Sigiriya is a colossal 200-metre rock fortress rising from the surrounding jungle, crowned by the ruins of a 5th-century royal palace. The climb to the summit takes visitors past ancient mirror walls with inscribed poetry, frescoes of celestial maidens and the famous Lion’s Paw gateway, with the reward of panoramic views stretching to the horizon in every direction. At its base, Sigiriya is surrounded by exquisitely designed water gardens and boulder gardens that reveal the sophistication of its ancient creators.
