Water Garden Sigiriya

The design borrows directly from the fifth-century water gardens at the foot of Sigiriya rock: each of the thirty villas sits on its own small island, surrounded by channels and ponds, linked by walkways through mature trees. Several have private pools, and all have outdoor showers and terraces.

The rock fortress itself, with its mirror wall, frescoes and lion's paw staircase, is a few minutes away and best climbed at first light. Pidurangala, the neighbouring outcrop, gives the classic view back across to Sigiriya.

The wider Cultural Triangle puts Dambulla's cave temples, the ruins of Polonnaruwa and the elephant gatherings at Minneriya and Kaudulla all within an easy drive.