Sri Lanka's most revered historic site is Sigiriya, a UNESCO listed world heritage site, and Sri Lanka's pride and joy (apart from their national cricket team).
The bloody history of Sigiriya
Legend has it, that the giant rock was chosen by King Kasyapa around 477 AD to be the location of his new capital. He then proceeded to build his new kingdom at the very top.
This was preceded by a bit of a family dispute...patricide etc...you know how it is...which resulted in Kasyapa usurping the throne from his older brother. Kasyapa's older brother was exiled to India, but had vowed to return to Sri Lanka to seek revenge and reclaim the throne. Kasyapa therefore chose Sigiriya as the site of his new palace because from the top you can see for miles in all directions, meaning he could attack his brother first.
His brother did eventually return, and maybe Kasyapa was too busy in his 'pleasure palace' to notice, because his brother attacked and defeated him, and Kasyapa fell on his sword...like, actually fell on it and killed himself, after slitting his throat first. His brother then turned Sigiriya into a Buddhist monastery.
The long slog to the top
We had got our hotel in Dambulla to hire us a driver for the day, so he took us to Sigiriya in the afternoon. I highly recommend going early morning or late afternoon when it isn't too hot. I think it was about 3pm when we went and it was still 40 degrees.
On arrival we got a guide. This isn't necessary but you find out way more historical info. And you just pay him whatever you think is appropriate...I think we paid him $15 NZ. There are also people who will try to help you up the stairs for a small fee, but just politely say no if you can manage.
When you arrive, the first thing you'll see is all the water gardens. They are a picture of tranquility, and are still being excavated. Who knows how many are left around the base of the rock!
Legend has it, that the giant rock was chosen by King Kasyapa around 477 AD to be the location of his new capital. He then proceeded to build his new kingdom at the very top.
This was preceded by a bit of a family dispute...patricide etc...you know how it is...which resulted in Kasyapa usurping the throne from his older brother. Kasyapa's older brother was exiled to India, but had vowed to return to Sri Lanka to seek revenge and reclaim the throne. Kasyapa therefore chose Sigiriya as the site of his new palace because from the top you can see for miles in all directions, meaning he could attack his brother first.
His brother did eventually return, and maybe Kasyapa was too busy in his 'pleasure palace' to notice, because his brother attacked and defeated him, and Kasyapa fell on his sword...like, actually fell on it and killed himself, after slitting his throat first. His brother then turned Sigiriya into a Buddhist monastery.
The long slog to the top
We had got our hotel in Dambulla to hire us a driver for the day, so he took us to Sigiriya in the afternoon. I highly recommend going early morning or late afternoon when it isn't too hot. I think it was about 3pm when we went and it was still 40 degrees.
On arrival we got a guide. This isn't necessary but you find out way more historical info. And you just pay him whatever you think is appropriate...I think we paid him $15 NZ. There are also people who will try to help you up the stairs for a small fee, but just politely say no if you can manage.
When you arrive, the first thing you'll see is all the water gardens. They are a picture of tranquility, and are still being excavated. Who knows how many are left around the base of the rock!
And then the stairs start. There are 1202 steps to the top. It's hard. I nearly gave up at halfway. But I kept going, and despite the sweaty knee patches in all my photos, I'm glad I did. The guide came up all the way with us, he must have strong calves doing that all day long!
Look at all those stairs! They are steep too.
Look at all those stairs! They are steep too.
Keep an eye out for the frescoes and the mirror wall along the way.
The frescoes are beautiful, and apparently there used to be about 500 painted ladies across the western rock face. Most of these no longer exist.
The frescoes are beautiful, and apparently there used to be about 500 painted ladies across the western rock face. Most of these no longer exist.
The mirror wall was originally polished so much that it was highly reflective and therefore the king could check himself out as his walked on by. It''s hard to imagine now...I didn't see any reflection.
Have a break at halfway and admire the giant Lion's feet, which serve as a gate to the rest of the rock. Sigiriya is also known as Lion Rock. There used to be more to the lion but the head collapsed years ago. I really would have been happy to stay there at half way!
Encouraged by Chris and the guide, I continued the rest of the ascent. It was well worth it. The top is breath-taking. It feels like you can see the whole of Sri Lanka.
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