Island paradise

It's breathtaking to climb the spiral stairs attached to sheer walls that lead to the colorful frescoes.

Then, I come to a small plateau and see a pair of gigantic lion's paws carved into the bedrock.

It was an entrance originally built in the form of a lion but its upper parts have been destroyed.

Starting from there, a series of vertiginous staircases on a large rock take me to the upper palace - the best place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

It's not uncommon to bump into monkeys or stray dogs during the climb.

From Sigiriya, we head to the city of Kandy which is famous for the Sri Dalada Maligawa temple where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is kept.

The temple's grand festival, Kandy Esala Perahera, is held in July and August annually.