Sigiriya (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா, pronounced see-gee-ree-yah) is an ancient palace located in the central 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. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) 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. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.[1] Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.[2] It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka. HOW TO GET THERE: Colombo – Warakapola – Turn Left – Kurunegala – Dambulla – Kimbissa – Turn Right – Sigiriya (4 hours) BIRDS AT SIGIRIYA Shahin Falcon, Little Scops Owl, Indian & Long-tailed Night-Jar, Forest Eagle Owl, Openbill, Ceylon & Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Indian Blue Chat, Brown-capped Babbler, White-rumped Shama, Black-capped Bulbul, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Brown Flycatcher, Layard’s Flycatcher, Orange Minivet, Small Minivet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, White-bellied sea Eagle, Crested Serpent & Crested Hawk eagle, Blue-faced Malkoha and many more.