When thinking about attractions in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock probably springs to mind. It’s one of the country’s most awe-inspiring sights and attracts flocks of visitors every day to gaze upon the 200-metre high rock rising majestically from the jungle. At the flat-topped summit lies an unexpected enigma - the remnants of an ancient sky palace. There are some amazing views too, but you’ll have to break a sweat and scale a series of steep staircases first.
While the panoramic vistas are - understandably - a major draw for tourists, the rock’s fascinating history also deserves some attention. Archaeological evidence suggests that Sigiriya was used as a religious retreat for Buddhist monks in the 3rd century BC before it was transformed into a royal residence for King Kasyapa a few hundred years later.
Sigiriya has some extraordinary features - the most notable being the huge pair of lion’s paws guarding the entrance and the exquisite frescoes. The surrounding water gardens, terraces, ponds and canals are equally impressive, and together with the main fortress have been hailed as some of the finest examples of ancient architecture, art and engineering in Sri Lanka.
Considering its historical significance, it’s no surprise that Sigiriya rock is an UNESCO-listed World Heritage site and dubbed by locals as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. And yes, this is one attraction that really does live up to the hype!