Lions rock Sigiriya Srilanka

Lions Rock, or Sigiriya, is a magnificent landmark located in the Matale district, just a five-hour drive from Colombo International Airport, nestled between Dambulla and Habarana. To find your way to this iconic site, simply turn right at the Inamaluwa junction.

Historically, Sigiriya was constructed by King Kashyapa as a refuge from his younger brother, Mugalan, who had escaped to India to gather an army and reclaim the throne. This impressive rock stands at about 375 meters high and is surrounded by an expansive garden complete with various ponds, waterfalls, and caves. Remarkably, some of these water features continue to flow during the rainy season, echoing the grandeur of the ancient court where King Kashyapa once hosted extravagant functions.

Legends speak of a unique crab-like mechanism, reminiscent of modern lifts, used to ascend the rock. Today, visitors can take advantage of a metal staircase for easier access to the summit.

At the top, you’ll discover the ruins of structures built from ancient bricks, including palatial halls, living quarters, and pools. Archaeologists theorize that sophisticated technology was employed to transport water to the top of the rock, allowing it to be stored for use throughout the year.

Midway up the rock, within a cave, are ancient murals depicting women with their arms outstretched. Interpretations vary, with some viewing them as representations of clouds and thunder, while others believe they portray queens and their attendants. Just below these artistic caves is the brick wall known as "Katapath Pawura," where ancient visitors inscribed their admiration for Sigiriya’s beauty.

More facts about Sigiriya paintings.....

The paintings are located in the western section of a long cave and date back to around 500 A.D., coinciding with the period when the rock was transformed into a fortress. They depict 21 female figures, both individually and in pairs; legend suggests there may have originally been around 500 female characters in total scattered throughout the area. These paintings bear a striking resemblance to the renowned Ajanta paintings found in India.

Instead of being painted directly on the uneven rock surface, the artwork was created by applying a layer of clay, on which the paint was then applied before the clay dried. Archaeologists note that a palette of red, yellow, green, black, and white was used, with green being the predominant color. These pigments were derived from crushed leaves mixed with minerals.

The artist skillfully depicted clothing, necklaces, earrings, and flowers, focusing primarily on the upper body of the female figures. There are differing interpretations among archaeologists regarding the identities of these women. H.C.P. Bell suggests that they represent members of King Kashyapa’s court, perhaps en route to worship at the nearby Pidurangala temple. Meanwhile, Mr. Paranawithana, a former Chief Archaeologist, posits that they may be associated with thunder and clouds, reflecting the community's expectation of a rainy climate in the region.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lions Rock Sigiriya is now under the care of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka and welcomes both local and international visitors to explore its rich history and stunning landscapes.