Sigiriya: The Palace in the Sky

Sigiriya is said to have been inhabited as early as the prehistoric times. In the 5th century, it was used as a monastery by Buddhist monks. The ancient caves used by the monks as sanctuaries are still there. Then, King Kaysapa built the palace and the elaborate gardens. It was told that King Kaysapa murdered his father, King Dhatusena, because he refused to show him where his wealth was hidden. Instead, he brought Kaysapa to the monk who was his teacher. This infuriated Kaysapa so he had his father, King Dhatusena walled in alive in his tomb.

Kaysapa then took the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana, Dhatusena's son by the anointed queen. He wanted to murder him as well but Mogallana escaped.

Vowing revenge, Mogallana fled to India. While there, he raised an army and took the throne back. Kasyapa built this palace so he could easily protect his throne but during the battle with Mogallana, Kassapa's armies abandoned him. He committed suicide giving the throne back to Mogallana who returned the capital to Anuradapura. Sigiriya, once again, became a monastery complex.

Sigiriya must have been quite a formidable fortress. It goes up 600 ft. at its summit. It is difficult to reach the top.

Kaysapa who built this fortress, reinforced the rock's natural defences with broad moats and stone walls. He built an outer moat to flood the entire area between moats upon enemy approach. But as his playground, he built beautiful gardens with a swimming pool for his pleasure. There are wall paintings, some of which you still can see.

The climb is quite steep but for admirers of ancient paintings, the climb is worth it.

Known as the "cloud damsels" because they seem to be floating in the clouds. These frescoes, 23 left now, showed refined skills and love for flowers which must have been in abundance in the palace gardens. Given the world famous garden of Ceylon (old name for Sri Lanka), it is not surprising to see flowers in the ancient frescoes.

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