Although, the history of Sigiriya is believed to commence from Kasyapa (477-495 A.D.) archaeological investigations have revealed that Buddhist Monks had occupied rock caves at Sigiriya from the 3rd century BC. These caves have deeply-incised protective grooves or drip ledges.Whick prpbably ment that a single monk would occupy one iall year round, irrespective of season. Some of the 50 rock shelters discovered have inscriptions stating that the caves were donated to the Buddhist Monastic order. These inscriptions belong to a period between 3rd century BC and 1st century AD. There is evidence, however, that human habitation at Sigiriya dates back to a prehistoric time.
Being a mad sort, I climbed up the side of the rockface to vist one of the caves. A thousand years ago the monks had carved out little handholds that still exist today. I must confess it was just a little scary but the sense of being in one of those ancient places was wonderful.
