Sigiriya is one of the most fascinating remnants of the ancient civilizations left in Sri Lanka and a place that constantly continues to baffle visitors to it today.
The Eighth Wonder of the World
Located between Dambulla and Habarana, easily accessed from one of the more famous Heritance Hotels in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is a rocky plateau that rises above the jungle and was the site of the palace in the sky constructed by King Kashyapa I. The locals like to call it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Kashyapa
The illegitimate son of the then king of Anuradhapura, Kashyapa deposed and murdered his father and took the throne from his younger brother. But he lived in fear that his brother would come back for what was rightfully his, so he moved the kingdom to Sigiriya and built an impenetrable fortress that is still a feat of architecture today.
The Western Wall
The western wall of Sigiriya was almost entirely covered in paintings of women, though over the years they’ve weathered away until only 18 remain today. No one knows who painted these frescoes or why. Another point of note is the Mirror Wall.
The Surroundings
The area surrounding Sigiriya is part of the cultural triangle and home to many Sri Lanka hotels. So, if you book to stay in the area, you will have plenty of heritage to explore.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
