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Sigiriya
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- Name
- Sigiriya
- Continent
- ASIA
- Alt Name:
- -
- Country:
- Sri Lanka
- Period:
- -
- Sub-Region:
- -
- Date:
- 300BC - 201BC
- City/Town:
- Sigiriya
- Figure:
- -
- Resorts:
- Sigiriya,
- Related:
- Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa ,
Temple of the Tooth ,
about Sigiriya
Sigiriya in Sri Lanka combines a natural phenomenon with history and religion. Comprised of a vast red rock mound rising over a thousand feet, it is thought that Sigiriya (meaning “Lion Rock”) was originally inhabited during the third century BC, when a Buddhist monastery was founded there.
In the fifth century AD, it is thought that Sigiriya’s use changed from a sacred site to a royal one. It is said that, having assassinated his father King Dhatusena and taken the throne, King Kassapa I of the Anuradhapura Kingdom sought an easily defensible place to build his palace and that he chose to construct it atop Sigiriya.
The ruins of Kassapa’s castle can still be seen there today and include the remnants of a city at the foot of the rock. From these ruins, it is evident that the king’s city was a grand one with gardens, monuments and, of course, his palace.
In the late fifth century, Kassapa was defeated in battle and Sigiriya once again became a Buddhist monastery, eventually falling into decline.
One of the most notable sites at Sigiriya is its series of frescoes depicting numerous female figures. Originally, there would have been hundreds of similar frescoes. There is a debate as to whether these were created under Kassapa or whether these were the creation of the Buddhist monks as numerous representations of one of their deities.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya is now open to the public.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Sigiriya is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
useful information
Directions:
Sigiriya is located around 20km northeast of Dambulla, from which there are quite regular buses, the journey last around 30 min. (ask your hotel and check available buses for the way back).
Ticket Information:
A combined ticket for Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Nalanda, Ritigala and Medirigiriya costs $50 USD (valid for 2 months) or $25 USD for entry to a single site. Available from the Central Cultural Fund, 212/1 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo (see contact details for phone no.).
Links:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/202
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