Sri Lanka: Ancient City of Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a massive 200m/600ft rock that has an ancient city on top of it. It’s perhaps one of the most spectacular historical site in the entire Sri Lanka. Sigiriya means Lion Rock and sphinx-like Lion’s Paw can be seen near the staircase leading to the top. The city was established as the capital of the ancient kingdom in 477 AD. On top (which takes a rather long and brutal climb in the heat), there are ruins of the ancient citadel and the royal palace. There are even lily ponds. The views are absolutely panoramic in all directions as the rock is the highest element of the landscape for miles and miles. Also, on the southern side of the rock, there is a separate gallery of remarkable fresca depicting king’s concubines (no photography is allowed but i managed to snap one before my camera got nearly confiscated)
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