THE SIGIRIYA CITADEL
this stunning historic fortress sits on top of the sigiriya rock, which is about 200m high. it was built from 480 a.d. onward, as the military center of a capital city. many facilties on top of the rock, as well as in the surrounding area, have survived. it is now a unesco world heritage site.
the visitors, very many, have to climb via prepared pathways. on top one can see military features, as well as remains of the historic palace. even a little pond is there. at a later time the sigiriya rock became a buddhist monastery, until around 1400, then it got completely forgotten, until the british period.
the real spectacle are the sensational paintings from the early period. to reach those which have survived, demanding trails have been prepared.
there are frescos presenting about 200 ladies, who may have been princesses, or concubines, or high-level aides.
many portrayal show exceptionally attractive women, face-wise and body-wise - somehow charismatic ladies - like this one here.
to sum up - if someone visits sri lanka, has little time, and can visit only one place, it certainly should be the truly unique sigiriya citadel!
