🦁 Sigiriya – The Lion Rock Fortress of Sri Lanka
Rising dramatically from the plains of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri or Lion Rock, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. This ancient rock fortress, located near Dambulla in the Matale District, towers 180 meters (590 ft) above the surrounding landscape and is a marvel of archaeology, history, and engineering.
VBuilt by King Kashyapa (r. 477–495 CE) as the centerpiece of his capital, Sigiriya was not just a royal residence but a symbol of power and creativity. The king constructed his palace atop the massive granite rock and adorned its flanks with vibrant frescoes. A majestic lion-shaped gateway halfway up the rock once served as the entrance, giving the site its name — Sinhagiri, meaning Lion Rock.
After Kashyapa’s death, the site was abandoned as a palace and later served as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today, Sigiriya is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning in Asia. It attracts over 1 million visitors annually and remains a stunning testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
