Sigiriya is one of the most iconic heritage sites in all of Asia. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as both a royal palace and a formidable fortress, with elaborate water gardens at its base, exquisite frescoes of celestial maidens painted onto its sheer walls and a lion-paw gateway near its summit. The climb to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views over the flat green plains of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.