Sigiriya

Sri Lanka's most famous site (and a World Heritage Site), this extraordinary rock tower, an ancient volcanic plug, looms high above the surrounding former royal gardens and jungle. The views from its flat top are truly sublime, marred only by the crowds of other visitors.

The rock had its first recorded use, as a fortified palace, by the parricidal King Kasyapa in the late 5th Century. It continued in use until the 14th Century. Not much now remains on top, except building bases and a vast cloud of atmosphere. 

You can only get there up an endless-seeming series of steep steps, so you need to be a bit fit. Expect to take 1.5-2 hrs up and down, depending on how long you spend up top. 

You must take time to stroll around the lovely gardens at the base. And, do climb the 20+ minutes to Pidurangula rock, to the north of Sigiriya, for wonderful views back over its grand neighbour. Best done at dawn or dusk, so may need to be done as a preliminary to Sigiriya itself.

The climb is best done in the early morning, to avoid fighting up the stairs in the full heat - and to avoid the worst crowds. 

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