Sigiriya located in the northern extremity of the Matale District. Above 350 Meters Sigiriya has a striking geological profile, being a rocky outcrop, in the northern semi-highland zone. It is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient political capitals and most sensational archaeological heritage site that has also been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is sufficient archaeological evidence to prove that the history of Sigiriya goes back to pre-historic times. Sigiriya has a cave that has been used by pre-historic man, nearly 5,500 years B.P. Subsequent to this archaeological interest is centered on caves around Sigiriya rock which were built up as cave shelters from the 3rd century B.C. However, interest in Sigiriya today is focused on the constructional activities of King Kasyapa I (A.D. 477-495). King Kasyapa was a son of King Dhathusena by a lesser queen: hence his right to the throne was not a strong one. Assuming the kingship by a place conspiracy, which led to the execution of his father, Kasyapa chose to make Sigiriyahis seat of administration and reigned for 18 years. According to the eminent archaeologist Prof. Senerat Paranavitana, Sigiriya reflects the sensuousness of a pleasure-loving king, who modeled the city on the mythical Alakamanda of the god Kuvera. Research conducted in and around Sigiriya reveal that its rulers had relations with diverse foreign countries. Roman and Indo-Roman coins found during excavations provide the principal supporting evidence for this surmise. Also, earthenware utensils belonging to the Sassanian have been found. Persian influence is plainly seen in the layout of the Sigiri Water Gardens. At Least three of the graffiti verses mention silk from China. At the northern end of the rock, a narrow pathway emerges on to the huge stage from which the site derives its name – Sigiriya means ‘Lion Rock’. HCP Bell, the British archaeologist responsible for a huge quantity of archaeology in Sri Lanka, found the two vast lion paws when excavating here in 1898. At one time an enormous brick lion sat at this end of the rock, and the final climb to the top commenced with a staircase that led among the lion’s paws and into its mouth. The lion symbolism serves as a reminder to devotees ascending the rock that Buddha was Sakya-Sinha (Lion of the Sakya Clan) and that the truths he spoke of were as powerful as the sound of a lion’s growl. The 5th-century lion has since moved out, apart from the first steps and the paws. Reaching the top means clambering up across a series of metal stairs, but you can still see the original grooves and steps cut into the rock. The Water Gardens, the most striking feature of the Sigiriya city plan, occupy the central portion of the western precinct. This unique creation shows four distinct parts. There three Water Gardens. In Water Garden No. 1, there are four symmetrically arranged “L” shaped ponds, creating an island in the middle. This is considered a special feature found in ancient garden designs and is termed “Charbagh” and this specimen seems to the most ancient one extant in the world today. Sigiriya paintings are evidence that whole of the western and northern rock faces were originally plastered and painted.