Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion.
Be part of the “Elephant gathering”, the annual congregation of Wild Elephants sometimes herds as large as 400 come together in the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world. There is also plenty of other wildlife to see and enjoy.
4 Comments
5
Our adventure exploring the ancient fortress was nothing short of exhilarating, with breathtaking views that made every step worthwhile. The ascent was filled with fascinating insights into the history and culture of the site, truly bringing the past to life for us. Later, we switched gears and headed to Minneriya National Park for a wildlife safari, where we were lucky to spot elephants in their natural habitat, which was a highlight of the day. While the transportation could get a little cramped, our guide kept the energy high with stories that made the journey fly by. Overall, this combination of culture and wildlife made our day in Habarana memorable and engaging.
4.2
Our day began with a challenging climb up the ancient fortress, where the views of the surrounding landscape took our breath away. The contrasting experience of the wildlife safari later in the day was equally memorable, as we spotted elephants and an array of birds in their natural habitat. While the heat was intense at times and made the trek a bit difficult, the beauty and diversity of the day made it well worth it.
4.6
Climbing the ancient fortress was a breathtaking experience, although the crowds did detract from the serenity.
4.8
Exploring the ancient fortress provided breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into history, while the safari later allowed us to see elephants up close in their natural habitat. The only downside was the long travel time, which could be tiring, but the overall experience was truly unforgettable.