The best hiking sites around Sri Lanka | Ella Rock | Devil Staircase | Great western mountain range etc.

Most scenic hidden hiking sites around Sri Lanka | Devil Staircase | Haritha Kanda | Kabaragala | Peacock Hill | Yakdessagala and Famous Ella Hike  

1. Ella Rock – One of the most famous hiking range in the world

This is one of the best hiking sites around Sri Lanka. Situated in Badulla district in Uva Province near Ella town. Nearly 300 kilometers from Colombo to Ella rock view point via Southern Express way.

This is the way how you can reach to the Ella rock from Colombo. Drive through E01 expressway to Mattala, exit from Mattala interchange. Then go ahead to Lunugamwehera junction. Turn left from the junction and nearly 01 hour, you will be able to in Wellawaya town. From Wellawaya town, it takes nearly 40 minutes of drive time to Ella. Nearly 03 kilometers before to the Ella town, the path for the Ella rock view point and camping site, will be met in your left hand side.

The whole journey consisting approximately 05 hours of travelling time to the destination from Colombo.   

What are the sceneries that you can see during the way of Ella Rock?

1.     Lunugamwehera Reservoir – Just 01 kilometer from Lunugamwehera junction to the way of Lunugamwehera national park

2.     Lunugamwehera National Park - 22 kilometers from Lunugamwehera Junction

3.     Rawana waterfall – 21 kilometers from Wellawaya town towards Ella.

4.     Buduruwagala Temple – Between Lunugamwehera junction and Wellawaya town. 44 kilometers from  Lunugamwehera junction towards Wellawaya. The path to the (temple) Buddha statue and Buduruwagala rock carvings on your left hand side.

5.     Buduruwagala Rock Carvings

2.      Devil staircase – Ohiya Camping Spot

Nearly 200 kilometers from Colombo. Devil staircase is a viewing point as well as camping spot for  the hikers.

The easiest path to the Devil Staircase from Colombo is – Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Balangoda – Belihuloya – Kalupahana Junction - turn left from Kalupahana Junction – Devil Staircase, the destination.

What are the things that you can see during the journey of Devil Staircase?

1.     Pahanthudawa Waterfall – 17 kilometers from Balangoda town towards Belihuloya

2.     Brampton Falls – Nearly 07 kilometers from Belihuloya town towards Kalupahana Junction

3.     Surathali Waterfall – Nearly 10 kilometers from Belihuloya town towards Kalupahana Junction

4.     Bambarakanda Waterfall – Approximately 07 kilometers from Kalupahana Junction towards Devil Staircase road

Just 09 kilometers from Bambarakanda waterfall to our destination, Devil Staircase.

 

3.       Great western mountain range – Coolest hike ever in Sri Lanka

This working as a viewing point and a camping site for the hikers. Area is generally 1461 meters above mean from the sea level.

How can we go from Colombo?

There are multiple ways to the destination but the easiest one is train. You have to get off from the Great western railway station which is the next railway station from Thalawakele railway station towards Nanuoya, Badulla.    

Just few steps (nearly 1km) away from the Great western railway station towards Nanuoya, there is a foot path starts towards a Hindu temple on your left hand side. That is the beginning of the hike. It takes approximately 03 hours to come on to the peak of the mountain.  

You have to bring the food, energy drinks and especially the water during the hike. The most important thing is make sure to not release any plastic or artificial material to the environment. 

Note: Be careful from the Wasps during the hike.

The hike will be very difficult when rainy. The pathways will be slippery and difficult to descent. Sri Pada Mountain, Kikiliyamana forest reserve and some beautiful sceneries can be seen in the viewing point in here.

 

4.       Haritha Kanda - Green Peak camping site – The most famous camping site Sri Lanka

The Green Peak also a hiking mountain and a camping site as well. There are multiple camping sites around the area but the most famous one is this. If you are going from Bogawanthalawa end, nearly 04 kilometers from the town to the starting point of the mountain. It takes approximately 04 – 05 hours to reach to the top of the mountain.     

 

5.       Kurunegala Yakdessagala Hike in Plain North western Province

Yakdessagala is differ from the other hiking mountains. Why I am saying that, because it situated in the arid zone of Sri Lanka, Kurunegala District in North Western Province.    

Kurunegala –> Turn right in Gonagama junction in Kurunegala Puttalam road –> Kudagalgamuwa area –> Turn right near Sangweli Rajamaha Viharaya in Tittawella – Gonagama road, this is the starting point of the hike. This takes approximately 02 – 03 hours to come on to the peak. 

 

6.       Gongala Mountain peak – One of the best hiking mountains in Down South Sri Lanka

Gongala Mountain, which is situated in Ratnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province has high sensitive ecosystem indeed. Approximately three or four hours of hike for the mountain.

There are two main roads to the destination. First one is via from Colombo-Galle expressway and the other one is via Colombo-Ratnapura–Rakwana road.

Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Madampe – Rakwana – Iththakanda – Buthkanda – Gongala mountain peak.

Colombo-Galle Expressway – then exit from Imaduwa interchange – Akuressa – Morawaka – Deniyaya – Heis town- Gongala mountain peak.

The second one is much better than the other. Why I am saying that because it goes through the expressway since time will be valuable for the travellers.  

What are the things that you can see during the way of Gongala?

1.     Maduwanwela Walawwa, The ancient and historical house made by the greatest Sri Lankan aristocrat – If you are coming from Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla road, turn left to Nedolakanda Vidyala road from Nedola junction before Heis. Continue nearly 06 kilometers in Nedolakanda Vidyala road (The road is very difficult for the low ground clearance vehicle). Then turn right from Nawa Neliya junction towards Kolonna town. In 03 kilometers from Nawa Neliya junction you will meet Maduwanwela Walawwa in your right hand side.  

2.       Kanabadugala Ella – When you arrive from Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla road, you have to turn left from the unknown junction just few meters before Nedola junction. Continue for nearly 01 kilometer for the destination.

3.       Buluthota falls – Just 2.7 kilometers from Sooriyakanda junction towards Heis from Rakwana end.

4.       Dalveen ella falls – Just 2.4 kilometers from Rakwana junction.

5.       Handapan Ella – Nearly 07 kilometers from Rakwana Junction.

6.       Rakwana viewpoint – Beautiful scenery in the way between Rakwana and Heis close to Rakwana.

7.       Hulan wanguwa viewpoint - Beautiful scenery in the way between Rakwana and Heis.

  

7.       Monaragala Mountain (Peacock Hill) – One of the best hiking mountains in Sri Lanka

Monaragala Mountain, which is situated in Kandy District in Central Province. Pussellawa, in Kandy – Nuwaraeliya main road is the closest town for the mountain. If you are coming from Colombo, the easiest way to the Pussellawa is Kandy road via Kegalle, Mawanella and Gampola.     

8.       Kabaragala Mountain Peak – Hiking area in Sri Lanka

Kabaragala, situated in Central Province of Sri Lanka which is the highest peak of Dolosbage mountain range. This is also an uncommon hidden hiking site in Sri Lanka. Nearest town is Nawalapitiya and it has nearly 13 kilometers to Kabaragala mountain peak from the city of Nawalapitiya.

If you are coming from your private vehicle, there is a shortest path via Mawanella – Aranayake – Udahathenna for our destination. If you are coming from public transport service, train or bus, you have to come to Nawalapitiya town and then get a bus to Dolosbage via Lewdeniya. Get off from the bus in Meriwila junction in Lewdeniya - Dolosbage road and continue towards Kabaragala peak on your left hand side. 

 

9.       Sooriyakanda View Point Deniyaya - Sri Lanka

Sooriyakanda is a mountain as well as a view point which has one of the most beautiful environmental eco sceneries in wet zone of Sri Lanka, situated in Rathnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province. It has nearly 06 kilometers from the city of Sooriyakanda which is the nearest one and 04 kilometers from Sinharaja Junction, in Deniyaya – Rakwana road, to the view point. You can drive to the view point by your own vehicle which should be compatible for the road. It is better to have high ground clearance all-wheel drive vehicle or motor bicycle for the ride.

10.   Non-Pareil Estate - Things to do in Sabaragamuwa

Non-Pareil, located in Ratnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province. Approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Balangoda. There is a high sensitive environmental eco system around here situated in intermediate climate zone in Sri Lanka.

If you are coming via Balangoda, continue nearly 15 kilometers on Balangoda – Haputale road towards Haputale until Non-Pareil estate (world’s end junction) junction. Turn left from the junction and continue for 07 kilometers.   

 

 

Rituals and the story of Sri Pada | Adam's Peak

Sri Pada (Adam's Peak): A Spiritual Journey to Sri Lanka's Sacred Mountain | Irasewaya

This is one of the most important mountains in Sri Lanka with a height of 7360 feet. AKA Samanala Mountain located in Ratnapura District Sri Lanka.

Deepawamsa, the Paali chronicle of the 4^th century, referred to this as Samantha Khuuta.

The Buddhists believe that the footprint of the Lord Buddha is spotted at the summit of the mountain. To get to the top of the mountain, there are three main routes. They are Hatton, Erathna and Palabaddala which is also known as Raja Mawatha.

1)      Hatton Road

Hatton is about 200 kilometres from Colombo on the Colombo-NuwaraEliya A7 major road. This is the city closest to the mountain. There is a direct route from Hatton to Nallathanniya. The town of Nallathanniya is located at the foot of the Sri Pada Mountain. Busses run frequently between Hatton and Nallathanniya. A footpath leads to the summit of the mountain from Nallathanniya. Nearly four kilometres from there to the top.

2)      Erathna Road

This is the longest path. Starting at the Erathna area, a few kilometres from Kuruwita town on the Ratnapura-Colombo main road. The distance is over 14 kilometres. The journey to the summit takes roughly 12 to 13 hours.

3)      Palabaddala Road

This road begins in the Palabaddala area, approximately 25 kilometres from Ratnapura town. From the start, there are stairs. There is also a nearly 09 kilometres of hiking that leads to the summit. This road is connected to the Erathna road in the Heramitipana area.

Sri Pada is surrounded by Samanala Wildlife Sanctuary. All the roads pass through the sanctuary.

The pilgrims travelling over Hatton road will rest at Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa and Mahagirindambaya. In addition, little tea stalls and lavatories are provided for devotees on all three roads from the beginning to the end.

Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya Malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa, Lihinihela and Mahagirindambaya are also visited by pilgrims travelling from Erathna and Palabaddala roads.

Although these locations are distinct, they are referred to by the same name. As an example, the pilgrims travelling from Erathna road come across a stream called Seetha Gangula. However, the pilgrims travelling from Hatton road will come across another stream known as Seetha Gangula, which is not the same as the previous one. But the names are the same.

The illustration below explains everything.

 

 According to the historical records, King Valagamba, King IV Mihindu, King Vijayabahu, King I Parakramabahu, King Keerthi Sri Nishshankamalla, King II Vimaladharmasooriya, King VI Parakramabahu and King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe all travelled over Palabaddala road. That is why it is known as Raja Mawatha.

The SriPada season runs from Unduwap Poya day in December to the Vesak Poya day in May. The God Sumana Saman statue is carried to the ‘Sumana Saman’ temple at the top of the mountain through Raja Mawatha (Palabaddala) at the start of the season. The statue is kept at the Galpoththawala Temple during the off-season.

The Story of Sri Pada

Sri Lanka had been visited three times by Lord Buddha. When the Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka, the Lord Buddha was asked to visit the Sri Pada Mountain by God Sumana Saman. The locals believe that God Sumana Saman will safeguard the place.

During the third visit, the Lord Buddha arrived at Sri Pada Mountain from Kelaniya. The footprint of the Lord Buddha was then left there. For safety reasons, a stone has been placed over the original footprint and the original footprint was treasured. A fictitious footprint has been imprinted on the stone to represent the existence of the original footprint beneath it. The location is revered by people of all faiths. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians are all represented.

Rituals of Sri Pada

When someone visits SriPada for the first time, they are referred to as ‘Kodukaraya’. They have a number of rituals dedicated to them. Seethagangula is where Kodukaraya should bathe. They all have to sew in Geththampana after that. They should have to paste lime on Ehela Kanuwa and obtain Panchaseela.

Prior to the pilgrimage, people worship Sumana Saman Temple, which is located on the Ratnapura-Panadura main road, about 02 kilometers from Ratnapura town. All of the necessary items, including needles, threads and lime are sold in packages at the start of the routes.

There is a bell on top of the mountain. Pilgrims can ring it according to the number of times they have visited Sri Pada. For instance; if someone is on their third pilgrimage, they should ring the bell three times.  

People wrap a Pandura, a coin, in a clean white cloth and attach it to the shrines at the starting places of the pathways at the commencement of the journey. This is a prayer for safety during the journey. Devotees worship, pray, light lamps and place incense sticks at Udamaluwa where the sacred footprint is located.    

Irasewaya

From the summit of the mountain, the pilgrims may witness the sun rise. This is known as Irasewaya. The majority of the individuals remain there to observe this. The western end of Sri Lanka, particularly Colombo and Kalutara as well as certain areas in the North Western region, may be viewed from here. Galle and Sooriyawewa areas in Southern Province can also be seen. 

On a clear day, the peak may be seen all the way down in Colombo, Kalutara or even Ambalantota area through the southern expressway as well.

            

Natural Beauty of Sri Pada

During the rainy season, devotees on the Hatton road may witness a series of waterfalls.

This mountain is the source of the three major rivers Kelani, Kalu and Walawe which are the giants of Sri Lanka’s agricultural and Irrigation fields. The peak creates a distinct triangle shaped shadow on the surroundings in the morning.

At the top of the mountain, there is also a strong wind as well as the cold. The Hatton road is used by the majority of people as it is the shortest way. However, Erathna road is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and streams.

The best travelling spots around Sri Lanka. Tour Guide | Demodara | 09 Arch Bridge | Coconut tree hill Mirissa | Dutch Fort Katuwana etc.

The Dutch Fort Katuwana | Nine Arch Bridge | Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa

Demodara Railway Station

Demodara Railway Station, situated in Badulla District in Uva Province, a distance of 276 kilometres from Colombo along the railway track. The railway station consisting a weight bridge and a crane. The platform is 112 meters long.   

 

Demodara Railway Tunnel / Demodara Number 42 Tunnel

The length of the tunnel is 416 feet (127meters).

On the 21^st of March in 1921, the first train had been reached to the Demodara Railway Station from Colombo fort.

Thereafter, the railway track was extended to the Badulla and the first train was stationed to the Badulla railway station on the 05^th of February in 1924.   

 

Why Demodara is Special?

A train comes from Colombo, first stationed in Demodara Railway Station. Then it started to go around the unnamed mountain which is located in front of the railway station and then going over from the tunnel built in under the railway station. The whole journey will be end in Badulla Railway Station.

The reasons to build the railway track around the mountain are,

In this area, the railway direction should turn nearly 90 degrees to the right for the way to the Badulla.

The other reason is, there was a huge slope, nearly 70 – 80 feet, to the direction of Badulla in the railway track near Demodara Railway station, and to reduce the slope, train had to go around the mountain.

The construction of Demodara tunnel and the method was invented by a great inventor in Sri Lanka who known as Eng. D.J.Wimalasurendra.

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Nine Arch bridge - Ella

9 arch bridge also known as ‘Bridge in the Sky’ built by the British in 1921, situated in Badulla District in Uva province. This bridge connects two mountains in Colombo – Nanuoya - Badulla railway.

The bridge is located in between Ella and Demodara Railway stations closest to the Ella railway station. People going from Ella railway station to the 9 Arch Bridge by foot along the railway track.

Why people calling it as 09 arch bridge? Because it contains 09 bends aka arches in this simple beautiful architectural structure, which is made from stones with unknown mixture. The railway track is going on the bridge.  

Why this is so important? Thousands of locals and foreigners came here to watch the beauty of the scenery and feel it.

There are so many ways to the destination. I guess the easiest and the most beautiful path mentioned in below.

Continue Ella – Passara road nearly 01 kilometer towards Passara, you will meet the starting point of the foot path, for the 9 arch bridge view point, on your left hand side. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes to the view point which is going through the jungle.     

Hundreds of tourism villas, bungalows, hotels, motels and resorts available around the area.  

 

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Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa

One of the most famous and unique destinations in down south Sri Lanka. Thousands of locals and foreign people come here to photographic the scenery combining with the red floor, Mirissa blue beach and Mirissa whales watching.

It has nearly 35 kilometers from Galle town towards Matara.

People who are visiting the place must be careful because the red floor is slippery around the area.

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Thalpe Beach

Thalpe beach, one of the most attractive places around in down south Sri Lanka which is very closest to the city of Galle.

Why is this so attractive? Thalpe beach area consisting with number of natural pools that people can enjoy their sea bath. The beach area is very calm and unpopulated which makes your mind relax.

It has nearly 10 kilometers from the city of Galle towards Matara.  

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Surfing Point Weligama

Weligama is the ideal place for the beginners who willing to be learnt surfing. Hundreds of locals and foreigners are arriving here to experience the sport. Beach and the sea waves are small and continuously occurs which is perfectly fitted for your beginner surfing career. Weligama bay is the famous area for the surfing.

Several surfing points and the trained staffs available in there to give better experience for the surfers.  

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The Dutch Fort Katuwana

Dutch fort is located in the heart of the town in Katuwana in Hambantota District. In 1645, the Dutch East India Company, popularly known as VOC built the fort. This was the most heavily guarded countryside fort in Dutch history. They primarily considered two factors in order to construct it in this location.   

·       To protect the land between the southern sea area and the reign of Kandy. Commercially beneficial site for their work. Surrounding area of the fort is usually higher. The Eastern flank of the fort has a flat area that belongs to the sea.

This fort is significant in terms of the land’s geography. The Dutch fort of Katuwana and its environs are depicted on this old map.

According to the topography, the fort’s surrounding site area is crucial for establishing a security centre. The Dutch were well aware of this. However, Sinhalese were aware of this before the Dutch.         

According to the Mahavamsa, Katuwana was a gathering point for Sinhalese warriors. Queen Sugala’s castle was also established in this area during the reign of King Maha Parakramabahu (1153-1186). Queen Sugala was the one who gathered the troops to oppose the King. This historical and geographical importance may have led to the establishment of a fort in Katuwana.

Architectural Design of the Dutch fort Katuwana

The fort is square in design, measuring 150 feet long and 150 feet wide. From the exterior, the fort’s boundary wall rises to a height of 20 feet, while the interior wall rises to a height of 8 to 12 feet. 

The wall is made from stone with a mixture of lime. Johann Wolfgang, a German chemist, arrived in 1834 and launched an investigation of the fort. He determined that there were two bastions with a total of 12 cannons, which the maximum allowed.

There is only one entrance to the fort. Storehouse, official buildings, gun room, two story houses, complete surgery room for medical purposes, a well and a lift were there with a large compound.

The walls of the fort rise to a height of two floors. Stairs climb up to the ramparts from both the left and right sides of the entrance. The entire structure of the fort is set up in this way.

Attacks to the fort

Attacks by the Sinhalese army were the main reason for the destruction of the fort. The attacks took place on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th of February in 1761. The entrance of the fort was totally destroyed and the buildings were also damaged. The attacks were carried out with cannons. After the attacks, the fort was degenerated day by day and was abandoned for more than 250 years. The detailed evidence given by the three persons, Dr. S.P. Joseph in 1933, Raimers E in 1925 and Kirielle Gnanavimala thero in 1966 were subjected to setup the history of the fort from the beginning to the end.

Since the decade of 1980, the Department of Archaeology in Sri Lanka has been in-charge of this property.  This was then published as a monument by the department. The conservation work done by the department of archaeology and the government of the Netherlands in 2007 was the most comprehensive one in history. All unrelated buildings around the fort were demolished and the entrance was reconstructed in its original form. Conserved the ruins in the inner ground and placed an information center beside the entrance.

The concepts behind the erection of the Katuwana Fort.

·         Strengthening and demarcation of the Dutch territory which was established along the coastal zone.

·         Functioning as a regional purchasing center especially for citrus and cinnamon.

·         The locational importance in defense activities as Katuwana is at the end of the low terrain from the coast and at the bottom of central hills.

Visitors can easily access the destination by exiting the Southern Expressway at the Beliatta interchange. The distance from the interchange to the Fort is around 25 kilometers and it takes nearly 40 minutes to get there. This is one of the attractive tourism destinations in the southern region of Sri Lanka. 

Unbelievable Sigiriya | King Ravana | Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - The Majestic Lion Rock Fortress of Sri Lanka | King Ravana | King Kashyapa

Sigiriya - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sigiriya has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rock rises to a height of about 600 feet. Sigiriya is situated in Matale district. About 10 kilometres away from Dambulla town.

Beginning of the Reign

Prince Kashyapa, the man who assassinated his father, King Dhathusena, in order to usurp the throne. According to the historical evidence, King Mugalan should inherit the throne after the death of his father, known as King Dhathusena, who was assassinated by prince Kashyapa for the throne. However, the throne was not given to the Mugalan by prince Kashyapa. Mugalan then fled Sri Lanka and migrated to India. The prince Kashyapa then fled Anuradhapura and took refuge in the area now known as ‘Sigiriya’.

Also the prince chose the location because it was a very safe place to live. Because prince Kashyapa realized that Mugalan would come here one day and depose me for take over the throne. This is why he chose Sigiriya over Anuradhapura as the location of his reign. After that prince Kashyapa was crowned as King Kashyapa (477-495 CE) in Sri Lanka.

Why is it known as Lion’s Rock?

Sigiriya is also known as ‘Sinha giri’, where ‘Sinha’ refers to a Lion in Sinhala. A profile structure of a Lion made of bricks stood at the rock’s entrance. The front of the structure has been demolished. However, the front legs were saved from the excavations done by Mr.H.C.P.Bell in the period from 1910 to 1911 in Sigiriya. That is why it is known as the Lion’s rock.

 

Unbelievable Happened

According to the historical documents, there was a palace complex there that served as a citadel. Even today, we can see the remains of palaces. The art of gardening and the construction of the buildings here show Sri Lanka’s great Architectural, Irrigational and Engineering abilities in the past. According to many, there was a two story palace on top of the Rock.

Several Buildings, Ponds, Pathways and Ramparts are the several things that remain there with the area of 3.5 acres. There is also a seat on top of the rock which is made from a stone. There were also Palaces of the King located in ground lower gardens as well. It was surrounded by moats and ramparts. The palaces had air circulation coldness even in the summer. Parks, water gardens and terraces are on the ground level of the citadel. 

Most important feature is the irrigation system built by King Kashyapa. Even now, there is a pond which is located on the top of the rock and is still filled with water. A mysterious unexplained hidden device transports water from the ground level to the top of the rock. It is still a mystery to the people as well as archaeologists.  

After 18 years’ absence, Mugalan returned to Sri Lanka with an entourage from India. When King Kashyapa’s troops deserted him at the end of his rule he committed suicide. The kingship was then given to King Moggallana also known as Mugalan. Then he got the throne and chose his reign as Anuradhapura.

Sigiriya Ketapath Paura

There is a wall in a middle sector of the rock known as ‘Ketapath Paura’.

The arts on ‘Ketapath Paura’ are one of the most significant aspects. Natural colours from blossoms were used to colour them and certain parts of the trees were used as well. We can see the painting style of Anuradhapura reign has been used here.

These arts are quite similar to the arts in India. There are only 22 arts left presently.

Mr. Senarath Paranawithana, the best historian ever in Sri Lanka, noted that the arts displayed on the wall were about the princesses of Vijjulatha and Meghalatha, as well as the dance of girls in the Kingdom. On the other hand, one of the best Archaeologists, Mr.H.C.P.Bell said that the queens of King Kashyapa who are going to pilgrimage to the temple known as Pidurangala Viharaya are showing in the arts. 

However, the dexterity of the artist was demonstrated when he used the lotus and blue lotus to suggest that this scene occurred in the evening. Long time after the reign of King Kashyapa, people used the ‘Ketapath Paura’ to write down their thoughts.

According to historians and archaeologists, the ‘Sigiriya’ was used as a communication centre by people in Sri Lanka in the 7^th century following the rule of King Kashyapa. It shows itself through the writings of those people in the ‘Ketapath Paura’.

Modern Opinions of Sigiriya

According to modern scholars, the front legs of the structure are not those of lion. Each foot of the Lion has four fingers. However, both foot have three fingers here in the structure. As a result, academics believe it is a symbol of some sort of bird.

Further, the recent researches claim that a seven- story palace was built inside the rock by King ‘Ravana’ centuries ago. King ‘Ravana’ was a great king in Sri Lanka. The site where the lion structure was built, served as the main entrance to the Palace. Archaeologists believe that the seat, which is on the top of the rock, was utilized by King ‘Ravana’.

Pidurangala Rock

This is also a rock just next to Sigiriya. When the monarch Kashyapa decided to construct a new palace, he desired it to be built on top of the Sigiriya rock. There was already a monastery on top of that rock. The King approached the monks at that monastery and requested if he may build his castle there and move their monastery here.

As a result, he discovered this rock for them. He also assisted in the construction of the monastery here. This is about 200 metres tall which is located two kilometres away from Sigiriya. Gates are open from 5.00 am until 6.00 pm every day for the pilgrims. The Pidurangala temple is located at the base of the cliff. The ascent begins from there.

According to legends, King Kashyapa received messages from his soldiers on the Pidurangala cliff when the attackers were coming to reign.