Sigiriya, is an ancient kingdom with archeological significance which was built by King Kashyapa(AD477-495). Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Hertage Site located in Matale district near Dambulla .Before exploring ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya the story of the king kashyapa is worth knowing.
Before selecting Sigiriya for his new capital, King Kashyapa’s capital was Anuradhapura. In 477 AD Kashyapa seized the throne from his father, King Dhatusena. But the throne is rightfully belonged to his brother Moggallana.

Fearing for his life, Moggallana fled to India. Afraid of an attack from his brother Moggallana,King Kashyapa moved his kingdom to Sigiriya.
King Kashyapa killed his father by walling him alive. On this rock, King Kashyapa built a city, palaces, gardens, water gardens and a fortreses.

After that Sigiriya city was the capital of Anuradhapura. He ruled for 18 years . Then Moggallana returned with an army and defeated Kasyapa. After that King Kasyapa committed suicide and in King Moggallana’s regime the capital was again Anuradhapura. He converted Sigiriya to a buddhist monastery.
When you walk the pathway towards the rock fortress, you can see water gardens and ponds. In the middle part of the rock there are beautiful paintings and world famous frescoes.

 

Then one can find Sigiriya Mirror Wall. This consists of Sinhala poems in 7th to 10th centures.
Next you can find two huge lion paws.

Earlier there was a huge lion statue. There is an iron stairway to climb to the summit of the rock. On the summit there are remains of the upper palace foundations and some ponds. In some part ot the rock you can find lower palaces. Royal park is on the west side of the rock. In some gardens of Sigiriya there fountains. Underground water is supplied to these fountains.Water systems are still working.