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Summit

© Thomas Wyness/Shutterstock

SIGIRIYA, SRI LANKA - JANUARY 20, 2013 : Visitors and a group of monkeys enjoy the late afternoon sun on the summit of Sigiriya Rock in central Sri Lanka.; Shutterstock ID 685100287;

The spectacular terraced summit of the rock covers 1.6 hectares. This is thought to be the site chosen by King Kasyapa for his fortified capital. Today only the low foundations of structures exist, and the remains are visually unimpressive. Still, it's hard not to be captivated by the astonishing views from this lofty perch, which extend for kilometres across an emerald ocean of forest.

A smooth stone slab (the so-called king’s throne, possibly a meditation spot) sits 30m away from the ruins of a dagoba. The 27m-by-21m tank, hewn out of the rock, looks for all the world like a modern swimming pool, although it was doubtless used for water storage.

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