Sigiriya: The Lion's Rock Fortress of Sri Lanka

• Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [ayubowan]
• Goodbyeසමගාවේ
  [samagawe]
• Yesඔව්
  [ow]
• Noනෑ
  [nae]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න/අපි කියලා
  [karanna/api kiyala]
• Thank youඔබට ස්තූතියි
  [obata sthuthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryකියලා දැන්නා/සපුරා
  [kiyala dannaa/sapura]
• How are you?ඔබ කොහොමද?
  [oba kohomada?]
• Fine. And you?හොදයි. ඔබ?
  [hodayi. oba?]
• Do you speak English?ඔබට ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරයිද?
  [obata ingreesi katha karayi da?]
• I don't understandමම දැන් නොදැනෙනවි
  [mama dannae nodannevi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකොළ බලන්න
  [karunakola balanna]
• I don't eat meatමස් නැවතියි
  [mas nawathi]
• Cheers!ආයිවක්!
  [ayiwak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකොළ ගෙවන්න
  [karunakola gewanna]

• Help!උක්කථනා!
  [ukkathana!]
• Go away!පිටවන්න!
  [pitawanna!]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් කරන්න!
  [polis karanna!]
• Call a doctor!වෛර කරන්න!
  [vaira karanna!]
• I'm lostමම අභිබචවෙනවි
  [mama abhibechwenavi]
• I'm illමම අස්තියවෙනවි
  [mama asthiyawenavi]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලදී ගෙනා
  [mama ... miladi gena]
• I'm just lookingමම පෙනුවනවා
  [mama penuvanava]
• How much is it?එය කොහොමද?
  [eya kohomada?]
• That's too expensiveඑය ඉතාම පිරිස්සුද
  [eya itama pirisuda]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අඩු කරන්න ක්‍රයාත්මයක් තියාගන්න
  [mila adu karanna krayathmaya tiyaganna]

• What time is it?එයට කොහොම වේදිකාව යොදවුද?
  [eyata kohom vediya yodavada?]
• It's one o'clockඑය එක පැයට වේදිකාවයි
  [eya eka payata vediya]
• Half past (10)දහයි පැයට (දසු)
  [dahayi payata (dasu)]
• Morningපෙරවදා
  [perawada]
• Afternoonප.ව.
  [p.w.]
• Eveningස.ව.
  [s.w.]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [iyee]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [heta]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [deka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හතර
  [hathara]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අශෝල්
  [ashol]
• 9නවය
  [navaya]
• 10දහයි
  [dahayi]

• Where's a/the...?... කොහොමද?
  [... kohomada?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [lipinaya kumakda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මාප් එකෙන් පෙන්වන්නක?
  [map eken penwanak?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟට දිනව්?
  [elagata dinawa?]
• A ticket (to ....)ටිකට් (විදුලියට)
  [ticket (viduliyata)]

Sigiriya's history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited nearly 5,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations have uncovered tools, pottery shards, and other artifacts that point to an early human presence. The natural rock shelters and caves in the region were likely used by these early inhabitants for protection and as living quarters.

The most iconic chapter in Sigiriya's history is undoubtedly the reign of King Kashyapa I (477-495 CE). After seizing the throne from his father, King Dhatusena, Kashyapa moved the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya. He transformed the rock into an elaborate fortress and palace complex, complete with lush gardens, moats, and elaborate frescoes. The rock summit housed the royal residence, creating a nearly impregnable stronghold.

One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is the Lion Rock. The entrance to the palace was designed to resemble a massive lion, with the paws still visible today. The lion's head, however, has not survived the test of time. This architectural marvel served both as a symbol of royal power and as a formidable defensive structure, deterring potential invaders.

Sigiriya is renowned for its ancient frescoes, which adorn the western face of the rock. These vibrant paintings, depicting celestial maidens known as 'Apsaras,' are a testament to the artistic skills of the period. The frescoes are considered masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan art, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors that have survived for over a millennium.

Another remarkable aspect of Sigiriya is its advanced hydraulic engineering. The water gardens, located at the base of the rock, are a complex system of pools, fountains, and channels that were designed to enhance the beauty and utility of the royal gardens. These gardens are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, reflecting sophisticated engineering and an understanding of water management that was ahead of its time.

After the death of King Kashyapa in 495 CE, Sigiriya's prominence began to wane. The capital was moved back to Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya transitioned into a Buddhist monastic complex. Over the centuries, it was largely forgotten, only to be rediscovered by British archaeologists in the 19th century. Despite its decline, the ruins of Sigiriya continued to be a site of historical and cultural significance.

In the 19th century, British archaeologists, including H.C.P. Bell, began to uncover the secrets of Sigiriya. Their work led to a renewed interest in the site, which has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its historical and architectural wonders.

Sigiriya is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 170 kilometers northeast of Colombo. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a private car hire to Sigiriya, which typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo to Habarana, the nearest railway station to Sigiriya, and then a taxi or tuk-tuk for the remaining 15 kilometers.

Sigiriya is a small village, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the region and connect to nearby towns such as Dambulla and Habarana. Renting a bicycle or a scooter is also a popular option for exploring the area at your own pace.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available in nearby towns like Dambulla, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Sigiriya.

Sigiriya is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in nearby Dambulla. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow of the head. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sigiriya like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the area for breathtaking views of the landscape.