Sigiriya

The plateau of Sigiriya rock is a lava dome elevated 200 m above the ground (and at a total elevation of 363 m above sea level). It can be reached through a combination of rock and metal stairs, some of which are only mounted at the side of the rock high above the ground. When facing the giant stone lion paws, you can see the construction and decide for yourself, whether you're up for the experience. Expect waiting times both at the foot as well as at the top of the stairs.

The first feature one encounters after entering the complex is the water garden. It is an elaborate network of water pavilions, pools, courtyards and water courses. There are five units in this garden with buildings supported by pools. The pools have pebbeled or polished marble floors which were covered by shallow, slowly moving water. It was laid out in the last quarter of the 5th century, abandoned and again partially built over in the last phases of the post-Kashyapan period, probably during the 10th and 13 centuries.

Some rocks in this garden contain inscriptions recording the names of patrons who donated them to the monks before the arrival of King Kassapa. Other features are the King's Audience Hall with its stone throne carved in rock and the Cistern Rock.

There are four fountains symmetrically built, with two on each side of the pathway. These fountains were fed by two moats which are adjacent to these fountains. Water is carried to the fountains by underground water conduits and work on simple principles of gravity and pressure. Another unusual feature is the shallow serpentine stram designed to control the movement of water.

Foreigners and SAARC citizens will have to buy their tickets here.

This is another rock north of Lion's Rock at almost the same height (340 m), which offers the same awesome views but is much less crowded. The trek uphill takes about 20-30 minutes. The first part of the climb goes through a working Buddhist temple, so dress accordingly or use the scarves provided there. At the middle point, a large reclining Buddha statue can be found. The very last part is a bit of a challenge due to the boulders you'll have to climb - use proper shoes instead of flip flops. Many people come for the view at sunrise.

There are two national parks north of Sigiriya, Minneriya and Kaudulla. They are connected through a corridor that enables elephants to roam between the two and depending on the season, they'll mainly stay in one or the other. Most hotels will be able to book a morning or evening jeep safari for you and will be able to recommend where to see more elephants in the wild.