My visit to Sri Lanka (part 2) continued from part-1 .
(By Lokanath Mishra)
As I bid farewell to the charming city of Trincomalee, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the next leg of my journey. My destination was Sigiriya and there after to Kassapa Lion Rock, a scenic haven nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.
As I stepped into the ancient city of Sigiriya, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and awe. My destination was the ruined palace of Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka, and I was eager to uncover the secrets and mysteries that lay within.
The journey to the palace was an adventure in itself, as I navigated through the dense jungle and climbed the steep rock face that led to the palace. The air was thick with anticipation as I finally reached the entrance to the palace.
As I explored the ruined palace, I was struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the structure. The palace’s architecture was a testament to the advanced engineering and construction skills of the ancient civilization that built it.
As I wandered through the palace, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was walking in the footsteps of Ravana himself. The ancient stones seemed to whisper tales of the legendary king’s reign, and the wind carried the whispers of the past.
The palace’s layout was a marvel of ancient urban planning, with intricate passageways, majestic halls, and serene gardens. Every step revealed a new wonder, a new secret, and a new tale from the ancient world.
As I delved deeper into the palace, I began to unravel the mysteries that lay within. The ancient frescoes that adorned the walls told tales of Ravana’s reign, while the intricate carvings and sculptures revealed the advanced artistic skills of the ancient civilization.
The palace’s water gardens, with their serene ponds and intricate fountains, were a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient civilization. Every aspect of the palace seemed to be a reflection of Ravana’s grandeur and majesty. In fact Sigiriya was indeed Ravana’s palace, several pieces of following evidence suggest a strong connection on this point.
Sigiriya’s location and geography bear some resemblance to the descriptions of Ravana’s palace in the Ramayana. The presence of ancient ruins, artifacts, and frescoes on Sigiriya suggests that the site was once an important settlement or palace.
Local legends and folklore in the area surrounding Sigiriya suggest that the rock fortress was indeed Ravana’s palace. Archaeological excavations at Sigiriya have uncovered evidence of ancient habitation, including pottery, coins, and other artifacts.
The Sigiriya rock fortress has a total of *1,200 steps* that lead to the top of the rock. These steps are divided into several sections, including:
1. *Lower palace*: 300 steps
2. *Lion’s mouth*: 100 steps
3. *Upper palace*: 200 steps
4. *Summit*: 600 steps.
After seeing this ruined palace, I have come to a conclusion that this was the palace of king Ravan and Ramayana is written basing on facts.
As I left the ruined palace of Ravana, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The experience had been a journey through time, a glimpse into the ancient world that had once flourished in Sigiriya.
The palace’s ruins stood as a testament to the grandeur and majesty of Ravana’s reign, and the advanced skills and knowledge of the ancient civilization that built it. As I walked away from the palace, I knew that I would carry the memories of this experience with me forever. Then I proceeded to Kassapa Lion Rock was a scenic one, with the rolling hills and lush green forests of Sri Lanka’s countryside unfolding before my eyes. As I traveled, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rich history and culture of this incredible island nation.
Upon arrival at Kassapa Lion Rock, I was struck by the natural beauty of my surroundings. The resort’s namesake, the majestic Lion Rock, towered above me, its rugged grandeur a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
As I settled into my accommodations, I was treated to a warm welcome by the friendly staff at Kassapa Lion Rock. The resort’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings immediately put me at ease, and I knew that I was in for a truly unforgettable experience. ( to be continued)