Sigiriya, the Eighth Wonder of the World, a Lost Dynasty!

⛳Some call it the "Sky Palace," others the "Jewel of Art." The Sigiriya rock fortress, a royal castle built atop a giant orange-red rock, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. ⛩️Built in the 5th century during the reign of King Kashyapa of the Moriya dynasty, the Sigiriya palace was Kashyapa's refuge after he killed his father to seize the throne. Fearing his brother's revenge, he spent 18 years constructing this "rock dynasty." The site remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in the mid-19th century by a British hunter, Bell, astonishing the world. ✔️Highlights: 1⃣️Exterior view: The giant rock, prominent in the open landscape, is visible from afar. The best views are from nearby coffee shops and small stores, offering great photo opportunities. 2️⃣Architectural marvel: Towering 200m high, the palace once resembled a lion. While the lion's head has eroded, the body remains impressive. Built into the rock face, the palace's ingenious construction showcases remarkable skill for a structure built 1,500 years ago. 3⃣️Cultural landscape: Ascending the winding staircase, you'll see vibrant frescoes of celestial maidens on the cliffs, along with magnificent sculptures and ancient architecture. These are true artistic treasures of ancient Southeast Asia. 4⃣️Royal city scope: Encompassing a moat, a garden square, a massive rock, and the brick-red sky castle on top, Sigiriya embodies the essence of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. 5⃣️Natural landscape: The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sri Lankan landscape. Sunrises and sunsets here are particularly spectacular. 6⃣️Important notes: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb, as it's quite strenuous. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. 📍Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka ⏰Opening hours: 7:00–17:30 💰Tickets: LKR 4,500 🚗Transportation: Buses run between Dambulla and Sigiriya every 30 mins, with a journey time of approximately 45 mins. You can also take a tuk-tuk from Dambulla, which takes about 30 mins and costs around LKR 600 (be sure to negotiate the price beforehand).