Aerial view of Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla 1979

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka's Central Province, near Dambulla. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, it served as a royal capital and fortress. The fortress, with a height of 180 meters, features a lion's gateway and frescoes on its rock face. Following Kashyapa's defeat and suicide in 495 AD, the site became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya is renowned for its impressive urban planning, combining natural and man-made elements, including water systems, gardens, and defensive structures. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and urban design.

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			349 Elevation: 349 Name: Sigiriya Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா/சிங்ககிரி, pronounced SEE-gi-ri-yə) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m (590 ft) high. wikipedia

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