Lion Rock of Sigiriya and Golden Temple of Dabbul

Lion Rock of Sigiriya and Golden Temple of Dabbul

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a unique monument of ancient architecture and nature in Sri Lanka. The majestic rock plateau rises 170 meters above the surrounding area (370 meters above sea level). In the 5th century AD, King Kashyapa built an impregnable fortress and a luxurious palace here. Now this place is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are about 1,200 steep steps leading to the top. The journey takes from 2 to 3 hours round trip. The entrance to the top was guarded by giant lion paws carved into the rock. Only they have survived to this day. On the rock you can see drawings of the king’s half-naked concubines, which have been preserved since the 5th century. Mirror Wall: A special smooth plaster wall. Previously, the king could see his reflection in it. The 200 m high Lion Rock, where the ancient city is located on the plateau, is the result of volcanic processes and the release of magma that occurred about 2 million years ago, as well as subsequent erosion. Evidence of the development of the territory of the neighboring Pidurangala rock and its caves by ascetics and monks has been available since the 3rd century BC - this is evidenced by the inscriptions they left in the caves in the ancient Indian language Brahmi. The existing historical hypothesis dates the construction of the rock palace in Sigiriya to the reign of King Kasyapa, who reigned in 477-495. The rock is fenced with a wide moat and ramparts along the entire perimeter, 5 gates lead to its territory. The ancient city of Sigiriya includes a palace at the top, buildings at the foot of the cliff and gardens at the southern end. The complex has a complex and atypical layout, combining symmetry and asymmetry of lines, clear schematics and functionality: to this day, complex drainage and irrigation systems not only exist, but also function properly. This trip starts early in the morning, before it gets hot and large crowds of tourists arrive, and can easily be combined with a visit to the Dabbula Cave Temple. Comfortable shoes are recommended for comfortable climbing.