Sigiriya

Location: North Central District

Dating back to over 7,000 years, Sigiriya portrays the ancient architectural tradition of Sri Lanka. It is the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning. There is now a proposal to name Sigiriya as the Eighth Wonder of the world.

Attractions

The Rock: The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit. Through the open mouth of the Lion had led the covered staircase built of bricks and timber and a tiled roof. But what remains now are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround the ancient limestone steps.