Sigiriya dates back over 7,000 years, through Pre-Historic, Proto-Historic and even Early Historic times. The historical record shows that from earliest times Sigiriya (the Lion Rock) was a natural rock-shelter where humans sort refuge from the elements – there is clear evidence of human shelters and dwellings under and around the rock. Starting around the early 3rd century BCE it became a monastery, where caves were prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist sangha (clergy). The garden city of Sigiriya and the palace was built by King Kasyapa the Great between 477 – 495 CE. After Kasyapa’s death it reverted to being a monastery complex up until the 14th century.

The Mahavamsa, which is the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kasyapa as a parricide, who murdered his father King Dhatusena (English: The God King) by walling him up alive and then usurping the throne that rightfully belonged to his half-brother Mogallana. Mogallana was a powerful prince himself and to escape from the armies of Mogallana, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on top the summit of the Lion Rock Sigiriya. However, the story goes that Mogallana finally managed to get to Kasyapa but before Mogallana could confront him Kasyapa committed suicide. The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit. Based on the ideas described in some of the graffiti, this Lion staircase could be visualised as a gigantic figure towering majestically against the granite cliff, facing north, bright coloured, and awe-inspiring.

The staircase begins halfway up the rock at the Lions paws and was an impressive covered structure built of bricks and timber and a tiled roof. The staircase leads up to an imposing entranceway through an enormous mouth in a gigantic lion’s head, which leads to the Kings private gardens and palace on the summit.

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All that remains today are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround the ancient limestone steps and the cuts and groves on the rock face give an idea of the size and shape of the lion figure. Though traces of plaster and pigments occur all over this area, only two pockets of paintings survive. These paintings are in a depression in the rock face, about 100 meters above ground level. The paintings represent the earliest surviving examples of a Sri Lanka school of classical realism, already fully evolved by the 5th century, when these paintings had been made.

Earlier the Sigiriya art-style had been considered as belonging to the Central Indian school of Ajanta, but later considered as specifically different from the Ajanta paintings. The ladies depicted in the paintings have been variously identified as Apsaras (heavenly maidens), as ladies of King Kasyapa’s court and as Lightening Princess and Cloud Damsels.

There are further remains of paintings in some of the caves at the foot of the rock. Of special significance is the painting on the roof of the Cobra Hood Cave. The cave with its unique shape dates from the pre-christian era. The painting combines geometrical shapes and motifs with a free and complex rendering of characteristic volute or whorl motifs. It is nothing less than a masterpiece of expressionist painting.

The first sight of Sigiriya makes one wonder… why did I take so long to come here! The famous rock fortress resembles not just the craftsmanship of the local craftsmen but you ask yourself how did anybody think of this and how did they manage to do it!

The experienced traveller knows that the best time to climb Sigiriya would be early morning, so that you could be at the summit when the early morning sun makes an appearance. It is not just the Rock fortress which is the main event but also the breath-taking scenery, the walls, the moat, and the remains of a royal garden…you just must take it slow and enjoy it. Sunsets are rather spectacular too.

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Today, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its stunning scenery, intricate architecture, and fascinating history.

Here are some of the things to see and know about Sigiriya Rock Fortress:

• The Lion’s Paw: The Lion’s Paw is a large set of stairs that lead up to the entrance of the fortress. The stairs are carved into the side of the rock and are flanked by two giant paws that are said to represent the paws of a lion.
• The Mirror Wall: The Mirror Wall is a smooth, polished wall that is located at the base of the Lion’s Paw. The wall is said to have once been covered in a mirror-like glaze that reflected the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• The Sigiriya Frescoes: The Sigiriya Frescoes are a series of paintings that depict the women of King Kashyapa’s harem. The frescoes are considered to be some of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese art.
• The Palace Complex: The Palace Complex is the ruins of the palace that was built by King Kashyapa. The complex is located on the top of the rock and includes a number of buildings, including a throne room, a bathing pool, and a garden.
• The Buddhist Monastery: The Buddhist Monastery is a complex of ruins that is located at the base of the rock. The monastery is thought to have been built in the 7th century AD and includes a number of buildings, including a dagoba, a vihara, and a library.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a fascinating and awe-inspiring site that is rich in history and culture. It is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka.