Ravana’s Palace Sri Lanka
Ravana’s Palace or currently called Sigiriya Rock
This strategic point, it seems first used by monks at the beginning of the conversion of Sri Lanka to Buddhism, but then converted into King Kassapa-Kashyapa control center.
According to recent studies, certainly with settlements in prehistory as a place of power for communication with the gods.
On the flat top, as if cut with a knife, we will meet the ruins of a Citadel built in detail, complete with levels of defense for a possible enemy attack.
This is an intricate system of locks and ditches that allowed the flooding of the flat area, now called “water gardens”.
Ravana’s palace Sri Lanka
We will also find water tanks, buildings and walls built at different levels, some with an incredible resemblance to pyramidal structures.
Ravana’s palace Sri Lanka
The mystery is not knowing what these structures are for, but how they were built.
As the ancient builders have been able to move all these bricks (about 3 million), up to 200 meters above sea level.
Considering that not having clay available at the top, assuming that the “Rock” is a volcanic monolith with perpendicular side walls.
The achievement is made even more difficult, considering the absence of stairs or steps to reach the top.
The stairway installed only recently for the restoration and to then allow the tourist turnout.
We can see that in the amount of work performed, we must add the huge white marble stones, scattered throughout the complex, coming from a distant quarry, used for paving and stairways.
Ravana’s palace Sri Lanka
Starting with the anomalies present in this incredible complex, we will stop to admire the large water tanks, called “Ravana’s pools”.
Excavated about 1500 years ago, we immediately realize that we are in front of the largest man-made in the world.
The peculiarity is that, according to the history taught us, they are obtained by digging tons of solid granite with chisels and bronze hammers.
The tank measures 30 x 20 meters and about 3 meters deep, thus removing about 3500 tons of granite.
Upon a careful observation, we note that we are in front of an excavation performed with techniques unknown to us.
The furrows around the tank seem to be made by scraping and not striking, one of the theories hints at softening the rock and scraping it like an ice cream.
After seasonal studies it has also been ascertained that the presence of water is constant throughout the year, despite being the area affected by monsoons alternating with very dry periods.
Another peculiarity is found in the pyramidal style of the construction which recalls a lot to others present all over the world.
Coming down from the Rock we meet outside the caves, with wonderful well-preserved frescoes.
Also we find the “mirrow wall”, the mirror plaster of a retaining wall, executed with a technique still unknown.
Ravana’s palace Sri Lanka
Returning to the base of the Rock we can see that the first obstacle, in case of attack, are the already mentioned, water gardens that seem to welcome, but lethal to the enemy.
Strategically fortified with an intricate system of reservoirs, fountains and underground canals capable of flooding the entire area, and infesting it with crocodiles.
Viewed from above, it gives an idea of the differences in height created, with pools of different sizes and depths, resembling a modern printed circuit where everything is connected.
This intricate “net” created an impenetrable ground for horse-drawn war chariots and infantry.
As a second line of defense we meet the “Bolder’s Gardens” where builders creating a union between nature and artificial structures.
By bottling the hypothetical enemy army under these two gigantic stones, so narrow to allow only two people to pass at a time, they seem incredibly tactilely positioned.
Another strategic megalith, 5 meters high and 10 meters wide, of about 1000 tons, located in a pendant and supported by cylindrical stones, certainly not natural called “prison rocks”.
Ready to be pushed downstream, with minimal force, against enemy forces.
Without a doubt with all these defensive devices the Sigiriya fortress have, it was a stronghold, keeping something precious or a secret.
Ravana’s palace Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is indeed the perfect place for children and for people who like animals and nature.
This country is incredibly green.
It is impossible not to find elephant herds on safari or even on the same road traveling.
It is also very easy to see leopards, macaques and other types of monkeys, giant squirrels, jackals, etc. etc
Furthermore, walking with children and adults through the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a delight. Along with the giant trees and millions of plants, we will also find monkeys and other animals in this immense place.
