Sigiriya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations because it is home to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a fortified palace constructed at the top of a towering rock by King Kasyapa in the 5^th century. Although little of the original structure remains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most awe-inspiring cultural site in Sri Lanka and is shrouded in a fascinating history. Explore the protective garrisons which once held an army of soldiers; see the elegant water gardens which were filled using an extraordinarily advanced irrigation system; visit the cave temples and see ancient paintings, and climb to the top of the rock to see the ruins of the once-magnificent fortress-palace and take in the breath-taking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

There are many other things to do in the Cultural Triangle: visit some of the other historical sites nearby, such as the cave temples at Dambulla or the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. You could even go further afield and visit Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first civilisation which was the capital of the island for over 1,000 years, and explore the ancient Buddhist monasteries around this area. If culture and history isn’t really your thing, go on safari at Minneriya National Park, a great alternative to the busier parks in the south and home to the annual ‘Elephant Gathering’. You could also visit nearby Kandalama and take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise – the ultimate romantic experience in Sri Lanka.