Lion's Rock, or Sigiriya, is a massive rock fortress in Sri Lanka, rising more than 600 ft above the surrounding jungle. It was once the royal citadel of King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Elephants are generally located in the national parks and protected sanctuaries but occasionally they make their way through to villages or roads which can be dangerous for all involved.
Near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, this pilgrimage site is believed to be the actual place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, with steep stone steps leading to religious monuments. Best walked in the early morning to beat the heat. 
Famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient civilization and Theravada Buddhism, Anuradhapura is one of the ancient Sri Lankan capitals. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world dating to 5th C BC. The many sites can be seen independently via Tuk Tuk over 2-3 days. 
