Made from volcanic rock, and also known as Lion Rock, history tells us it was built by King Kashyapa to protect him from attacks by his brother.
 
"Spending two nights in Dunbulla gave me the chance to visit this rock on a day bus trip. I can well understand why it’s claimed to be the country’s number one tourist attraction. I really enjoyed climbing up to the top, even if once reached, there was not a lot to see, except to admire the fine views of the surrounding countryside. After visiting the rock I stopped to paint the picture, just managing to complete it when, after a hot, stormy day, the clouds burst and I had to run for cover. 
 
This spectacular rock fortress about 12 miles from Dunbulla stood 620' high. Built around 473AD it later became a Buddhist monastery, then abandoned 'till it was rediscovered by archaeologists during the British era. The rock was surrounded by attractive water gardens and pools. About half way up are a series of frescoes in a sheltered galler,y painted on the rock face. Reaching them involved climbing a spiral stairway off the main route; their remarkable condition, considering how old they were, really did impress me" - MH