How to Explore Untold Stories About Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka - The Iconic Citadel’s Secrets Unveiled

Sigiriya’s mind-blowing splendour is something that every traveller to the historical site looks forward to, but the trek to its summit is also as fascinating as the fabled scenery itself. The infamous 1,200 steps to the top of the rock never fail to excite, but the fortress’s outer walls will often have trekkers by surprise, for not only a handful of visitors to Sigiriya are aware of its existence. It is a 15-foot-deep moat that trekkers have to cross over to reach the top. It’s also believed to have been filled with crocs back in the day and a drawbridge has been in place to cross it.

The panoramic views of the surrounding scenery at the top of the rock are the undisputed highlight of Sigiriya, but the pools that extend the length of the main walkway to the fortress in perfect symmetry are also of outstanding beauty. The use of these pools back in the day is rather comical, where it is presumed to have been used by King Kashyapa, the founder and the creator of Sigiriya, to observe his 500 wives bathe in all day.

Making your way through the picturesque Water Gardens, what’s in line to greet you next is the Boulder Gardens. Sprawling lush green lawns dotted by trees galore and ponds of emerald waters define the magnificent gardens, inviting trekkers for a pitstop on their way to the summit. While the striking green throughout is undoubtedly bewitching, it’s the remarkable symmetry displayed throughout the gardens that is often talked about, as its implementation is quite impressive even for today’s modern day and age.

One notable element of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a highlight on many tours conducted by the likes of Ceylon Tours is the paintings of the damsels associated with the ancient site. These paintings, located along a sheltered gallery on the western face of the rock, are a vibrant series of paintings depicting celestial maidens, believed to be either King Kashyapa's consorts or divine beings. These frescoes are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan art, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and cultural sophistication of the time. Despite their age, the colours remain remarkably vivid, offering a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the kingdom that once thrived here.

The Mirror Wall, another iconic element of the rock fortress, ends at an enclosure that was once occupied by the Lion Gate. While it was a structure of remarkable grandeur back in the day, what remains today are two massive paws, depictive a lion. Even though the two paws only form a fragment of the original structure, the architectural magnificence is quite apparent. The Lion Gate served as the main entrance to the citadel, symbolising both power and protection, and it was through this imposing gateway that visitors once passed, beneath the fierce gaze of the stone lion, to enter the heart of the fortress.

Beyond the grandeur of the rock fortress itself, the surrounding area of Sigiriya is home to several hidden caves that are often overlooked by visitors. These caves, scattered at the base of the rock, served as meditation retreats for Buddhist monks long before King Kashyapa’s reign. Some of these caves still contain ancient inscriptions and primitive paintings, offering a glimpse into the religious significance of Sigiriya long before it became a royal citadel.