Sigiriya: A World Heritage Site
Sigiriya is famous for a very high red stone cubic fortress and palace ruins. These are surrounded by the ruins of a network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. It is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescoes). The complex was built by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE), who had siezed power from the rightful heir, Moggallana, who fled to South India. Fearing an attack from Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya. Kashyapa was defeated in 495 CE by Moggallana, who moved the capital again to Anuradhapura. Sigiriya was then turned back into a Buddhist monastery, which lasted until the 13th or 14th century. The walk all the way up to the top and back takes about 1.5 hours. It's very important to carry water and few energy bars for the kids since it gets very hot and you sweat a lot. During the rain season some spots can get slippery. Therefore wearing the right footwear is ...