Sigiriya is a Rock Fortress which is situated forty miles north of Matale in the Central Province. It is also called the Lion Rock. This is an ancient rock fortress which is one of Sri Lankans major tourists attractions. Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country and it has so much to offer for the tourists. Tourism is one of the major contributors to the economy of Sri Lanka. It is an island paradise unlike any other. Sri Lankan hospitality is well known to visitors and also known around the world. Sri Lanka named “Paradise in the Indian Ocean”. The beauty and the hospitality is so overwhelming, many choose to come back as a result. Sri Lanka has a rich history of ancient rulers, the Kings. Sigiriya is one good place for this.
This Rock Fortress is more than 600 feet in height. Climbing this rock is a hike that one will never forget. Today Sigiriya is named World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is a well preserved site for ancient urban planning.
The story of Sigiriya goes like this: In the 5th century King Dhatusena had two sons. Moggallana and Kashyapa. In the traditional sense the eldest Moggallana of the two sons will inherit the kingdom, when the king passes. Kashyapa realized that he will not become the king. So he planned a coup, imprisoned his brother and killed his father to take the Crown. However he was afraid of his brother's retaliation and decided to build his palace and fortress on top of the rock. This way he would have the upper hand on vision in case of intruders. Its 600 feet high with a visibility all around. The idea was to use the boulders to attack the enemy.
Kashyapa wanted his Palace to be a comfortable. He made all the facilities like a swimming pool, bathrooms, theater, walkways, ponds and all other facilities. He also made painting on the side walls on rock carvings. Frescoes that are well preserved from visitors. You cannot take photography and cannot be touched. The painting are done with plant extracts. Sri Lankan’s learn this in history lessons and in story books. This rock was very suitable for a fortress as it is tall and surrounded by then forest and water. If there is an invasion, it could be seen before it is too late.
Sri Lanka then “Ceylon” later got invaded by the Dutch, then the French and the British. In 1948 Sri Lanka got its Independence from the British. Sri Lanka's natural resources were used by the invaders and the true history of the country also fell victim. The rock is called the Lion Fortress as the main entrance is constructed like a Lion. You walk through the mouth of the Lion.
There is an art gallery with painting on the rock wall "Frescoes". Out of many there is about 13 that is left and they are fast fading away. The archeological groups are fighting to preserve this and unlike before you cannot touch and cannot take pictures.
Climbing the rock is very challenging. First a long walk from the parking then a series of stairs. To see the painting is a stair spiral fairly steep. Then you would come down to go up to the top. The Wind going up is very strong during certain times and there are proper stairs now. There was a time you would climb simply holding a pipe all along and the wind would almost blow you away. It is safe now.
Along the way you will see will monkeys. They are so cute and adorable. If you have food or drinks that is visible with you, they will grab them and or will become violent and you ou may get attacked. Which is rare. They snatched a drink from someone’s backpack shocking that person. Don’t show food and you will be ok. You can take a lot of pictures with monkeys in the close vicinity and they pose well like they are so used to.
Sri Lankan Monkey
When you are done with all this and come down you will see vendors of various kind. There was a snake charmer during the time we there. I got to take pictures with a python. I have never touched a snake before and this seemed a good moment to do it.
Pyton
Cobra
There are souvenir shops along the way. It’s get very hot and they sell water and other little snacks too. Did you know the tourists ticket price is about six times what the locals pay.
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