The Palace Ruins at the summit of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) are the remnants of the royal citadel built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century CE. Perched atop the 200-meter-high rock, this palace was part of the grand fortress complex that included gardens, moats, and water systems. The palace served as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. Today, only the ruins of this magnificent structure remain, but they still provide insight into the advanced architectural and engineering techniques of the time.
More Details – Sigiriya Lion’s Rock
Palace Ruins Sigiriya:
History of the Palace:
- King Kashyapa I (477–495 CE) built the palace after seizing the throne from his father, King Dhatusena. Fearful of retaliation, Kashyapa moved the capital to Sigiriya, which was strategically located and naturally fortified by the surrounding landscape.
- Sigiriya was chosen for its natural defensive advantages, but Kashyapa also aimed to create a palace that symbolized his divine kingship. The palace on the summit was designed as a royal abode fit for a god-like ruler, with grand halls, ponds, and terraces.
Key Features of the Palace Ruins:
- Royal Palace:
- The palace itself was built on multiple levels, making use of the rock’s uneven surface. The upper palace or residential area at the summit contained several rooms, audience halls, and other chambers, likely made from brick and wood.
- The remains of stone foundations, brick walls, and paved floors are still visible today, offering a glimpse of the once lavish structure. This area would have been the main living quarters for King Kashyapa and his close entourage.
- Archaeologists believe that parts of the palace were richly decorated, with wooden pillars, bronze ornaments, and other luxurious furnishings, although none of these fragile materials have survived.
- Water Reservoirs:
- One of the most impressive features of the palace ruins is the large water reservoirs that were carved directly into the rock. These reservoirs, or ponds, served not only as a water source for the palace inhabitants but also as a symbol of the king’s control over nature.
- The largest of these pools, known as the Royal Bath, is still intact and filled with water, which is fed by an ancient underground hydraulic system. The engineering sophistication needed to build such reservoirs at this height is a testament to the skill of the ancient architects.
- Terraces and Viewing Platforms:
- The summit of Sigiriya is surrounded by terraced gardens and wide, open spaces that would have offered spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and landscape. These terraces were likely used as recreational areas or places for the king and his guests to admire the scenery.
- Viewing platforms along the edges of the rock may have been used for ceremonial purposes or simply for enjoying the vast, panoramic views. They also provided a strategic advantage in defending the citadel, as enemies could be spotted from miles away.
- Audience Hall:
- A large open area at the summit is believed to have served as an audience hall where King Kashyapa might have held court or received foreign dignitaries. While only the foundations remain, this would have been an important space for royal functions and meetings.
- Guardrooms and Defenses:
- There are remains of guardhouses and defensive structures along the pathways leading to the summit. These were built to protect the king and his palace from potential attacks.
- The natural steepness of the rock provided a significant defensive advantage, while man-made fortifications, such as walls and gates, added an extra layer of security.
- Stone Throne:
- One of the most intriguing features on the summit is a stone-cut throne, which many believe was used by King Kashyapa himself. The throne is carved into the rock and positioned in a way that it overlooks the entire complex and surrounding landscape, symbolizing the king’s power and dominion over his kingdom.
Decline of the Palace:
- After the death of King Kashyapa in 495 CE, the palace and the Sigiriya complex were abandoned as the capital was moved back to Anuradhapura by the succeeding rulers. Over the centuries, the palace fell into ruin, and nature reclaimed much of the site.
- Eventually, the area was transformed into a Buddhist monastery, which it remained for several centuries. However, by the 14th century, Sigiriya was largely abandoned and became lost to the jungle until it was rediscovered by British explorers in the 19th century.
Significance of the Palace Ruins:
The palace at the summit of Sigiriya was not just a place of residence for the king; it was a symbol of King Kashyapa’s reign and his desire to create a paradise on earth. The integration of natural elements with man-made structures shows the sophisticated planning and design that went into building this royal citadel.
The ruins of the palace, combined with the surrounding gardens, frescoes, and fortifications, provide a comprehensive view of the advanced civilization that thrived in ancient Sri Lanka and underscore Sigiriya’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day Tour Price to Sigiriya
- Day Tour & Transport Cost for Sigiriya:
From Colombo Start from 95 USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
From Sigiriya Start from 60USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
Private tour in an A/C car or van with an English speaking chauffeur-guide
Vehicle Options:
Car (up to 2 persons): Toyota Axio, Prius Hybrid, Premio/Honda Fit Shuttle or similar
Van (3 to 8 persons): Toyota KDH/Nissan Caravan or similar - Included – Entrance Tickets, Refreshment, Transport
- Entrance ticket fee for Sigiriya Lion’s Rock – Ticket price for each place US$ 35 / EUR 31 / GBP 26) per foreign adult and US$ 17 / EUR 16 / GBP 13 ticket price per foreign child of age 05 – 12 years are applicable.