Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is a huge column of rock rising abruptly from the forest of central Sri Lanka. In the fifth century, King Kashyapa built a palace on its summit, with water gardens and terraces laid out at its feet; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s most famous landmark.

The climb takes you through the gardens, up stairways cut into the rock, past a sheltered gallery of frescoes of graceful women and along the polished Mirror Wall. Higher up, the stairs pass between two giant carved lion’s paws, all that remains of the old gateway, before the final climb to the ruins on top.

There are well over a thousand steps, some on exposed metal stairways, so start as soon as the gates open to avoid the heat, and carry water. Those who prefer not to climb can explore the water gardens and museum at the base, where the rock is just as impressive.