Sigiriya also known as the Lion Rock is majestic rock fortress with a rich history dating back to the late 5th century.
Location
Sigiriya is located in the Matale District close to Dambulla and is within the easy reach of any Sigiriya hotel including the eco luxury brands such as Water Garden Sigiriya.
The shocking murder
The story of Sigiriya begins when Prince Kashyapa the son of King Dathusena (459-477) by a non-royal consort murdered his father by walling him to the bund of the great resoviour ‘Kala Wewa’. This was an act of rage when the king showed him the great reservoir he constructed by his wealth. Kashyapa fled to Sigiriya to escape Prince Mugalan, who was the rightful heir to the throne where he then built his wondrous kingdom.
The rock fortress
The glorious palace was built on top of a rock with a stone lion as the entrance. Sigiriya rock derives its name from this stone lion and only the paws remain today. The spectacular hydraulic engineering makes this is a masterpiece. The ponds, water gardens, the mirror walls and the frescos are some of the highlights of this remarkable world heritage site.
Crumble of a glorious kingdom
In 495 King Kashyapa was defeated in battle with King Mugalan and slit his wrist in shame. The lion rock was abandoned ever since until it was discovered by the British Mayor Jonathan Forbes in 1833. However it wasn’t until 1907 when the world was told the tale of the stunning rock fortress and the kingdom in the sky.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
