Sigiriya
The huge rock column that rises approximately 200 meters high at the old rock castle known as Sigiriya Lion Rock is its most distinctive feature. The location was chosen as the new capital by King Kashapa during his reign (477–495 AD). He painted murals on the walls and constructed a magnificent castle directly atop the granite column. The palace was only accessible by a huge carved lion’s mouth.
One of Sri Lanka’s most well-known historical sites is Sigiriya. This historic palace and fortress complex, which has important archeology and draws thousands of tourists each year, is known by locals as the eighth wonder of the world. This is presumably Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist location.
The Sigiriya stony plain, which is 200 meters higher than the surrounding forest and composed of magma from an extinct volcano, Visitors are taken aback by the exhibition’s exceptional balance between nature and human imagination.
The palace acquired Sigiriya because of this lion. The word Sihagri, which means Lion Rock, comes from the name Sigiriya. The paintings painted during the Kasyapa era cover practically all of Sigiriya’s western walls. Today, 18 frescoes are still in existence.
The painting shows a naked woman, who is interpreted as either Kasyapa’s concubine or wife or as a priest administering religious ceremonies. Even though the identity of the unidentified woman is shown in the mural, this exceptional old painting glorifies female beauty and has tremendous historical significance.
Mirrored walls are one of Sigiriya’s greatest characteristics. The king could see his reflection in the past since the technology was so advanced. Inscriptions and poems created for the visitors of Sigiriya are painted on the mirror walls.
The ninth century is when the earliest inscription was found. According to the inscription, Sigiriya was a popular tourist location more than a thousand years ago. Painting walls is strictly prohibited today.
Mirror Wall in Sigiriya
The “Mirror Wall” is a wall that is so heavily polished that the king might have seen his reflection on its surface. It is located just past the “Sigiriya Frescoes”. Visitors to Sigiriya Lions Rock have left their names and messages on the wall dating back as far as the eighth century, in some cases.
I am Budal [the writer’s name], one translated writing says. a large group of individuals traveled to see Sigiriya. I didn’t write any poems because everyone else did!” Some things remain the same.
Modern day graffiti is strictly prohibited in order to preserve these prehistoric writings.
Lion's Paw of Sigiriya
The name Sigiriya, which is derived from the Sinha-giri word for lion, means “Lions Rock,” and it is located at the northern end of the Sigiriya Lion Rock. The two massive lion paws were discovered in 1898 while excavating by British archaeologist HCP Bell, who is credited with conducting a significant amount of archaeology in Sri Lanka.
A staircase that went between the Sigiriya lion’s paws and into its mouth served as the starting point for the last trek to the top.
With the exception of the paws and the initial steps, the lion from the fifth century has already vanished. The original grooves and steps cut into the Sigiriya Lion Rock are still visible as you ascend a flight of metal stairs to the top.
Frescoes at Sigiriya
Following the gardens, you will come to a staircase that ascends Sigiriya Lion Rock gradually. You may see some of the historic frescoes painted on the Sigiriya cave walls from one stairwell. Although these paintings resemble those from the Anuradhapura era, the way the lines and shadows are painted gives them a unique look.
The fact that the original paintings are thought to have covered the whole face of Sigiriya Lions Rock, which is an area 140 meters long and 40 meters high, just adds to how stunning these ancient Sigiriya paintings are.
SIGIRIYA HOURS OF OPERATION
The Sigiriya Lion Rock is open daily from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.
PRICES FOR SIGIRIYA ROCK ENTRANCE TICKETS
Price of SIGIRIYA LION ROCK tickets USD 5
