Sigiriya

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is an ancient rock fortress located near Dambulla. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite rock approximately 180 m (590 ft.) floating among the clouds. One ruler of Sri Lanka, King Kasyapa made Sigiriya his realm, a natural rock fortress rising above the surrounding plain, on top of which the king built an elegant city of palaces and gardens. The king was defeated in 495, and the palace fell into ruin. The gateway to the palace on the rock was built in the form of an enormous lion, hence the name Lions Rock is derived. The ladies of the Sigiriya fresco paintings were painted on the western surface of Sigiriya Rock, which highlight a massive palace complex. Few of these murals survived up to date. The names of the ladies and the artists who painted them are lost to history.