The Story of Sigiriya
Sigiriya and its origin date back to the 5th century AD when it served as the capital and fortified palace of King Kasyapa, who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.
King Kasyapa was the son of King Dathusena who ruled Sri Lanka from 455 to 473 AD. Dathusena was a very powerful king who liberated the country from the South Indian invaders. He was also a very generous king who did a great deal of service to Buddhism and the agriculture of the country.
Dhatusena had two sons, Kasyapa, and Mughalan. Mughalan was the son of the royal consort and the rightful heir to the throne, while Kasyapa was born to a non-royal concubine.
Kashyapa wanted to acquire the throne before Mughalan. He was assisted by the commander of the king’s army, ‘Migara’, who sought vengeance for a disagreement between himself and the king. Assisted and encouraged by Migara, Kashyapa carried out a palace coup and overthrew Dhatusena and it is said that Kasyapa ordered to kill his father. Mughalan fled to India, with a fear that his brother Kasyapa might assassinate him.
After this incident, people and monks started to call Kashyapa ‘Pithru Gaathaka Kashyapa’ which means ‘Kashyapa the Patricide’. Because of this and fearing an attack from his brother, Mughalan, Kashyapa moved his capital and residence from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya.
His palace was built on the top of the Sigiriya rock.

Aerial View Of Sigiriya Rock
The Lion Rock
The centrepiece of Sigiriya is the Lion Rock, a massive monolith with a colossal lion’s paw carved into its base. This served as the entrance to the fortress, leading visitors through the lion’s mouth and into the palace complex.
The Mirror Wall
The Mirror Wall, a massive brick wall once covered in highly polished plaster, was used by visitors to inscribe poems and graffiti. These ancient inscriptions offer valuable insights into the social and cultural life of the time.
The Frescoes
The Sigiriya frescoes, depicting beautiful women, are renowned for their intricate details and vibrant colours. These murals are believed to represent celestial nymphs or women from the royal court.

Sigiriya Frescoes
The Gardens
Sigiriya’s gardens were a marvel of ancient engineering, featuring intricate water gardens, boulder gardens, and advanced hydraulic systems. These gardens were not only aesthetically pleasing but also served functional purposes.
The Palace and Citadel
The palace and citadel, located at the summit of the rock, were the heart of the ancient city. The palace complex included royal residences, audience halls, and various service quarters. The citadel served as a fortified administrative and military centre.
After ruling the country for 18 years, King Kashyapa was defeated by his brother, Mughalan.
Mughalan came back with a powerful army to get revenge on behalf of his father. Mughalan re-established ‘Anuradhapura’ as the capital kingdom of Sri Lanka.
As the years passed, Sigiriya was abandoned and gradually reclaimed by nature, until it was discovered by the British in the 1800’s.

Lion Paws Pathway On Sigiriya Rock
The work of the British archaeologist H.C.P. Bell, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, truly brought Sigiriya back into the light. Bell’s meticulous excavations and restorations revealed the incredible scale and complexity of the ancient city. He uncovered the intricate gardens, the elaborate water management systems, and the stunning frescoes that had been hidden for centuries.
Sigiriya is the most important place to visit in Sri Lanka. It’s so special that it was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Even today, archeologists are still digging around Sigiriya to find amazing artefacts. This inspiring and amazing ancient heritage site is also known as the 8th wonder of the world and a dream destination of every traveller.
With AVG Travels you can visit this amazing place and explore the beauty and rich history with your eyes. And with our expert tour guides, you will get the best knowledge and authentic experiences. Check out our Sri Lanka Tours to witness the magic of Sigiriya.