Rising from the earth amongst the thicket of greens is a massive rock formation in inland Sri Lanka. The site is as dramatic as the story behind it. Atop the flat surface of this giant rock are the pieces of history that have stood the test of time. Here’s what the 8th wonder of the world has to offer the curious mind!
The pathway up
The ancient craftsmanship of locals is truly seen in this magnificent rock fortress called Sigiriya. The entrance to the rock begins at the Lion Paws where you will climb a few stairs carved into the rock and into the lion’s mouth. Today you will find it easier climbing up the metal steps, however, it was definitely no easy task climbing up the original stairway carved into the rock.
Reached the top!
Once reaching the summit, you’ll see that the flat surface of the rock had been transformed by the king at the time into a truly magnificent palace that existed once upon a time. However, in the present day, it is just a few ruins of the structure that remain. Nonetheless, the view from the rock is a die for!
Sigiriya Frescoes
Sigiriya has a whole host of interesting things when it comes to art. There is a whole gallery of painting on the smooth rock surface that has all but faded! The paintings of the women on the rock walls are thought to have been the king’s concubine or mountain nymphs.
The Mirror wall
Whoever thought that graffiti wasn’t around in the ancient times was wrong! This mirror wall that you will see past the gallery, is not made of rock itself but has been glazed with a substance that makes it shine almost like a mirror. People or the time took the liberty to write what they felt about the women in the paintings on this wall according to legend.
Planning to visit?
If this attraction has intrigued your curiosity and you would like to visit, it will be even more interesting once you’ve researched the story behind Sigirya. A stay at a Sigiriya hotel in close proximity to the attraction, such as Heritance Kandalama will ensure easy access to the place.
