Sigiriya, Rock fortress ruins in Matale District, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is a rock fortress in Matale District, Sri Lanka, that stands 180 meters above the surrounding plain and is surrounded by water gardens, stone walls, and multiple defensive levels carved into the hillside. The ascent passes through narrow staircases and galleries cut into the rock, past terraces and platforms, until reaching the flat summit where palace structures once stood.

King Kasyapa built this citadel between 477 and 495 after overthrowing his father and driving his half-brother into exile, seeking refuge on this rock formation. His brother later reclaimed the site, converted it into a Buddhist monastery, and ended its brief reign as a royal seat.

The name Sinhagiri, "Lion Rock", comes from the gateway shaped as an enormous lion built on a plateau about halfway up; only the paws and legs survive, the head having collapsed years ago. The polished mirror wall beside the frescoes carries verses written by visitors between the 6th and 10th centuries, and the graffiti is studied as early Sinhala poetry.

The climb involves roughly 1200 steps, so it helps to begin early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowded conditions. The path is steep and narrow in places, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing enough water makes the ascent easier.

The entrance to the upper level features two enormous stone lion paws that once formed the base of a complete lion figure carved into the rock, through whose mouth visitors would pass. The name Sigiriya means lion rock and refers to this now vanished sculpture that greeted those entering the palace grounds.