Wonders of the World

 

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Jutting out of the plains and forests of northeast Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is one of the country’s most spellbinding sights. It’s hard to imagine the imposing 656-foot (200m) rock fortress lay forgotten by the outside world until British historians rediscovered it in the 19th century. Built by the king Kashyapa I in the 5th century AD, its name means lion’s rock and the entrance is guarded by a pair of giant lion paws. With a mighty 1,200 steps to the top, the views across the pleasure gardens, jungle and beyond are entrancing.