5 must-know tips for visiting Sigiriya - A traveller's checklist
Sigiriya is home to a wonderful collection of talking points and engineering feats that stand testament to the prowess and ingenuity of its builder – King Kashyapa who reigned during the 5th century. Within the complex are the Royal Gardens, which are believed to be one of the oldest examples of a landscaped urban garden. Next in line are the Water Gardens, which are symmetrical in size and include bathing pools, curved tanks and island pavilions. These Gardens comprised a series of underground ducts and hydraulic systems that were responsible for supplying water. Farther off are the Boulder Gardens on which the monastery of Sigiriya and other monastic buildings once stood. Worthy of mention are the strikingly beautiful Sigiriya Frescoes that are thought to be the maidens who served in King Kashyapa's court. Thereafter, you will stumble upon the Mirror Wall that was polished with a smooth glaze and as legend reveals, was used by visitors to inscribe their thoughts of the fair maidens. You will then pass through the Lion's Paw staircase before summitting Sigiriya. Once atop, ruins of King Kashyapa's palace will be on display. However, do spend time enjoying sweeping panoramas of reservoirs, mountains and dense jungle landscapes that would appear to stretch on for miles. Finally, do allocate sufficient time for the Sigiriya Museum. As an attraction, this building contains a fascinating display of artefacts, some of which trace the Monastic period of Sigiriya and exhibits that evidence pre-civilisation times.
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With an impressive history of more than 1,500 years, exploring Sigiriya Rock or 'Lion Rock' will easily come off as one of the best things to do in Sigiriya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site speaks volumes of the skill and ability of the ancient builder through the architecture on show. Constructed by King Kashyapa, Sigiriya Rock boasts a gamut of details that range from lion paws found at the entrance, a polished Mirror Wall, stunning boulder & water gardens and the highlight of them all – the Sigiriya Frescoes. These murals depict the maidens believed to have once served in the royal court. Further, at its summit, travellers will be greeted by the ruins of King Kashyapa's palace coupled by sweeping views of verdant valleys, mountains and lakes.
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