Sigiriya - the Lion Mountain in Sri Lanka
Updated:2012-02-10 14:56
(chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)
Built in the 5 century AC this magnificent complex of geometrically laid gardens, pools, fountains (still working today) as well as oldest surviving murals of maidens has been a palace of the King Kasyapa.
Built on top of a 200m high rock, the entrance to the climb once has been through a lions head. Only the huge paws remain today. Half way up the rock are beautifully drawn painted bare breast Maidens whose existence is still a mystery. Which should be the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriaya, is a must see item in Sri Lanka. The occupation of the gigantic fortress ended when Kasyapa killed himself in a battle with his brother.
The Water Gardens are the first part of Sigirya visitors encounter as they enter through the west gate. Relatively well preserved, they have been compared to the water gardens of ancient Rome and the Middle East. Interspersed among the gardens were a number of palace and bathing pavilions, and the entire area featured lush vegetation (thanks to the water system which fed the interconnected tanks and pools. These water gardens were designed as a pleasure palace, an area reserved for the royal family to relax. Each garden has its own distinctive characteristics. The Minature Water Garden and Water Garden 1 are primarily bathing pools, the Fountain Garden is primarily a display of Sigiriya's hydraulics and is intended as a display, while Garden 3 served as the secluded Water Palace residences.