Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, 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 high. The fortress was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD as a safeguard against his enemies and features a palace, gardens, and defensive structures. After the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Visitors can access the top of the rock through the open paws of a lion and view the 21 rock paintings of apsaras. The site is a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural and historical landmark in Sri Lanka