What is so special about Sigiriya?

Sigiriya is famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano. Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times.

Was Sigiriya built by Ravana?

Cobra Hood Cave & Ramayana Yatra Sri Lanka According to the Palm Leaf Book (Puskola Potha) of Ravana Watha (Ravana Story) the architect of the Sigiriya was a Danava called Maya Danava. He built up Sigiriya on the instructions given by King Visthavasa (Vishravasamuni) the father of Ravana.

What is the most popular rock in Sri Lanka?

Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the most popular landmarks to visit during a route through Sri Lanka. The natural phenomenon is an enormous (200m) square-shaped rock, a former fortress of King Kassapa.

Who built Sigiriya Sri Lanka?

king Kashyapa I
Sigiriya was built by the fifth-century king Kashyapa I, who ruled the native Sinhalese dynasty, the Moriya. The imposing fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom until Kashyapa was defeated in A.D. 495.

How high is Sigiriya Sri Lanka?

The rock, which is so steep that its top overhangs the sides, rises to an elevation of 1,144 feet (349 metres) above sea level and is some 600 feet (180 metres) above the surrounding plain. Painted figure of an apsara, fresco from the Sigiriya World Heritage site, central Sri Lanka, 6th century.

What did you do in Sigiriya?

The 15 Best Things To Do In Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

1. Climb Sigiriya Rock (Aka Lion Rock)
2. Enter Pidurangala Rock.
3. Discover More At The Sigiriya Museum.
4. See The Elephants At Minneriya National Park.
5. See Even More At Kaudulla National Park.
6. Go On Your Own Cycling Tour Of Sigiriya.
7. Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride!

Why was Sigiriya built?

The citadel on top of Sigiriya was built by King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 CE. He choose this as his royal residence as he was worried of potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne.

Who built Sigiriya Ravana?

Sigiriya as Ravana’s palace site It is believed that the plateau top was the site of Ravana’s majestic palace, made of solid gold and crafted by Kubera, the God of Wealth, around 50 centuries ago.

How old is Sigiriya?

Archeological excavations have proven that Sigiriya and its surrounding territories were inhabited for more than 4000 years. Since the 3th century BC Sigiriya was used as a monastery and after eight centuries it was turned into a royal palace.

What are the Sigiriya frescoes?

The Sigiriya Frescoes were painted on the western surface of Sigiriya Rock, located in central Sri Lanka. They were the highlight of a massive palace complex built in 480AD by King Kasyapa. Today only a few paintings survive, in a small pocket halfway up the rock, about 100 meters above ground.

What was Sigiriya used for?

Sigiriya, inhabited from prehistoric times, has been used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the fifth century C.E. King Kashyapa built the garden and palace. Following Kasyapa’s death, the site again became a monastery complex until abandoned in the fourteenth century.