Why Sigiriya is Called the Eighth Wonder of the World

There is no doubt that the jaw-dropping Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s noteworthy historical sites as well as a foremost tourist attraction. The ruins of an ancient palace and gardens to be found here have intrigued countless foreign visitors exploring the island nation. Described below are some of the features of this breathtaking site that have gained it the moniker of the 'Eighth Wonder of the World’.

The stunning rock 

It goes without saying that one of the most arresting features of Sigiriya is the astounding rock formation, which presents a striking sight for the observer. This structure may be described as a mammoth granite column that rises to a height of 180 m. Experts believe that this uniquely shaped natural formation was created by heated magma from a long-extinct volcano. The eye-catching vertical rock walls themselves may be regarded as a noteworthy attraction that would draw the interest of sightseers. 

A rich history 

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress has a fascinating history. This complex was created by order of the renegade king, Kashyapa, in the 5th century AD to serve as his royal residence. This controversial monarch is believed to have deposed and killed his father in his quest to gain the throne. The rightful heir, his half-brother, Moggallana, fled to India in fear for his life, though Kashyapa knew that he would eventually return to claim his rightful throne. In the course of time, as anticipated, Moggallana returned with an army and gained victory when Kashyapa’s forces abandoned him in battle. The proud king took his own life on the battlefield, and after his death, Sigiriya fell into disuse and was eventually forgotten. 

Ancient ruins 

There are some fascinating ruins at the rock fortress that are suggestive of its splendour in its heyday. On the rock’s flat summit, you will find the remnants of Kashyapa’s palace, which would enthral the history enthusiast. Another noteworthy feature of this complex is the Lion Gate. In times past, a massive statue of a lion symbolically guarded the staircase which led to the summit of the rock. Whilst only the paws of the lion are to be seen today, they provide an idea of the grandeur of the original sculpture. A Sigiriya hotel to consider from which you could easily reach this site is Sigiriya Jungles Sri Lanka, an ideal base to visit the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Frescoes and Mirror Wall 

The renowned frescoes depicting beautiful ladies would undoubtedly be counted amongst the most famed features of the rock fortress. It is believed that these frescoes originally covered the greater part of the entire face of the massive rock. Only a few of these captivating murals can be seen today, but they are undoubtedly an absorbing sight for the culture lover. 

Another remarkable aspect of this site is the well-known Mirror Wall. In times past, this wall happened to be so highly polished that the monarch could see his reflection on it as he passed by. Today, you will find the Sigiriya Graffiti on this wall, consisting of interesting verses left behind by numerous visitors centuries ago. Individuals of all backgrounds and walks of life took the opportunity to leave behind these intriguing messages. 

Historic gardens 

Sigiriya is also renowned for the remnants of the remarkable gardens, which at one time graced this site. These creations are counted amongst the earliest landscaped gardens to exist on the globe. The water gardens, which at one time existed here, featured elaborate water systems. Meanwhile, the boulder gardens are known for the massive boulders which can be seen in them. On the other hand, the terraced gardens extend from the boulder gardens’ pathways to the staircases of the citadel. These gardens reflect the skill of their ancient creators and add to Sigiriya's allure.