Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The most popular attraction of Sri Lanka is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The ancient palace and fortress complex of Sigiriya has significant archaeological importance attracting thousands of tourists every year. The fortress complex of Sirgiya includes remains of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.

Attractions

Frescoes ? An open-air spiral stairway leads to a long sheltered gallery in the sheer rock face. The paintings and murals of buxom, wasp-waisted women (popularly believed to represent apsaras) are among popular attraction in the fortress. Protected from the sun in the sheltered gallery, the frescoes remain in remarkably good condition, with their colours still glowing.

Pidurangula ? About 1km from the Sirgiya site, this prominent rock offers amazing views of Sirgiya. With a 20 minute hike up to the top, most people come at sunset to enjoy the magnificent view. The sunrise view is equally beautiful and much less crowded.

Lion’s Paws ? A narrow pathway emerging on to the large platform at the northern end of the rock, the Lion Rock is another amazing attraction. HCP Bell, the British archaeologist found the two enormous lion paws when excavating here in 1898.

Royal Gardens ? The base of the fortress is a beautiful landscape with terraced gardens and natural boulders, once home to various Buddhist shrines. It’s a beautiful place to explore away from the crowds. The charming boulder gardens, closer to the rock itself and best seen on the descent from the rock, feature boulders that once formed the bases of monastery buildings.

Water Gardens ? From the main entrance to the rock, there is a series of fascinating water gardens, including curved tanks, bathing pools, little islands with pavilions, and landscape borders.