Editorial photo #10340988 Human Interest

Sigiriya, The Lion Fortress Of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica) drinks water from the pond at Sigiriya fortress on August 6, 2023, in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress known for its massive column of rock that reaches nearly 200 metres high. The site dates back to the reign of King Kasyapa (4774-4795 AD), who chose this site as his new capital. He decorated the walls with frescoes and built an impressive palace right on top of the rock column, accessible only through the mouth of an enormous carved lion. It is located at a distance of 178 km from Colombo and has become a popular tourist spot for foreigners from all over the world. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)