Sigiriya: A Palace Located 200 Meters High on a Rock

First occupied by Buddhist monks in the 3rd century BCE, it was then turned into a palace by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE).  After his death, it became a Buddhist monastery till the 14th century.  The frescoes here are among the first paintings of the human figure ever in Sri Lanka dating to the 5th century.  Duran Duran filmed their 1984 music video Save a Prayer here.  [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktHvQ2Zr09I&w=640&h=360]

Other Side of the Rock

The Moat that Surrounds the Fortress

Caves Surrounding the Fortress

View from the Top

View from the Top

The Rock

Walk Through the Gardens

Pools Surrounding the Fortress

The Frescoes