SRI LANKA: Sunrise at Sigiriya

Sigiriya was built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa I. 

The king chose this massive rock, which rises nearly 200 meters (660 feet) above the surrounding jungle, to serve as both a strategic stronghold and a luxurious palace.

It is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

At the base of the final ascent to the mountaintop palace, massive lion’s paws carved from stone guard the stairway to the summit.

We hiked up the 1,200 steps (but who’s counting?) to watch the sun rise over Sigiriya. 

 

 

Having a luxurious palace situated at the top of a huge rock created logistical challenges. 

But gave it great views!

At the top there is a large reservoir, likely used for drinking water and bathing. 

Engineers used a network of underground pipes and pumps to transport water 200 meters (660 feet) up the rock—a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

Located at the base of Sigiriya are gardens that are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. They are arranged geometrically. The fountains are made with terra-cotta pipes that still function during the rainy season using natural water pressure. Hidden underground pipes transported water to different parts of the gardens.

There were outer and inner moats that were designed not only for beauty but also for defense. Some parts of the moats had crocodiles, adding an extra layer of protection.

After King Kashyapa I was defeated and killed in 495 AD, Sigiriya was abandoned as a royal residence. This had been the King's throne where he would have had an awesome view of the sun rising over Sigiriya.

Buddhist monks took over Sigiriya and transformed it into a Buddhist monastery.

The caves and rock shelters around the site were used for meditation and religious practices.

The Buddhists abandoned the site in the 13^thcentury, as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa had already become major Buddhist centers. Over time the jungle began reclaiming Sigiriya. 

 

 

It slowly fell into ruin and was forgotten.

Sigiriya was "rediscovered" by British explorers in the 1800s, when Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was under British colonial rule.

Archaeological work began in the 20th century, leading to the restoration and recognition of Sigiriya as a historical treasure.

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 "recognizing its unique combination of urban planning, architecture, engineering and artistic achievement."

 

John is still trying to figure out how they got water into the reservoir at the top.

 

 

The trials and tribulations of being an engineer.