Climb the Lion’s Paws and Explore the Rich History of Sri Lanka’s Ultimate Tourist Destination
Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Despite its size, it’s home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and ancient ruins in the world. Among these, Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, is one of the most popular and awe-inspiring destinations in the country.
Located just 30 minutes from Dambulla City, this rock fortress is a must-see destination for any traveler to Sri Lanka. But before you pack your bags and head off to explore the wonders of Sigiriya Rock, there are a few things you should know.
First of all, let’s talk about the cost. The entrance fee to Sigiriya Rock is $30 per person, which may seem like a lot, but trust us when we say it’s worth every penny. The complex consists of the rock that you’ll climb using the famous stairs. In the second half of this journey, there is something called Mirror Wall and then frescoes, which is a small cave with very old pictures with still vivid colors.
Sigiriya Rock is a strenuous climb of stairs, metal staircases, and clambering of the ruins on the top. Anyone with vertigo or those with weak stamina might be advised not to do this. But, it’s worth the effort as you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle and countryside. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible piece of Sri Lankan history and culture.
It’s recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit. The place is full of self-employed tour guides – locals that will follow you around, saying that they are tour guides and that you definitely need one. Then they will walk with you, talk with you, and expect money at the end. We were warned that there is no need for a tour guide and that the place is mostly about walking the stairs and the view afterward. So, be careful with tour guides and helpers. They are not necessary and will try to rip you off.
One of the most interesting parts of the climb is the Lion’s Paws, which is the stairway where there are usually long lines of people trying to get to the top of the rock. At the base of the stairs, there are statues in the form of lion’s paws, so hence the name. This place is what you want to experience when someone talks about Sigiriya Rock. And from my experience, it’s the biggest fun!
The Mirror Wall itself is not that impressive. It’s not shiny anymore, you can’t touch it, and it’s just there in its not shiny form. However, the frescoes that are waiting for you at the end of the line are much more interesting since it’s something to look at. The line leading to the frescoes is heading among the Mirror Wall. It’s not possible to take pictures of frescoes, though, there is a lot of staff watching everyone, so nobody does it.
I didn’t see any toilets on the way, just those at the ticket office. So count with that if you want to spend a few hours of wandering at the place, or if the queues on the particular day are too long.
However, if you’re on a budget, Pidurangula is a cheaper and equally mind-blowing alternative. It offers a more breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes with fewer people.
Sigiriya Rock is an impressive landmark with a rich history that’s worth exploring. It’s a well-known rock on the tourist trail of Sri Lanka
History
The area around Sigiriya may have been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the many rock shelters and caves in the vicinity that were occupied by Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BC. The Aligala rock shelter to the east of Sigiriya rock indicates that the area was occupied nearly five thousand years ago during the Mesolithic Period.
During the 3rd century BC, Buddhist monastic settlements were established in the western and northern slopes of the boulder-strewn hills surrounding the Sigiriya rock. Several rock shelters or caves were created during this period, made under large boulders with carved drip ledges around the cave mouths. Rock inscriptions recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences were carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters. These inscriptions date from the period between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century AD.
In 477 AD, Kashyapa I, the king’s son by a non-royal consort, seized the throne from King Dhatusena following a coup assisted by Migara, the King’s nephew, and army commander. The rightful heir, Moggallana, fearing for his life, fled to South India.
To protect himself from a possible attack by Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya. During King Kashyapa’s reign (477 to 495 AD), Sigiriya was developed into a complex city and fortress, including defensive structures, palaces, and gardens, most of which date from this period.
According to the Cūḷavaṃsa, Kashyapa murdered his father by walling him up alive and then usurped the throne, which rightfully belonged to his half-brother Moggallana, Dhatusena’s son by the true queen. Moggallana fled to India and raised an army to retake the throne of Sri Lanka, which he considered to be rightfully his. Expecting the inevitable return of Moggallana, Kashyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress as well as a pleasure palace. Moggallana eventually returned and defeated Kashyapa in 495 CE, during which Kashyapa committed suicide by falling on his sword.
After Kashyapa’s death, Moggallana converted Sigiriya into a Buddhist monastery complex, which survived until the 13th or 14th century. The capital was returned to Anuradhapura, and after this period, no records were found on Sigiriya until the 16th and 17th centuries when it was briefly used as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.
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