Lion's Paw Tourism

Lion's Paw is the monumental gateway to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya, often referred to as 'Lion Rock', is a towering column of rock nearly 200 meters high, with a flat top on which a royal palace once stood. The fortress, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE), is renowned for its archaeological significance and its exquisite ancient frescoes. Lion's Paw itself is a significant feature located halfway up the rock fortress and provides the entry point to the final ascent. As the name suggests, the gateway is adorned with huge sculpted paws of a lion. Although the entire lion structure no longer exists, the paws and the surrounding architecture give a glimpse of the grandiosity of the original entrance. Sigiriya is also surrounded by extensive gardens, reservoirs, and other structures manifesting ancient urban planning. It is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.