Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Central Province. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, the summit contains the ruins of an upper palace, while the base is surrounded by an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures.

The climb involves roughly 1,200 steps, taking you past the famous “Mirror Wall” and the well-preserved frescoes of celestial maidens. The final ascent through the gigantic paws of a stone lion leads to breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle.