Sigiriya Lion Rock In Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Stock Image

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres 660 ft high.[citation needed]nnAccording to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kashyapa 477 – 495 AD for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. nnThe capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king`s death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.