Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Ceylon was Sri Lanka. It is an island country situated in southern Asia, which is popular for its beautiful scenery and cultural heritage. Often referred to as the Green Island. Three thousand elephants reside here. The best quality cinnamon in the entire world is grown here.
Do you have any idea that about seventy percent of the people on this island are Buddhists? Therefore, the native culture has the spirit of this religion. If you go there on a full moon day, you will see ‘Poya,” which is a sacred public holiday where people wear white and go to the temple to worship. When in Sri Lanka, you can’t leave without sampling its unique dishes. Taste the Kiribath, Kottu, or Kokis.
However, the crown jewel of the island’s heritage is undoubtedly the ancient fortress of Sigiriya.
The 8th Wonder of the World: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
Rising 660 feet above the central plains, Sigiriya (the Lion Rock) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true archaeological mystery. While some legends associate the rock with the prehistoric King Ravana, history identifies it as the palace of King Kashyapa.
The Mysteries of the Summit
The flat surface at the summit is covered with ruins of a royal palace, primarily built from over three million red bricks. Archaeologists are still baffled by how ancient builders transported such massive quantities of material to the top.
The Stairs: While modern visitors use a steel staircase installed in the last century, the original ascent was much more perilous.
Imported Marble: The presence of white marble, believed to be imported from overseas, adds another layer to the mystery: how did these heavy stones reach the peak over 1,500 years ago?
Artistic and Architectural Feats
On the cliff's midway point, behold paintings of celestial women. The Sigiri Frescoes weathered the storms for the past 15 centuries. These celestial paintings seem impossible to be created by these creatures as they are.
Perhaps you’re familiar with the well-known swimming pool. This water body has been made from solid rock. Over 3,500 tons of rock material were reportedly excavated by the builders to make the tank. The tank has never dried up completely before. Hence, it is also called the Ravana Swimming Pool
Practical Travel Tips for Your Journey
Getting There: Transportation in Sri Lanka is very affordable, making it easy to reach Sigiriya on a budget.
From the Airport: After landing at Katunayake International Airport, take a taxi to the Colombo-Kandy main road.
The Bus Route: Catch a bus heading to Dambulla. The journey takes roughly 6 hours and costs approximately 1,200 LKR ($4).
The Final Leg: From Dambulla city, the most efficient way to reach the Sigiriya site is by taking a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride.
The Climb
It takes about two hours to hike to the top if you are in good health. Although the trek is physically demanding, the panorama of the jungle seen from the top is worth every effort.
A good tip is to take a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes. Because the heat can be intense in the tropics, you should try to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
It can be said that Sigiriya rock is the world’s largest piece of pottery. It took prolonged resolve and diligence to erect this structure. Everyone is aware that rebellion is never far from peace; the king was looking for.
Have any queries regarding local stay or the best visiting time? Leave a comment below and let’s chat about your next trip.
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