Sigiriya – The Rock fortress

Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited
tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-
preserved samples of urban planning in ancient Sri Lanka built by King Kashyapa. The ‘Lion Rock’ is
a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost

stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the
renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the
‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral
stairway.