The 5th-century royal fortress rises 200 metres above the surrounding jungle with hydraulic water gardens at its base still partially functional after 1,500 years, frescoes of celestial maidens painted directly onto the sheer rock face, a mirror wall inscribed with devotional poetry spanning a thousand years and panoramic views across the entire Cultural Triangle from the summit. One of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Asia, and the most visited destination in Sri Lanka for good reason. The pre-dawn climb – arriving at the summit as the first light breaks across the treetops below – is the correct way to experience it.