Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pressive. Still, it's hard not to be captivated by the astonishing views from this lofty perch,
which extend for miles across an emerald ocean of forest canopy.
A smooth stone slab (the so-called king's throne, possibly a meditation spot) sits 30m
away from the ruins of a dagoba. The 27m-by-21m tank, hewn out of the rock, looks for
all the world like a modern swimming pool, although it was probably used for water stor-
age.
PALACE OR MONASTERY?
Though the established view is that Sigiriya's summit was the site of Kassapa's palace,
some (including Dr Raja de Silva, Sri Lanka's former archaeological commissioner) are
not convinced. In particular the absence of stone bases, post holes, visible foundations
for cross walls or window sashes, and a lack of lavatory facilities has caused doubt and
provoked heated academic debate as to the purpose of the structures. For de Silva, this
site was a vast Buddhist monastery, embracing both Theravada and Mahayana practices,
and existing for many centuries before and after Kassapa's rule. The summit was a sanc-
tuary for meditation, containingkutis(cells) for monks and paved paths for Buddhist per-
ambulation.
Cobra Hood Cave
CAVE
This rocky projection earned its name because the overhang resembles a fully opened co-
bra's hood. Generally you pass by this cave after descending the rock on your way to the
south gate and the car park. Below the drip ledge is an inscription from the 2nd century
BC that indicates it belonged to Chief Naguli, who would have donated it to a monk. The
plastered interior of the cave was once embellished with floral and animal paintings.
Sigiriya Museum
MUSEUM
This superb museum uses detailed and engaging displays and has a fine diorama of the
site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond
the obvious natural beauty.
