the lion figure.
You can find wasp hives when you are climbing up. They are staying silently. They will not harass us if we do not make noises or harass them. Actually you do not worry on it. It was not a problem for us because we climbed without making big noises. About halfway up the rock is a sheltered gallery of frescos painted on the sheer rock face. Some of them are still in remarkably good condition.
Beyond the frescos gallery the pathway circles the sheer face of the rock and it is protected by a 3m high wall. That is the Mirror wall (Ketapath Pawura). It is coated with a mirror smooth glaze in which visitors over 1000years ago noted their impressions on the women in the frescos gallery. Those graffiti are a great source for the scholars to study lots of things.
The beautifully landscaped water gardens contain a complex network of underground water distribution system which provides water to the Royal bath.
Lion stairway, water gardens and colourful frescos are saying the cleverness of the Sinhalese people.
We do not feel tired when we are climbing the fortress. Do not forget get this experience when you came to Sri Lanka. It will be very useful for you. It takes about 3hours approximately to reach to the peak.
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