Sigiriya

The ruins of the ancient capital built by King Kassapa lie on the summit of a granite peak standing 180m high.

Overview

The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site

Highlights

  • Lion’s Paw terrace
  • Frescoes
  • Water gardens

Gallery

  • Sigiriya
  • Sigiriya view 1
  • Sigiriya view 2
  • Sigiriya view 3
  • Sigiriya view 4

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