Sigiriya Fortress, Sigiriya

Visit the historic complex of Sigiriya Fortress, an ancient city centered around a massive stone plateau. King Kasyapa selected the spot to be the nation’s capital in the 5th century, and built his palace on top of the enormous, 200 m (660 ft) tall rock. You’ll need to climb more than a thousand steps to reach the summit and admire the ruins of Sri Lanka’s oldest palace. Peer over the edge to observe the gardens below, a marvel of urban planning, featuring still-functional fountains. Along the way, you can see the remains of the gate--once shaped like a lion’s head--as well as numerous ancient frescoes. Put Sigiriya Fortress on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Sigiriya itinerary app.