History of Sigiriya Sri Lanka. Sigiriya Lion Rock is the best attraction in Sri Lanka. Archaeological excavations and amazing finds

Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) is a single rock with a height of 170 m and a fortress erected on it in the Matale district, in the central part of the country.

A castle was built on the top of the mountain, the walls of which are painted with unique frescoes. Some of the latter have survived to this day. Halfway to the top, there is a plateau where arrivals are greeted by huge gates in the form of lion paws. According to one version, the fortress was erected at the request of the king Kassapa (Kasyapa), and after his death, the palace was empty and stood abandoned. Until the XIV century, a Buddhist monastery functioned on the territory of Sigiriya. Today the attraction is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under its protection.

Sigiriya is a unique attraction

According to archaeological excavations, in the area adjacent to the mountain, people lived in the prehistoric period. Numerous grottoes and caves are proof of this.

In 477, Kasyapa, born of a commoner to the king, forcibly took the throne from the legitimate heir of Datusena, enlisting the support of the commander-in-chief of the army. The heir to the throne, Mugalan, was forced to hide in India in order to save his own life. Having seized the throne of Kasyapa, he decided to move the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya, where it was calm and quiet. This measure was forced, since the self-proclaimed king was afraid that he would be overthrown by the one to whom the throne belongs by birthright. After these events, Sigiriya became a real urban complex, with well-thought-out architecture, defenses, fortress and gardens.

In 495, the illegal monarch was overthrown, and the capital returned to Anuradhapura again. And on the top of the Sigiriya rock, Buddhist monks settled for many years. The monastery functioned until the 14th century. About the period from the 14th to the 17th century, no information about Sigiriya has been found.

Legends and myths

According to one of the legends, Kassapa, wishing to take the throne, killed his own father, walled him up alive in the wall of the dam. Kasyapa's brother Mugalan, born of the queen, left the country, but vowed revenge. In South India, Mugalan gathered an army and, upon returning to Sri Lanka, declared war on his illegitimate brother. During the struggle, the army betrayed Kassapa, and he, realizing the hopelessness of his situation, committed suicide.

There is a version that the army did not deliberately abandon its leader. During the next battle, Kasyapa's elephant unexpectedly turned in the other direction. The soldiers took the maneuver as the king's decision to flee and began to retreat. Kassapa, left alone, but proud and unyielding, drew his sword and cut his throat.

Archaeological excavations and amazing finds

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) was discovered by Jonathan Forbes by a British soldier in 1831. At that time, the top of the mountain was heavily overgrown with bushes, but immediately attracted the attention of archaeologists and historians.

The first excavations began 60 years later in 1890. A full-scale excavation was carried out within the framework of the Sri Lankan State Cultural Triangle project.

Sigiriya is the oldest citadel built in the 5th century. The historical and archaeological area consists of:

• the palace at the top of the Lion Rock;
• terraces and gates, which are located approximately in the center of the mountain;
• a mirrored wall decorated with frescoes;
• lower palaces, which are hidden behind lush gardens;
• fortress ditches that perform a protective function.

Archaeologists note that the Sigiriya Fortress (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka is one of the most striking buildings in the world, dating back to the 1st millennium and relatively well preserved. The city plan surprises with incredible diversity for that time and exceptional thoughtfulness. In accordance with the plan, the city harmoniously combines symmetry and asymmetry, buildings created by man are skillfully woven into the surrounding landscape, without disturbing it at all. In the western part of the mountain there is royal park, which was created according to a strict symmetrical plan. A complex technical network of hydraulic structures and mechanisms has been created for watering plants in the park area. An artificial reservoir for water is located in the southern part of the rock; it was used very actively, since Mount Sigiriya is located in the arid part.

Frescoes

The western slope of the Lion Rock is a unique phenomenon - it is almost completely covered with ancient frescoes. That is why the surface of the hill is called a giant art gallery.

In the past, paintings covered the entire slope from the western side, and this is a surface area of ​​5600 square meters. According to one version, 500 girls were depicted on the frescoes. Their identity has not been established; different sources contain different assumptions. Some believe that the frescoes contain images of court ladies, others believe that these are girls who took part in rituals of a religious nature. Unfortunately, most of the drawings have been lost.

Mirror wall and path to frescoes

During the reign of Kasyapa, the wall was regularly polished so that the monarch, walking along it, could see his own reflection. The wall is made of bricks and covered with white plaster. The modern version of the wall is partially covered with various verses and messages. There are also inscriptions on the wall of the Lion Rock that date back to the 8th century. Now it is impossible to leave a message on the wall, the ban was introduced to protect the ancient inscriptions.

Sigiriya Gardens

This is one of the main features of Sigiriya, as the gardens are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The garden complex consists of three parts.

Water gardens

They can be found in the western part of Lion Rock. There are three gardens here.

• The first garden is surrounded by water, connected with the territory of the palace and fortress complex by means of 4 dams. Its uniqueness is that it is designed according to oldest model and there are very, very few analogues that have survived to this day.
• The second garden is surrounded by pools where streams flow into. There are fountains in the form of round bowls, they are filled with an underground hydraulic system. During the rainy season, the fountains work. On both sides of the garden there are islands, where summer palaces were built.
• The third garden is located above the first two. In its northeastern part, there is a large octagonal basin. In the eastern part of the garden there is a fortress wall.

These are huge boulders with walking paths between them. Stone gardens can be found at the foot of Lion Mountain, along the slopes. The stones are so large that buildings have been built on most of them. They also performed a defensive function - when the enemies attacked, they were pushed down onto the attackers.

Terraced gardens

These are terraces around the cliff on natural elevations. They are partly made of brick walls. You can get from one garden to another via a limestone staircase, from which follows the road to the uppermost terrace of Sigiriya Castle in Sri Lanka.

How to get there

You can go to the attraction from any city on the island, but you will have to change trains in Dambulla. From Dambulla to Sigiriya, there are regular bus lines no. 549/499. Flights depart from 6-00 to 19-00. The journey takes only 40 minutes.

Possible routes to Sigiriya

Entrance fee:

• adult - 4500 rupees, approximately $ 30;
• children - 2250 rupees, about $ 15.

Admission is free for children under 6 years old.

Rocky palace the complex is working from 7-00 to 18-00. Ticket offices are open only until 17-00.

The visitor receives a ticket, which consists of three detachable parts. Each part gives the right to visit:

• main entrance;
• mirror wall;
• Museum.

It is important! The exposition in the museum is weak and not very interesting, so you don't even need to waste time visiting it.

The best time for an excursion is from 7-00, when there is no exhausting heat. You can also see the attraction in the afternoon - at 15-00, when the number of tourists decreases. Be sure to take water with you, as you will have to walk for at least 3 hours, and water is not sold on the territory of the complex.

The best weather to visit Sigiriya - from December to April or from mid-summer to September. At this time, it rarely rains in the central part of Sri Lanka, the weather is most favorable for visiting the castle. Most rainfall occurs in April and November.

It is important! The most popular entertainment among tourists is to watch the sunrise in Sigiriya. For this, a clear period is chosen so that the sky is not overcast with clouds.

Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) - an ancient complex on a rock, which is recognized as the most visited on the island. It is unique historical monument architecture that can still be admired today.

Interesting video with useful information- take a look if you want to know more about Sigiriya.

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The most popular tourist site the world center of Buddhism is located in the central part of the Asian island nation... The ancient country of Sri Lanka, the sights of which are incalculable, is famous for this architectural monument which is of the greatest interest to travelers. The man-made masterpiece protected by UNESCO is well preserved, and thousands of guests rush to see the mysterious place every day.

As the locals say, it is impossible to understand the soul of an exotic country without visiting this plateau, where the ruins of a palace and fortress complex shrouded in legends are located. It embodies the essence of Asian sophistication and refined luxury.

Sigiriya - rock and palace of the same name

In the middle of the plain in the Matale region rises the Sigiriya rock, the name of which translates as "Lion's Mountain". Attracting attention from afar, it is located on the site of a powerful volcano that stopped erupting millions of years ago. The incandescent lava froze and formed a rocky plateau on which in prehistoric times it was founded Buddhist monastery.

There is a legend that in the 5th century Sri Lanka was ruled by Dhatusen, who was immured alive in a wall by one of his sons, who arbitrarily seized power as a result of a coup d'état. His half-brother, hungry for revenge, gathered troops to avenge his father, and a frightened traitor decided to build his residence on the very top of the mountain. In a short time, an impregnable fortress appeared, which was supposed to become new capital state.

More than two thousand steps led to the palace, protected by strong walls and located on a hill. Many centuries ago, each guest was greeted by sentries huddled in small niches carved into the mountain. If someone fell asleep at the post, he would certainly fall down. On the supports stood blocks of stone, and in case of an unexpected attack, they could easily be thrown onto the enemy.

Luxurious royal residence

Deep canals were dug along the edge of the plateau, subsequently filled with water and serving as a barrier to enemies. At the very foot, beautiful gardens appeared with magnificent fountains, which are still functioning.

A giant lion figure was carved into the rock, symbolizing the power and strength of the new ruler who fears revenge. To get upstairs, one had to first climb the stone steps, which were located between the paws of the beast, and then enter its open mouth. Above the head of the predator, the Sigiriya rock, which is 370 meters above sea level, was painted with images of the monarch. It was no coincidence that the new ruler chose the king of beasts as a symbol of his power: he believed that the sight of this animal inspires a wild fear of all enemies. The monarch, hiding from persecution, did not climb the stairs himself, since a special lift was built for him.

Now, from the last bastion in front of the entrance to the residence, only the gigantic paws of a lion in three human heights, conveying the greatness of a large-scale structure, remain, and instead of a magnificent palace, tourists will see a large terrace. For the convenience of visitors, the narrow stone staircase was destroyed and a wide steel staircase was built leading up. Its design is so strong and reliable that it can withstand the weight of several hundred tourists at the same time.

Archaeological excavations

After the overthrow of the king, Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) again turns into a Buddhist monastery. In the 17th century, this area became the kingdom of Kandy, and after the end of the reign of the monarchs, the rock was again abandoned and for many years hidden from prying eyes in the deep jungle. The whole world learned about the destroyed city only at the end of the 19th century, when English archaeologists arrived here and found mysterious artifacts. The citadel was reopened, but scientists had no answers to many mysteries. Around the rock, the researchers found traces of a highly developed civilization: shards of dishes, jewelry, vessels with coins.

Not a palace, but a meditation hall?

Some historians do not agree that this fortress was erected by the ruler of Sri Lanka and call the citadel an ancient complex, founded long before the birth of the monarch. They consider Sigiriya not as the residence of the king, but as a meditation hall surrounded by gardens and ponds, which created an appropriate setting in a Buddhist temple.

A fortress reminiscent of a city

The mysterious Sigiriya (Sri Lanka), rising above the plain, was an impregnable fortress, more reminiscent of whole city... It was a huge complex with a complex layout: Royal Palace at the top, structures at the foot of the cliff and magnificent gardens.

The residence covered an area of ​​about 1.5 hectares and included both buildings at the very top and pools located at different levels and descending to the southern part of the cliff. The majestic palace and gardens of Sigiriya, harmoniously blended into the landscape of the fortress at different levels, aroused admiration.

Complex drainage system

There were about 95 swimming pools and ponds in the city. Pressurized water through a pipeline created by ancient master engineers was distributed to the gardens, and it was delivered to the mountain using special devices.

Tourists will still be able to see ancient containers for collecting life-giving moisture, which have survived to this day. Even in the rainy season, they do not overflow with water, and this is an excellent evidence that the irrigation system has not lost its functionality to this day. One can only admire the talent of the ancient builders who created an entire drainage system that is still working today.

It is the irrigation canals that remind of the complex structure of the royal residence, which looked like a monumental building, and its unique architecture... The ancient castle, built by the self-proclaimed king, has not survived, and only the foundations of the throne rooms and numerous rooms reached the descendants, but even from their outlines one can understand how majestic the palace complex of Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) looked.

Frescoes with images of ladies

The imposing splendor of the royal residence is considered a place of carnal pleasures, and its inhabitants had fun, having fun and enjoying life. This version is supported by numerous frescoes depicting the dancing half-naked concubines of the ruler, adorned with jewels. True, some researchers argue that these are not girls from the harem, but goddesses who welcome the new king and throw flowers from heaven to earth.

The frescoes on the Sigiriya plateau were discovered in a cave that is forty meters high and over 140 meters long. It is believed to be one of the largest art galleries in the world. Of the 500 images, only about twenty have survived to us in good condition. The thing is that after the death of the ruler, Buddhist monks appeared in the fortress, who founded a monastery in the residence. Seeing naked girls, they erased all the images they could reach.

The remaining frescoes show the skill and talent of unknown artists, who emphasized the high breasts and slender body of the beauties. Tourists are surprised at how well preserved the cave paintings for 1,500 years. Despite their venerable age, the paintings have not lost their bright colors due to the special composition.

Ancient landscape park

Of course, the fantastically beautiful palace gardens, considered the best in the world, deserve special mention. Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) is a unique corner, which is a little-known example of the oldest landscape park... The landscaped area was divided into three separate areas, and water and stone gardens, as well as terraced gardens stretching to the horizon, appeared before the eyes of the inhabitants.

Water garden

The Sigiriya Fortress, whose history goes back millennia, was famous for its unusual water garden, consisting of three separate parts. The first site was a huge island surrounded by water, connected with the royal residence by roads.

The second is the two-story "Garden of Fountains". On the lower tier there were marble basins, which were supplied with water through dug streams from a hydraulic structure, which still works perfectly in rainy weather. And on the top floor there was observation deck to view the beautiful fountains.

The third section was located above all. On a huge territory with labyrinthine corridors, there was a deep pond and a terrace erected at the very base of the building, which consisted of boulders. Looking at the last part of the lush gardens, the impression of unity was created between the water and stone structures, architecturally interconnected. There was also a bathing pavilion.

Recently, archaeologists have discovered a miniature water garden, which was distinguished from all others by an extremely complex system of structures and water channels.

Mirror hall

Imagination amazes the hall of mirrors located next to the monarch's chambers. The walls were covered with a thin layer of porcelain, and every day they were carefully polished by the servants. When the monarch passed through the spacious room, he saw his own reflection. Visitors often left inscriptions on the walls praising the beauty of the girls, and soon such painting was banned.

Sigiriya (Sri Lanka): reviews

Of course, tourists are amazed at the skill of the ancient architects who designed the unique citadel with mathematical precision. It is difficult to understand how the builders who built the whole city raised the necessary materials to the height.

Interestingly, low cloud cover creates a unique effect, as if visitors, surrounded by a snow-white fog, roam the sky. Such an unusual phenomenon amazes even travelers who have seen a lot.

From the height of the plateau looks majestic, and its rocky walls have a unique natural pattern, consisting of layers of marble of various colors. In the early morning, visitors celebrate the delightful play of sunlight that enlivens this mysterious corner.

Tourists are also enthusiastic about the museum located next to the main gate, which displays reproductions of colorful frescoes, translations of poetry in the hall of mirrors, and much more.

How to get to the rocky plateau?

How to get to Sigiriya for tourists? Getting to the ancient city is not so easy. Those planning to travel by train should remember that at Sigiriya Railway absent. First, you will have to get to Colombo and change trains in Kandy, and the road to the religious capital of the country will take no more than four hours. Next, you need to take a bus to Dambulla - ancient city in the central province of the state. The distance from it to the rocky plateau is only twenty kilometers.

The most expensive excursion

The excursion to Sigiriya is the most popular among the guests of Sri Lanka and is offered by all travel agencies. As tourists note, this is the most expensive attraction of a colorful country, and you will have to pay thirty dollars for the entrance (locals go for $ 1). The ticket price also includes a visit to the archaeological museum, where you can get acquainted with the amazing history of this corner. It will not be possible to get inside with a hare, since there is strict control everywhere and you will not be able to climb to the top of the fortress without a ticket.

Opening hours: from 8.30 to 17.30 daily.

If we talk about climbing steep stairs, then not everyone can stand it. It takes about two hours and the best place to start is an amusing trip early in the morning, when it is not yet so hot. Overcoming all the steps is not a test for the weak in body and spirit, plus consider strong wind when lifting. After 17.00, tourists are not allowed to climb for their safety.

Please bring hats and sunscreen for your face, as well as drinking water, which is not sold inside the complex.

Remember that there are no toilets on the plateau.

Those who want to save money can buy one ticket for two. It will be cheaper, but much longer.

The exotic island of Sri Lanka, whose attractions are the main reason for visiting, awaits guests ready for new adventures. Acquaintance with architectural and cultural monuments helps to learn the eventful history of an ancient country with a unique atmosphere and positive energy.

- a huge rocky plateau, towering in the middle of the plain, and one of the most famous landmarks of Sri Lanka, which is located near the city of Dambula and is known for its unique frescoes and the ancient palace of King Kassapa. When we were planning a trip to Sri Lanka, we especially wanted to see Sigiriya, so unique and popular place where thousands of tourists from all over the world come every day. Sigiriya got its name from the huge stone lion located below. A stone staircase leads from the entrance to the palace located on the top of the lion's rock. This freestanding rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shrouded in legend.

We've heard a lot about this before mysterious place, and now we also had to storm the seemingly impregnable mountain Sigiriya, solving its secrets along the way. We were pleasantly surprised by the grandeur of the Lion Rock and the beautiful views from it. In the article I will tell you all the details of visiting Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, I will share practical information on how to get there easier and which hotel is better to stay, show a photo of ancient frescoes of royal concubines and share the secret of a free visit to Lion Rock. So let's get down to storm together ancient fortress Sigiriya.

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

First, I'll tell you what Sigiriya is in Sri Lanka and why it is so interesting.

- this is a huge rock on the island of Sri Lanka standing alone in the middle of the plain, which is unique in the whole world. In contrast, Sigiriya is not a volcanic mountain. She attracts everyone's attention from afar with her uniqueness. Passing by, you will not guess that not only you turned your attention to it.

Earlier (from the 3rd century) Buddhist monks lived on its top, and then in the 5th century the parricide king Kasapa fled here. Having built a fortress on Sigiriya, he protected himself from everyone who wanted to take revenge on him and lived at an altitude of 183 meters for 18 years, never going down.

Isn't it true that this story is somewhat similar to the two-year imprisonment of the Jews on the same flat natural hill under the name? Kasapa also committed suicide, as did the Jewish rebels. This is where the similarity ends, because the regicide was himself to blame for his imprisonment, and the Jews resisted the invaders-Romans.

Basic information:

Sigiriya is often called Lion rock because of the sculpture of a giant lion, which stood in ancient times at the stairs to the mountain. Now it has already been destroyed, and only giant paws remain, which makes an indelible impression on all visitors. At this place, everyone must take a photo for memory. We, too, were delighted with the curious idea of ​​the Sinhalese architects. And it also seems to me that the rock itself resembles the body of a lion in shape.

Over time, Sigiriya was abandoned, and magnificent palaces and water gardens now lie in ruins. However, time has spared the magnificent frescoes depicting the heavenly maidens (they are also called the king's concubines). These stone paintings are so impressive that thousands of tourists climb the Lion Rock every day to take a look at ancient Sinhalese art. Especially everyone likes half-naked young ladies.

Sigiriya on the map of Sri Lanka

Photo at the top of Sigiriya

Lion Rock is not located at the crossroads of the highway, but nevertheless, due to its popularity, it is very easy to get to Sigiriya. Buses from Polonnaruwa and Dambulla (this is the closest city to Sigiriya, there are only 15 km between them) pass next to it. And next to the rock there are many guesthouses and hotels.

There are several ways how to get to Sigiriya. I'll tell you about each of them separately:

• By bus: go from Dambulla to Sigiriya different buses several times a day, travel time is 30-40 minutes, and the fare is 40 rupees. Passing buses from Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala all stop in Dambulla, and from there you can easily leave for Sigiriya. From Kandy to Sigiriya, it is best to take a tourist bus with a guided tour. Although it will cost much more than getting there on your own.
• By train: Sigiriya does not have its own railway station... The nearest ones are on the Trincomalee branch - Kekirawa and Habarana, which can be reached from Colombo by train. From there, you need to change to a bus to Dambulla, and then change to a local bus from Dambulla to Sigiriya again. It turns out that this is a completely inconvenient way.
• By car: if you have rented a car or are traveling with a driver-guide, then there is nothing to worry about. You will find yourself right at the gate to Sigiriya. This is the most convenient way to get to Sigiriya. Usually, a trip to the Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle costs $ 150-200, although the guides indicate much larger amounts.
• On a tuk-tuk: from Dambulla can be reached for Rs 700-900.
• On a motorbike: this method is suitable for those who know how to ride a motorcycle. It is quite easy to rent a motorbike in Sri Lanka, there is a large selection in the capital and in other cities. It is convenient to drive on your own, but you will have to pay for gas and constantly make sure that it is not stolen.

This time we traveled in comfort, we were driven by a driver-guide, and therefore we happily avoided traveling by public transport in Sri Lanka at this stage of our journey through the island of Ceylon. However, the choice of a driver must be approached very carefully. Personal contact is very important.

Review of good hotels in Sigiriya

There are several good hotels and lodges, although most prefer to stay where hotels are cheaper. Eco-tourism is very popular in Sri Lanka, so it is better to choose quiet place away from the city and live a few days in the middle of nature.

For example, one of these hotels called Heritance kandalama, is located on the slope of a cliff at the border of the forest and Lake Kandalama. It is literally made from everything natural. Here you can relax in harmony with the environment, and the walk from your room to the reception resembles a path through the jungle. Living in such a hotel is simply a unique experience. If you want to choose the most best hotel near Sigiriya, I recommend booking Heritance Kandalama by this link >>

Heritance Kandalama Hotel

One more unique hotel in Sigiriya is Aliya Resort and Spa... This chic 5 * hotel is located near the Lion Rock (it can be seen right from the pool). It offers 4 restaurants, a bar, a fitness center and a spa. There are separate tents in nature, made of eco-friendly materials, surrounded by tropical greenery. All rooms are stylishly decorated and highly rated by the staff. This hotel is in high demand, I recommend booking it in advance

• Hotel Sigiriya- grade 8.4 (4 *, the most best view to the Sigiriya rock, restaurant, pool, spa)
• Sigiriya Village- grade 8.1 (4 * hotel, cottages in nature, great view, wooden furniture)
• Royal Retreat, Sigiriya- grade 8.0 (4 *, green area, playground, swimming pool, restaurant)
• Flower garden eco village- grade 8.4 (3 *, great hotel in nature, restaurant, bar, pool)
• Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay- grade 9.5 (inexpensive hotel not far from the cliff, delicious breakfast and dinner)

Read also:

Climbing Sigiriya to Kasapa Palace

Due to the fact that Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is one of the main attractions of the country, almost all tourists are brought here on excursions. The cost of visiting this object Cultural heritage UNESCO is very high. This is especially true for budget travelers.

Sigiriya sightseeing map

What you need to know about Sigiriya:

Advice: It is best to conquer Sigiriya in the morning, when it is not so hot and there are fewer people. After 11 in the morning there will be pandemonium here.

At the entrance, Sigiriya welcomes visitors with water gardens and a very long road that leads to the foot of the mountain. On the way, you can admire the views of the Lion Rock itself, the ruins of ancient gardens. A small hall is located in the Terrace Park, to the right of the main path.

This is how Lion Mountain appears before tourists.
To see the water gardens in all their splendor, it is best to visit Sigiriya during the rainy season.
The area around the mountain is very beautiful

Terrace park is famous for huge megaliths, through which steps are built

The ascent begins at the lion's paws. The steps are pleasant at first, and then turn into iron spiral staircases, where you need to be careful.

On the way up, we stopped a lot to take photos and admire the gorgeous views: the gardens remaining inside, the white Buddha statue and the surrounding area in general. It is curious that the surface of the rock really resembles a lion's mane or melted sweetness that spread out from the heat. It would be interesting to know the geological origin of Sigiriya.

On the stairs
Rock of amazing color

The most interesting attraction of Sigiriya, in my opinion
Nice view from the top

And here is the most difficult part of the ascent to Sigiriya. If you don't want to climb stairs like this, stop at Lion's Paws

Finally, 200 meters of ascent were behind, and we found ourselves on the flat summit of Lion Rock. Here we first of all found a shady place and caught our breath after lifting. Many expect to see the magnificent royal mansions upstairs, but they are not here. In truth, Kasapa's palace is completely destroyed. All that was left of him was the pool, some walls in the rock, the throne and, in general, everything. But the views, like from any hill in Sri Lanka, are simply unforgettable! If you are lucky with the weather, you can generally spend several hours at the summit, admiring the surroundings.

And here we are in the palace of the rebellious king Kasapa
There are many stairs at the top of the cliff

Pool in the palace
The throne of the king is the most interesting thing in the palace! It is carved from a single piece of rock

From the top of Sigiriya opens beautiful view to the neighboring hill. In sunny weather it can be seen far away. And in the cloud only so
And if the clouds come, then the view becomes very mystical.

Heavenly maidens on the frescoes of Sigiriya

The Heavenly Maidens are considered the main attraction of Sigiriya. The artist depicted more than 500 life-size women, but only a few of them survived. It is believed that these are guests from all countries who have come on a royal visit to Sri Lanka. Now these beauties are protected by UNESCO.

All in jewels shine heavenly maidens



Not all frescoes have survived to this day.

How to get to Sigiriya for free

And now I will share the secret of how to get to Sigiriya for free, that is, without a ticket. This question worries many budget travelers who sometimes miss Lion Rock due to the very expensive tickets... And a search on the Internet gives the same recommendation: if you are traveling on a budget, it is better to skip Sigiriya. Please note that you can only arrange for a free visit at your own risk. Now I'll tell you how it really was.

During our visit to Sri Lanka, we also traveled on a budget (although we traveled through the Cultural Triangle in a car with a driver). We decided not to miss Sigiriya in any way. Our driver brought us to the main entrance. First we went for a walk around the mountain. From the western gate, we followed the road forward to the north. Turning the corner, there we found another entrance in the wall to the territory of Sigiriya. Together with the local boys, we climbed onto the high shaft without any problems and quite simply entered the territory of the cultural facility. So we managed to avoid the ticket offices and the first checkpoint.

Winding road

There is one more check point at the frescoes with celestial maidens. But there they check tickets only for those who go from below, and do not go down from above (everyone goes back along a different path). You can try to avoid this checkpoint, to do this keep to the left in Terrace Park all the time, and go straight up to the platform with lion's paws.

But it is already very difficult to overcome the third check-point without a ticket. There is no detour and several guards are on duty. You need to write down your ticket number in the journal, after which you can go to spiral staircase... We wrote our names and, naively patting our eyes, said that our tickets had remained with the driver who was waiting for us in the car. The guards were very unhappy and did not want to let us in for a long time, and we were not going to return. After some hesitation, we just went and went. They didn't stop us and let us go upstairs. Thus, we showed persistence and, in general, blatantly lied. But I think we were just lucky. After all, everything could have ended in a completely different way.

If you also want to take the risk, then it's up to you. We warn you that besides the guards, there are also police officers on duty. According to other travelers, now all the "birds with one stone" on this checkpoint are forced to buy tickets.

Our review of Sigiriya

From the very beginning, let's say frankly that our review of Sigiriya will be non-standard. I must admit that it really is unique place... Although it really can be missed if you are not a big fan of ancient art and frescoes. It is this attraction that brings crowds of American and European tourists here (recently a huge number of Chinese have been added to them) who want to see something unusual. Personally, it seemed to me that the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya can be compared with the stone ones. They decorate ancient temples there, and it's hard to imagine without them. But tell yourself honestly, would you go to just for the apsaras?

I liked three elements of Kasapa's palace - the lion's gate, the royal throne and the frescoes. And of course, the lion's rock of Sigiriya itself, visible from afar. But now, already knowing what I will see there, I would not pay 35 dollars for a ticket. And I am very glad that we managed to avoid payment.

However, I can recommend the following for budget travelers. If you still want to see Sigiriya, but do not want to pay for the entrance, then you can simply walk around the Lion Rock without going upstairs. You can even just walk around its territory, going through the northern gate, as we did, and walk to the lion gate. And then go to the nearby rocky monastery of Pidurangala. It was here that the monks left when the rebellious king Kasapa expelled them from Sigiriya.

Pidurangala is located on another rock, 1 km north of Sigiriya. The entrance is free, and from the top of the cliff there is a beautiful view of the Lion Mountain and its surroundings.

What to see near Sigiriya

To continue a more detailed acquaintance with Buddhism and the history of Sri Lanka, it is best to visit the following attractions.

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is an ancient ruined mountain fortress with the remains of a palace, located in central area Matale in Sri Lanka. The fortress is surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, swimming pools, and other structures. It is the most popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is also famous for its ancient murals. The fortress was built during the reign of King Kasapa I (477 - 495 AD), and is one of the seven sites of Sri Lanka's world heritage. We tried to find as much information as possible about this place and invite you to take an excursion into the history of Sigiriya and admire its beauty.

(20 photos total)

1. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of this place is the mountain palace, located at an altitude of 200 meters.

2. Archaeologists believe that the palace was built at the end of the 4th century. The initiator of the construction was a parricide monarch named Kasapa, who fled to these remote locations fearing revenge from his brother - the real heir. Sigiriya was inhabited during prehistoric times and has been used as a mountain monastery-refuge since about the 5th century BC, with caves and monasteries. The garden and palace were built a little later by King Kasapa. After Kasapa's death, the site again became a monastery until the 14th century, after which it was abandoned. The Sigiri inscriptions were deciphered by archaeologist Senarat Paranavitana in his famous work published in Oxford. He also wrote the popular book The History of Sigiriya.

3. Sigiriya Rock is a powerful formation of magma from an extinct and long-decaying volcano. The rock rises high above the surrounding plain, visible for miles in all directions. The rock rests on a steep embankment that rises sharply above the flat plain that surrounds it. The height of the rock is 370 meters above sea level. The mountain on which it was decided to build the palace is an extinct volcano. Researchers believe that even before the construction of the mountain palace, people (mainly monks and hermits) settled here. The palace became a monastery after Kasapa's death, and several decades later it was completely abandoned by people.

4. Moving on to the history of this place: The earliest evidence of a human presence in Sigiriya was found in the Aligala mountain refuge in the eastern part of the cliff. These findings indicate that the area was inhabited almost five thousand years ago during the Mesolithic. During the third century BC, there were mountain shelters, caves, arranged by Buddhist monks. These structures were built between the third century BC and the first century AD. During the reign of King Kasapa from 477 to 495 AD, Sigiriya developed into a complex city, becoming an impregnable fortress. Most of the intricate structures in the highlands, including defenses, palaces and gardens, date back to the Kasapa period. The complex of structures on the mountain is impressive thanks to the combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. It seems that there is no order in the buildings of the Sigiriya Palace, but on the whole they are all harmoniously combined with each other.

5. Kasapa was defeated in 495 AD, Sigiriya again turned into a Buddhist monastery - the monks were here until the fourteenth century. After this, no mention of Sigiriya was discovered until the seventeenth century, when the area became the Kingdom of Kandy. When Kandy's reign ended, Lion Rock was abandoned again. Archaeological work began here in the 1890s. H.C.P Bell was the first archaeologist to conduct an extensive survey of the area around Sigiriya. Large-scale studies began in 1982, initiated by the government of Sri Lanka. Of course, today only ruins remain of the palace, but even these remnants of its former grandeur are impressive. In the western part of the palace complex, there was a park with several swimming pools. Water was delivered to the top of the mountain using a system of mechanisms, which has been preserved intact to this day.

6. The ancient castle, built by Kasyapa, has survived on the top of the hill to this day, as well as parts of the fortress. Despite their age, some of the decisions of the palace builders are still striking in their ingenuity - the water storage tanks still retain water, and the moats and walls surrounding the palace are still graceful and beautiful. The Sigiriya Gardens are the most central part of this area as they are some of the most landscaped gardens in the world. The gardens are divided into three distinct areas: water gardens, rock gardens, and terraced gardens. The famous part of Sigiriya is the mirrored wall. Initially, this wall was so well polished that the king could see himself as he walked next to it. The wall is made of a special kind of porcelain, and is partially covered with verses sketched by visitors to Lion Rock. The oldest of Sigiriya's poems date back to the 8th century. Many visitors wrote on the wall about love, irony and various events. Later, painting on the walls was banned. The entrance to the main part of the ancient city, that is, to the palace, was decorated with lion paws and was probably intended only for members of the royal dynasty. Initially, the entrance was a lion's head, that is, to get into the palace, you had to go through an open mouth! Unfortunately, time has not been kind to such a unique gate ...

7. The mirrored corridor led to the royal chambers. It used to be one of the most luxurious premises of the Sigiriya Palace. There were several hundred frescoes, most of which depicted half-naked women - the ruler's concubines. It should be noted that several frescoes have survived to this day.

8. Ancient temple at the top of the cliff was a giant art gallery, frescoes covered most the western slope of the cliff, occupying an area 140 meters long and 40 meters high. Now many of the frescoes of Sigiriya are lost forever, but the style of this painting is considered unique and inimitable. Sigiriya is the most valuable asset of Sri Lanka, and the government protects it in every way.

9. Of course, the colors on them have faded, but the images on them can still be seen. Researchers believe that natural paints based on beeswax and egg white were used to create these murals. This is what, according to scientists, gave the frescoes such durability.

10. There is a magnificent view of the surrounding area from the hill called “lion's rock”. Below, as in the palm of your hand, are rice fields, forests and small lakes. Once upon a time there was a royal pool on this hill along with a huge throne.

11. For a long time, the Sigiriya Palace was considered destroyed and lost somewhere in the forests, but in the middle of the 19th century, the legendary palace was discovered. A lot of restoration work was carried out here, which is still ongoing. Mountain palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is very popular with tourists. Thousands of travelers come here every year to see the ruins with their own eyes. ancient palace! Indeed, the history of the emergence of Sigiriya is shrouded in numerous legends. In the fifth century AD, Kasapa (477-495), the eldest son of King Datusena (459-477), was supposed to inherit the throne, but the father decided in favor of the younger son Mogallan (Kasapa's mother was a concubine). Kasapa was inflamed with hatred of his father and imprisoned him, and in 477 he participated in his death. Mogallana was horrified by the terrible deeds of his elder brother and fled to South India. Fearing revenge, Kasap decided to build a capital in an inaccessible place. And he chose the Sigiriya rock, 370 m high.

12. The king and his architects cleared the area around the cliff and built a magnificent city surrounded by gardens with fountains and pools. They built the most amazing staircases in the world: the steps are carved between the paws, throat and jaws of the incredible size of a lion. The lion is the emblem of the state and a form of intimidation. Part of the rock, above the lion's head, was painted with images of Kasap and his father Datusena. At the top of the cliff, a citadel palace was built. The citadel begins with the "lion's platform", of which only paws remain. Steps lead to the 1.7 hectare terrace where the palace was once located. From the giant figure of a lion carved into the rock, the mouth of which once served as the entrance to the fortress, only its paws survived, but on the surface of the rock there are still curious poetic inscriptions left by visitors to Sigiriya since the 8th century.

13. According to the description of travelers, the pediment of the palace, built of marble and surrounded by gardens and ponds, was lined with precious stones. The gigantic royal throne is well preserved. It is impossible not to be surprised how the builders of those times raised the necessary building materials to the rock. Brick walls were erected along the edges of the cliff, with narrow platforms for sentinels, where they could not sleep at the risk of falling. The stones on the cliff were always ready in case of someone intruding. One of them is still holding on, ready to fall. Travelers also describe a gallery with frescoes and a "mirror wall" polished with a mineral. The frescoes depicting a procession of princesses or palace ladies as if floating in the air, and covered with a composition of egg white with honey from wild bees, retained their vibrant colors. Nobody knows who they are, perhaps just a figment of the artist's imagination. They wore rich ornaments, tiaras supported their hair, and flowers in their hands. The frescoes occupied the entire wall of the gallery. Unfortunately, of the 500 frescoes, only 18 have survived. The scratches on the "mirror wall" next to the gallery are simple poems dedicated to the beauty of these women.

14. The western and southern slopes are divided into terraces, where the quarters for the servants and guards were located. On the western slope, two flights of steps lead to the cliff. One staircase runs next to a cave dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, a figurine of which was discovered here in the 12th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu. Attention is drawn to a huge dismembered boulder, on one half of which a water cistern is hollowed out. On the other, fallen half, there is a throne and a square platform, where the meetings of a member of the Council of Ministers may have taken place.

15. According to another version, theatrical performances were held here. In the cave below the boulder, called the "Cobra Hood", traces of ancient painting on the ceiling are the biography of Kasapa. Several places of a religious nature have been discovered among the boulders around the rock. The cave temple contains an undated torso of a Buddha statue on which the monks practiced meditation. Preaching Rock, a huge boulder from which sermons were delivered, has a huge number of miniature niches, where oil lamps were lit in the afternoon ...

16. For 18 years of reign from the top of the cliff, Kasapa imagines himself the master of the universe. Confident in his strength, he sent word to his brother, who had returned from India with an army, that he wanted to fight him on the plain. But the decision was unsuccessful. In the midst of the battle, Kasapa's elephant moved to a nearby pond to drink water. The army decided that the king was fleeing and began to retreat. Left alone, Kasapa slit his throat. Mogallana destroyed the citadel, destroying the traces of the former master, and, taking power into his own hands, rebuilt the capital in Anurahapura. Restoration work is underway. On the basis of literary evidence and archaeological excavations, there is another version of the purpose of Sigiriya. Meteorological data from 1895 indicate that wind and rain from two monsoons stopped field work for 8 months a year. February-March are the only months when construction work is possible in this region of the country.

17. So out of 18 years of Kasapa's reign, only five years remain for construction, and this includes such colossal work as: calculating the terrain, transporting marble, making and firing bricks, gouging niches in the rock to fix bricks, building a gallery and a "mirror wall" , preparing the surface of the rock for painting, working on the top of the rock, not to mention building around the rock itself. Even if we imagine that thousands of workers were involved, it is almost impossible to complete all these grandiose works in such a short time. The palace theory does not hold water either. Excavations at the top of the cliff revealed a 13 x 7 m rectangular platform, which was unconditionally recognized as Kasapa's palace. But if this is a palace, then why are there no traces of the presence of rooms, a toilet, columns, indentations for columns? The remains of a tiled roof were not found either, but a vessel was found in which the relics were kept. How was the tiled roof able to withstand the onslaught of garbage winds and rain? The gigantic throne carved out of stone to the south of the platform and on the lower level is the only structure at the summit that bears signs of a once-existing roof (or canopy) protected by a vertically rising stone wall... In 1833, a stupa was discovered at the top, which existed at the beginning of our century; now this place is marked with pegs. Archaeologists have discovered at least 2 construction periods at the top of the cliff and 5 at the base. If the palace and gardens of Sigiriya are the work of Kasapa, then who is responsible for the other 4 periods of construction activity? The ruling monarchs were the patrons of the faith. The order of monks enjoyed great privileges in the form of royal grants, prestige and patronage. Archaeological excavations confirm that already in the II century. BC there was a large monastic complex, as evidenced by the presence a large number cave temples on the western and northern slopes (excavations have not yet been carried out on the southern and eastern slopes). In one of the caves, inscriptions from the 2nd century AD were found. Taking this into account, one should not even allow the thought that Kasapa, in a difficult situation for himself, decided to go into conflict with the monks only in order to build a palace on the top of a cliff. The presence of an army on the territory of the monastery is also impossible. On the contrary, the king, the army and the population had to support and protect the keepers of the Buddha's teachings in every possible way, which Kasapa did. Kasapa could not cut the branch on which he was sitting. During this period of time, the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha and the relic itself (a symbol of royal power) were located in Anuradhapura, where the government was also located. In Anuradhapura, Kasapa built several temples, including the Kasub-Bo-Upulvan temple (in honor of the god Vishnu). All these facts speak for the fact that Kasapa visited Sigiriya, but could not live there.

18. This rock was also all in the gardens, including terraced ones. Artificial water pools are everywhere - from top to bottom. And the entire water engineering system is capable of operating now. It is not always clear how it is inside, in the rock, but it works. Outside, you can only see the cut drains to drain water, they are also in all the caves along the road. It is unlikely that the construction work of Kasapa in Sigiriya, the patron saint of the Mahayana sect (liberal direction of Buddhism), could receive approval in the Mahavamsa chronicles, which describe mainly the history of Buddhism and the relationship of the ruling monarchs with the church, from which we learn the history of Sigiriya and which were written in the 13th century by the Theravada sect (the teaching of the elders is the orthodox direction of Buddhism). The seven-century gap between events and their recording played into the hands of the chroniclers: it is much more convenient to distort real events and put Kasapa in a false light as a crazy genius than to glorify his adherence to the hostile direction of Buddhism. The Theravada movement denies the existence of savior gods, whose main mission is to alleviate our suffering in this life. The meaning of Sigiriya painting can be understood only when the purpose of the complex itself is clear. Usually, painting plays a certain role: decorative (like, for example, about), or it tries to have an impact, to convey a certain idea, which is not necessarily understandable to mere mortals. Considering that the complex is the center of the Mahayana sect, it is not hard to guess who is depicted in the frescoes. One of the most respected and revered goddesses of the Mahayana sect is the goddess Tara, the star, the mother of all Buddhas. But why are there so many images of the same face on the Sigiriya rock? Repetition, a very popular way of expressing feelings in Buddhist art, conveys the magical power of a deity not through colossal size, but through repeated repetition, a sense of infinity. Examples of this are found in India, Central Asia, China, Indonesia, Burma. One such example in Sri Lanka is the Dambulla Cave Temple. The inscriptions on the "mirrored wall", left mainly by visitors from the 8th-10th centuries, refer to the place as Sihigiri - the Rock of Remembrance. And the chronicles of the XIII century Mahavamsa call the rock Sihigiri - the Rock of the Lion. Believers, going up to the gallery, to the "lion's platform" and finally to the top of the rock, constantly saw the image of the goddess Tara before their eyes. By visually representing the goddess and worshiping her, the believers hoped that Tara would ease their suffering and show the way to salvation. Sigiriya is a reminder of Tara to believers, hence the name Rock of Remembrance. The call to meditation is the meaning of the painting of Sigiriya, whose patroness was the goddess Tara.

19. According to eyewitness accounts of the 19th century, the steps, starting from the "lion platform", were decorated with sculptures of lions. Examples of the identification of the goddess Tara with a roaring lion are found in India (Ghost, M - Development of Buddhist Iconography in Eastern India: 1980). Over time, Tara was forgotten by ordinary people. This is evidenced by the fact that the visitors of the 10th century and later no longer mentioned Tara, but identified women in the frescoes with Kasapa's wives, which was encouraged by the propaganda of the Theravada sect. Considering the above facts, we can conclude: Sigiriya has never been either a capital or a fortress. It was an aesthetically planned monastic complex of the Mahayana Buddhist sect for over 20 centuries. It was easier to lead a righteous life surrounded by beautiful scenery and a favorable climate. Powerful ramparts with ditches diverted excess rainwater beyond the territory of the monastery, which otherwise would have been flooded. The so-called palace was nothing more than an open hall for meditation, and flowering gardens and ponds created the ideal setting for this. Reservoirs with water for ritual baths and decorative purposes are not an exclusive phenomenon in Buddhist temples and monasteries.

20. Among the most remarkable aspects of urban design in Sigiriya are its mathematical planning and sheer clarity of design. The city plan is based on an exact square module. All buildings and structures are located strictly in relation to the center of coordinates - the palace complex on the top of the cliff. The east and west entrances clearly correspond to the east-west axis. The royal water gardens, moats and ramparts of the western zone are based on an 'echo' or 'mirror' plan that duplicates the layout on both sides between north and south from east to west. In its complete concept, Sigiriya is a brilliant combination of symmetry and asymmetry in a block geometrical planning and natural shape. Often, in low clouds at the top, there is an extraordinary effect when a cloud lies on top of a cliff and people wander waist-deep in white clouds. It looks as if you are walking in the sky. This unusual effect is astounding even for experienced hikers.

Those who have already bought tickets to Sri Lanka or are just planning to go there should learn more about the sights of the island. The most center point the country, geographically and historically, is a rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka... It really is located in the very center of the island, towering above the ground for 170 meters away(370 above sea level). It is worth noting that UNESCO (World Organization) has included Sigiriya of Sri Lanka in the list of World Heritage Sites. And not in vain, the plateau really has a majestic appearance, its steep rocky walls have a unique natural pattern from layers of marble of various colors.

The uniqueness of the Sigiriya rock

But apart from natural beauty, Sigiriya also has a historical cultural value. In order to enjoy it, you need to climb the steep stairs to the very top. To make the climb easier, you should stock up on a bottle of water, a hat on your head, comfortable clothes, shoes, and optimism. It is worth going on this excursion in the morning, when the sun does not bake so much.... The place is very popular, the elderly and children climb there, so it will not be very difficult for an adult without serious lung and cardiovascular diseases to climb. You also need to take into account the strong wind when climbing. If in doubt, you can hire assistant for about one thousand rupees... Moreover, the climb is not boring in itself. Along the way, you can look into caves with unique wall paintings, which are about a thousand years old, to be photographed at a height against the background of the surrounding beauty of the island (there are many greenery and waterfalls around). In the middle of the climb, tourists admire mirrored wall... In terms of time, the ascent takes about two hours. The excursion is paid, for adults this pleasure will cost about 30 dollars, for children - half the size. For contrast - locals enjoy Sigiriya in Sri Lanka for about 40 cents... But for tourists, the result will justify the means, and you should definitely see this great wonder of the world with your own eyes.

History of Sigiriya rock

Another name for the rock - lion fortress... The son of the ancient king Datusena, Kassapa, after killing his father and fearing revenge from his brother, decided to build himself impregnable palace in the form of a lion. Today, you can clearly see the paws of massive boulders before the start of the ascent to the summit. According to the surviving records of travelers of the distant past, one can imagine the majestic beauty of the palace - facade of precious stones , half a thousand frescoes depicting beautiful virgins (today only 18 have survived thanks to a coating of protein and honey). Craftsmen in our time are restoring lost works. Also preserved is the throne room, the throne itself and the king's pool. You can also take pictures at the top with trained monkeys. It is not worth buying souvenirs on the mountain and at the foot, the price is sometimes overpriced by up to ten times.

How to get to Sigiriya

Get to Sigiriya from Colombo city ( 169 km.) can be done in four hours by car or by bus numbered 47 from the central bus station. The bus will take you to the city Dambulla, where you can easily change to any bus to Sigiriya... Alternatively, you can come to the village at the foot of the cliff and stay overnight, accommodation can be found without problems, then the morning rise will be easier.

Photo report about how I went to the Sigiriya rock in Sri Lanka.

I give a link to vkontakte album if someone wants to look in more large size, or download the original photo.

These are the beautiful flowers that grow in this castle.


The lotus is beautiful.


Monkeys guard the entrance to the castle grounds.


In fact, it used to be a moat, but now there are flowers growing there.


Are you tired of flowers yet?


Are you tired of it? Then back to the monkeys.


Or is it flowers?


There were a lot of flowers there during the king's life. Anyway, he loved beauty, since he had 500 (five hundred) concubines. Some of them are captured in the frescoes that will follow.


I'm with my wife. She is my best.


Pay attention to the whistle between the legs of the monkey.


The monkeys are cool.


The whole area is surrounded by a moat and there are many swimming pools inside. According to legend, the king was very fond of swimming. Or wash after working with concubines.


Everyone probably has such a photo.


Trees inside the castle.


After passing through the inner part of the castle, we started to climb.


Masha is unhappy, probably shouldn't have loaded her with two bottles of water.


The passage between the two stones looks epic.


How many steps do you think there are?


You can try to guess, and the answer will be slightly lower.


View from about a third of the rise.


There are huge hives all over the cliff, so if you chat a lot you will be bitten by killer bees.


The view is really steep and it's not even the top yet.


Selfie kiss, our guide is in the background.


Long-awaited by all concubines. They are also called the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya.


According to legend, when the monks received this rock at their disposal, they could not pray here, because they were distracted by indecent frescoes.


Not much has survived, they are afraid to restore, so go and see it with your own eyes.


Interesting size of breasts in concubines. The king apparently respected only sizes from the 3rd.


View from the middle of the rise.


Part of the garden we walked through about 20 minutes ago.


To say that it is very scary there is like saying nothing - there fucking how scary.


Lakes are visible somewhere in the distance.


Description of the lion's paws - the entrance to the castle on the Sigiriya rock.


Previously, there was also a lion's head.


But it collapsed from time to time. The entrance to the castle passed through the lion's throat.


This is not such a perspective, but the steps are very dangerous. For me, this was the scariest part of the climb. The trick is that the wind just blows away.


If you look closely, you can see that something was near the rock earlier, but it fell off.


Our group says hello to everyone.


Finally we got to the top.


The view from the top is very good. But of course my camera doesn't capture all the beauty.


It's time to fool around.


Noticed a step? So this is 1202nd. If you count, then climbing this rock is tantamount to climbing a 60-storey building.


Handstand in my performance.


And the spider in the Machine.


After yoga, be sure to kiss.


There are quite a few buildings on the rock itself. There was even a dance hall.


Everything is falling apart little by little. Pay attention to the steps that hold the wall.


Height 363 meters above sea level. And about 170 from the ground.


Great selfie, put on your profile picture?


Masha decided to give up the excursion and begs. By the way, the rise costs about 500 rubles (per person), which is very expensive for local money. We gave the same amount to the guide.


A few more buildings at the foot of the cliff, this is the audience hall.


And his description.


Here the king rested after making important decisions in the conference room.


The brick is made of clay.


There were only three passages to the rock, and one of them was guarded by a snake.


Cobra to be precise.


And already a standard passage in the form of two stones.


On the descent we were offered juices. Prices are very small, divide by 3.8 to convert to rubles. Fresh mango juice for 300 rupees, that is, 78 rubles. In my opinion it is wildly cheap.


The dog wanted the same juice, but we did not give it.


Manya is pleased with the wonderful excursion, juice and purchase of a wooden tuk-tuk.

Please ask your questions in the comments. Hope you enjoyed it!
High quality, 100% cotton: Polish fabrics online store in Moscow.