Sigiriya

Type: Anciant Place

Location: Central Mathale Distric, Near the town of Dabulla

Sigiriya is an historic construction situated in the middle of Matale District close to the city of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka.Sigiriya currently is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the greatest preserved good examples of old urban organizing. It is the many visited historic site in Sri Lanka.The name relates to a site of ancient and archaeological importance that is focused by a large column of rock nearly 200 m high. According to the old Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was chosen by King Kasyapa for his different capital. He constructed his palace on the top of this rock and embellished its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about half way up the side of this rock he developed a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is made from this structure -" the Lion Rock." The capital and the regal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

•The water Gardens,
•The Boulder Gardens and
•The Terraced Gardens
Although distinct, the gardens are also linked.

The Water Gardens consist of a complex underground water supply method. The network provides water to the Regal bath, the many little moated islands & fountains. Some fountains continue to work during the rainy period! A superb view of the Gardens could be had from half way up the rock.

The Boulder Garden includes of collection of strategically placed huge rock linked by a network of winding paths. Most of the boulders had pavilions with brick structures created on them. The boulders were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also acted as a security against enemies. The boulders could be pushed off on enemies below at short notice.

The Terraced Garden is a stepped garden that rises from the boulder garden. The terraced garden is designed in a rough circular formation around the r

Frescoes – The Sigiriya Damsels

Sigiri art

The water Gardens About half way up the rock is a sheltered collection of frescoes painted on the pure rock face. The ‘Heavenly Maidens’ are related in type to the paintings of Ajantha in India. Some of them are still in remarkably good condition. Only 22 out of an estimated 500 images now remain. Flash photography is not allowed at this site.