The Lion Fortress of Sigiriya {Photo Junket}
The view from Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka
If you squint you will see a giant lion entangled in the encroaching jungle, overlooking the Hill Country to the south and protecting the central table of Sri Lanka. If you open your eyes fully, you will see the ruins of an ancient fortress or Sigiriya Rock as the locals call it, resting upon the top of a megalithic rock in a sparse plateau that would once have been a glorious residence for those who dared climbed upon the lion’s back. Photographing Sigiriya Rock is a wonderful challenge as there are so many aspects to shoot. From the rock paintings concealed within the overhanging caves, to the decaying ruins, to the 360 degree views from the top and of course, the mesmerizing rock itself. Lion Fortress is well worth the three hours travel from Colombo and is best experienced in the early morning as the sun rises over Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka
Stairways cut through the rock as you ascend the fortress
The Giant Lion Paws of Sigiriya Rock
Beautiful Frescoes dating to the 5th Century - Sigiriya Rock
Royal Gardens below Sigiriya Rock
A Storm brewing over Lion Fortress
The rickety spiral staircases
Intense Greens of the moss that grow along the stone staircases (not photoshoped)
The view from the top of the fortress
This post is part of the India and Sri Lanka: The Search for the Forgotten Tree blog series.
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