Sigiriya

This vast flat-topped 200m high rock that rises sharply from the plains below is the most impressive and favoured archaeological site in Sri Lanka. Frequently labelled as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Sigiriya consists of the ruins of a palace at the top and magnificent water gardens below that may be viewed after an achingly steep though marvellous walk to the summit.

The whole site of the Royal Citadel, surrounded by a double moat and wall, was built in only seven years from 477-485 AD under the direction of the usurper King Kassapa who feared invasion after exiling his brother, the rightful heir, and killing his father.

A highlight of Sigiriya and an iconic image of Sri Lanka are the beautiful frescoes of damsels delicately painted onto the side of the rough rock that bewitched many a visitor to scribble their devotions in words and poems on the adjoining polished Mirror Wall from the seventh to eleventh century. You will gratefully pause at this artistic beauty mid way up your ascent and draw your own conclusions as to their rare beauty. Equally impressive is the Lion Platform a little further up where only giant paws remain of what would have been a massive lion's head to mark the entrance to the palace.

Surprisingly this magnificent fortress was abandoned after just 18 years at the death of Kassapa by his own hand. Having been well excavated from the jungle, it was named a World Heritage Site in 1982 and has been incredibly well preserved. Though the climb to the top is strenuous, it is thoroughly worth it at least for the far-reaching and unforgettable views over the gardens below and the surrounding countryside.