The romance of Sigiriya, the playboy’s palace in the sky, has provided inspired for many books, plays and even films, with more than one legend to explain its origins. All theories hinge around the cult of King Kasyapa.

The Mahavansa records that King Kasyapa (reigned AD 477-495) killed his father, King Dhatusena, by plastering him alive to a wall, in order to gain the throne, after which he lived in terror that his half brother, Moggallana, who had taken refuge in India, would return to kill him. He did come back, after 18 years, to find that Kasyapa had built a combination of pleasure palace and massive fortress. Kasyapa came down from the hill to face his half brother’s army on elephant back. Mistakenly thinking he had been abandoned by his supporters, he killed himself with his dagger.

As their last orders, Kasyapa’s loyal servants destroy Sigiriya leaving only the remains with the wish that no other ruler will enjoy the pleasures of his palace. Today what stands is the foundation of this once amazing fortress. The sheer scale of it will dazzle any visitor and the myth and imagination of what Sigiriya might have been in its heyday, arguably is its main attraction. Many historians have aimed to recreate the glamour and grandeur of the place but most of it is still left to the imagination.

Recommended as an 8^th wonder of the world, Sigiriya is a “MUST” on all visitor lists to Sri Lanka.

Located in the north central region of Sri Lanka its about a 5 hours drive from the Colombo International airport. Once in Dambula (the main city near Sigiriya), you may opt to explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and even enjoy a thrilling 4 wheel drive safari to the Minneriya National Park.

Whether you are traveling to Sri Lanka with children or family with older kids, Honeymooners, Educational tours or just Cultural enthusiasts, Sigiriya will mesmerize all its critics.   Sigiriya is one of the most popular sites to be visited in Sri Lanka. Most Cultural and Heritage Tours of Sri Lanka will include a visit to this amazing site.