The Water Gardens of Sigiriya
Overview : The Water Gardens are the first part of Sigirya visitors encounter as they enter through the west gate. Relatively well preserved, they have been compared to the water gardens of ancient Rome and the Middle East. Interspersed among the gardens were a number of palaces and bathing pavilions, and the entire area featured lush vegetation (thanks to the water system which fed the interconnected tanks and poo)ls. These water gardens were designed as a pleasure palace, an area reserved for the royal family to relax. Each garden has its own distinctive characteristics. The Minature Water Garden and Water Garden 1 are primarily bathing pools, the Fountain Garden is primarily a display of Sigiriya's hydraulics and is intended as a display, while Garden 3 served as the secluded Water Palace residences. Miniature Water Gardens : Just inside the west entrance and just below the interlocking pools of Garden 1 are the miniature water gardens. There are are at least