Sigiriya, often called the Lion Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains, this massive column of volcanic rock served as a royal citadel during the reign of King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD.

The site is famed for its extraordinary combination of natural and human-made features. At its entrance once stood a colossal stone lion structure—of which the monumental paws remain—giving the fortress its name. Visitors ascend through these paws to reach the summit.

Sigiriya is also celebrated for its sophisticated hydraulic engineering, including gardens, water channels, fountains, and terraces, considered among the earliest landscaped gardens in South Asia. Halfway up the rock are the world-renowned Sigiriya frescoes, depicting graceful women in vibrant colors, and the Mirror Wall, once polished so highly that the king could see his reflection as he passed.

At the summit lie the remains of an elaborate palace complex, complete with pools, courtyards, and defensive structures, offering sweeping panoramic views.