The island of Sri Lanka, located south of India is a land of both immense beauty and rich heritage, containing numerous places that are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Out of the locales within Sri Lanka that are included on the list, one of the most popular and frequently visited is Sigiriya. Dominated by an immense rock that features elaborate frescoes, Sigiriya is the site of one of the major kingdoms that thrived in ancient Sri Lanka. Things to do in Sigiriya include exploring this amazing fortress which has such a rich heritage.
If you are looking to delve into history and explore one of the world’s most ancient cities, there are plenty of places to choose from where you can base yourself during your journey. Hotel Sigiriya, is located a very short distance away from the famed historical site, so if you were to choose to stay at this particular hotel, Sigiriya will be at your doorstep.
When the ancient King Kasyapa cast his eyes on the massive rock of Sigiriya, he decided to use it as the location of his new capital, and proceeded to construct his massive palace at the pinnacle of the titanic rock. The ruins of the upper palace can still be explored, as well as the lower palaces that are located behind the site’s lavish gardens. One of the most striking elements of Sigiriya is the massive lion that was carved out of the rock. Although the head had collapsed aeons ago, the lion’s feet still remain.
Since the palace was also a fortress, there are various tactical elements in the form of cisterns and moats that can still be observed today. The frescoes that create a gigantic picture gallery on the face of a certain part of the rock is one of Sigiriya’s biggest attractions.
Travel to Sigiriya, and gaze through time into a magical world out of ancient history.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
