Sigiriya, often called the Lion Rock, rises majestically from Sri Lanka’s Central Plains as one of the island’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising abruptly 200 meters from the central plains, Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) is a breathtaking combination of a royal palace and a formidable fortress. Built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa, this “fortified garden city” is recognized as one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning in Asia. Sigiriya isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through a Shakespearean-style drama of power and betrayal. As you ascend the 1,200 steps, you are walking through the remnants of a king’s “Sky Palace,” complete with advanced hydraulic systems that still power fountains today, 1,500 years later.