Sigiriya is one of Sri Lankas most fascinating attractions. It is an ancient fortress made of rock back in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. The rock has been landscaped into magnificent courtyards, water gardens and building sites. The water gardens are a very significant feature in the rock fortress. These astounding water gardens carry a mysterious hydraulic management technique which until present day remains unrevealed. The geometrical and symmetrical gardens are illustrious as the most complicated and spacious out of the gardens in Sigiriya. In the innermost segment of the western zone is where the glorious water gardens can be seen. It consists of pools, water pavilions, courtyards, tanks and water channels.
The first garden is a space enclosed with water and which is linked to the central precinct with four causeways where the whole plot is enclosed by walls which join the gateways. This plot of land is put together according to a primeval garden popular as Char Bagh. The second water garden contains two elongated, profound pools which are set on both sides of the conduit. There are two thin and winding streams which lead to the pools. You would also find fountains finished with round limestone plates. The water to these fountains is supplied through underground canals which are still in function. On either side of these gardens you would find two islands where the summer palaces of King Kasyapa were built. The third water garden is in an elevated position unlike the other two. When you go through this spectacular garden you would see an octagonal shaped pond with a higher platform towards its Northeast bend.
On either side of the glorious fountains are the four massive moated islands where bridges have been put up to reach the stunning summer palaces. A striking element of the water garden is the pebbled and marbled floors of the pools which gives a compelling sound and visual upshot when the water ripples over the tiles. Sigiriya is indeed a romantic and mesmerizing place with immense value and history. If a traveler visiting Sigiriya wants to spend time at a Sigiriya Hotel, Jetwing Vil Uyana s perhaps the most unique Sri Lanka Hotels in the region.