Why The Tourists Love the Sigiriya Lion’s Rock             

Sri Lanka has boundless natural attractions and awe-inspiring man-made ones. Considered the most visited among all of these is the iconic Sigiriya Lion’s Rock. Building such an impressive Fortress and Palace about 200 metres from ground level seems a nearly impossible feat in that era. The feeling of awe as one ascends the rock is partly due to the wonder of looking down and seeing the spectacular vistas but more so due to the feeling of disbelief as to how this wonderful creation was possible.

Introduction

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Palace, also called Sigiriya, or simply Lion Rock is situated on the edge of the Central Province of Sri Lanka where the hilly greenery ends. It was built by King Kashyapa during his reign from 473 to 495 with ramparts and moats as a safeguard against his enemies. The area around the rock is covered with dense jungles providing an expanse of lush greenery for miles around it.

To reach the top of the rock to witness the ruins are nearly 1200 steps. However, various platforms on the way up provide space for a rest before one continues the ascend further. In the final phase of the steps, the ascent is through the open paws of the lion which surprisingly happen to remain almost intact and are seen and admired by scores of visitors and locals and has become an interesting spot to capture images.

This massive Lion’s Rock complex with the palace built in the shape of a gigantic lion is at present a historical monument with ruins of the grandiose stronghold of the past. It is also a site with immense archaeological value. These factors make Sigiriya a fascinating attraction for visitors at many Habarana hotels for whom this is on the top of their bucket list.

Blend of Nature, Creativity, and Ingenuity

The design and architecture of Sigiriya showcase a profound harmony between nature, human creativity, and ingenuity in various aspects like engineering, irrigation designing and aesthetics of the water gardens and boulder gardens and beyond. The symmetry and asymmetry both done deliberately speak of the high level of ingenuity in the creation of the entire complex. These subtle facets are admired by visitors who have an appreciation of these sites of archaeological value and who share the value of visiting these sites with others.

The rocky plain of Sigiriya is a result of magma formation from an extinct volcano and to a height of 200 metres. Along with the jungles surrounding it, this rock was an ideal location for King Kashyapa to build his citadel.  

The Gardens, Mirror Walls and Frescoes

It is not only the Fortress and Palace that have been magnificent but also the gardens, frescoes and mirror walls which had provided oodles of pleasure to the Royalty back then.

Gardens - Well landscaped and connected, with water fields, cave and stone gardens and patios although the beauty can only be visualized now.

Frescoes – These depict Sigiriya Apsaras or celestial singers and dancers, however, these are faint at present after being exposed to elements of nature.

Mirror Walls – These glossy walls on the western side of the Sigiriya rock would have been polished and shining back then, it now carries musings of many ardent travellers to this famous rock and is called the Sigiri Graffiti. Currently writing on this wall is not permitted.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

This Ancient city of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982 for its outstanding universal value under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and National Heritage.

This is a distinct reason for tourists at properties such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana to visit Sigiriya. It provides them with a firsthand appreciation of its universal value in addition to the opportunity to be inspired by its grandeur.