Sigiriya

Sigiriya is an archeological site in North Central Sri Lanka. It contains the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the period of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495 AD). It is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is one of it’s most admired tourist destinations.
The Sigiriya site consists of a 180m tall granite rock, whose sides are so steep that at some points the top overhangs the base. At the top of the site there is a palace compound. The ruins of various chambers, stairways and pools can be seen at the top. There is a stone stairway leading from the base to the top of the mountain. About half way to the top, there is a pair giant pair of lions paws which is in fact the ruin of a huge head of a lion whose open mouth served as the entrance to the royal palace.
Sigiriya fortress- Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination is ‘Sigiriya’ – A 5th century rock fortress created like a crouching lion. The name sigiriya comes from Sinhalese word “Singha Giri” or “Lion Rock” Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya marks everything from ancient Sri Lankan history, such as culture, art effects, architecture, views of nature. Sigiriya is also the location for Arthur C Clerks ‘Fountains of Paradise’. According to Sri Lankan history Sigiriya, was made by King Kassapa I (477 – 495 AD). Kassapa was the son of King Dhatusena(Anuradhapura 459 to 477 AD). King Dhatusena was removed from power and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son of the real queen escape to India, promising revenge. Kasyapa fearing of the promising revenge built this secure fortress at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is the best example as an architectural wonder and the best example of ancient Sri Lankan civil engineering. Designs of parks, ponds, and pavilions are brilliant. Also a good example for eco-designs.