A royal fortress on a sheer rock
Sigiriya rises nearly 200 metres from the plains of central Sri Lanka, and in the fifth century King Kasyapa built his palace on its summit. The climb passes water gardens, frescoes of celestial maidens painted in a sheltered gallery, the polished Mirror Wall and the huge stone paws of the Lion Gate. It is part of the Cultural Triangle, with the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura nearby. Climb early to avoid heat, or view it from neighbouring Pidurangala rock.