Ancient City of Sigiriya

The ancient city of Sigiriya is another cultural site in Sri Lanka that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a World Heritage Site. The most distinguishing feature of this old city, which is located in the northern Matale District in Sri Lanka's Central Province, is a historic rock fortification that dates back thousands of years. This location, which is dominated by a gigantic column of rock that can reach up to 200 meters in height, is significant both historically and culturally. Furthermore, King Kasyapa, who governed Sri Lanka from 477 to 495 CE, is closely identified with the island. It was on top of this rock castle that he built his palace, which he then lavishly painted with murals to the side. Meanwhile, on your trip to the summit of this rock, he constructed a gateway in the shape of a massive lion to keep you safe. However, upon the death of the king, the palace and fortification were abandoned. It was ultimately converted into a Buddhist monastery and remained in use until the 1300s.