The Honeymoon Guide Answers all about Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage-designated archaeological site. It is often called the 8th wonder of the ancient world for its magnificence, which still puzzles archaeologists and historians about its origins and construction. Sigiriya is a sprawling complex that, during its time, was a landscaped garden with water fountains, beautiful frescoes of celestial maidens that are world famous as the “Sigiriya frescoes”, stone sculptures and palace ruins at the apex of the rock.

Overall, there are around 1,200 steps to the top of Sigiriya. The Sigiriya climb can be separated into three parts. From the main gate to the water gardens, which is easy to navigate. The next climb is from the boulder gardens to the Lion paws. It is a more engaging climb that will require some effort and stamina. The final climb from the Lion paws to the palace ruins at the summit is the most challenging and may include some heart-pumping moments for those who don’t enjoy heights. While challenging, the reward will be a fantastic experience.

The stairs to see the frescoes en route are optional but not to be missed to see the beautiful Sigiriya frescoes despite the gravity-defying spiral staircase!

Sigirya is shrouded in mystery. While the accepted story is that King Kashyapa built Sigiriya in the 5th Century A.D. to escape the wrath of his brother Moggallana after Kashyapa committed patricide and usurped the throne, it is also accepted that Sigiriya had been a place of solace and meditation for Buddhist monks’ long before King Kashyapa’s construction. However, the mystery deepens with Sigirya being associated with King Ravana as one of his many palaces. Sigiriya is said to have been King Ravana’s “Ahas Maligawa” or Sky Palace. King Ravana is portrayed as the chief antagonist of the Indian epic The Ramayana. While actual dates for King Ravana are not officially verified, his reign was believed to be around 2500 B.C. Another theory is that Sigiriya has had alien contact and was visited by advanced intelligence. Alien theorists and archeoastronomy pundits point to many works and technologies and their alignment with other ancient iconic wonders, such as the pyramids, as evidence.

Sigiriya’s palace complex, stone sculptures, and landscape work are attributed to King Kashyapa, who reigned in the 5th century A.D. However, other alternate theories exist on its origins, such as being the Sky Palace of King Ravana many centuries before Kashyapa. Sigiriya is also touted as having been influenced by advanced alien intelligence.

While exploring the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is top of mind for most, Sigiriya is full of adventure, culture and history beyond the rock fortress to explore. Minneriya National Park is where the largest gathering of Asian elephants happens during the season. Dambulla Rock Cave is another UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 3rd century B.C. The ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms are also within Sigiriya's easy reach. Hot Air Ballooning is popular in Sigiriya from November to April.