Pidurangala

Pidurangala is a gigantic rock formation a few kilometers north of the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. It can be called a prominent destination for moderate hikes & climbs to the top of the rock and is famous for panoramic views, especially of Sigiriya and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. An ancient Buddhist monastery is Pidurangala Vihara at the top of Pidurangala. The history of Pidurangala Vihara is thought to extend beyond the first and second centuries BC. But, At present, you can only see the giant reclining Buddha statue, reconstructed out of brick that lies about halfway up the rock. Pidurangala is rewarded with breathtaking views both at sunrise and sunset.

The most beautiful time to visit the summit of Pidurangala rock is during sunrise. You'll need a flashlight if you're hiking up in the dark. Otherwise, watching the sunset is also a great option. The scenery of the first rays of Sunlight hit the surrounding landscape, and the morning mist clears from the surrounding jungles may be one of the best views you can experience in Sri Lanka. As the summit of Pidurangala has more enough space, visitors can walk and enjoy the surrounding scenery in a better way. Pidurangala Rock rises to a height of 200 meters approximately.

Photo from trofymara

How to get to Pidurangala

The small town of Sigiriya is home to Pidurangala Rock, which is west of Sigiriya Lion Rock. Pidurangala is roughly 2 kilometers north of Lion Rock's entrance. If you stay in Sigiriya city, the drive to the foot of the rock is only a few minutes.

From Sigiriya

A tuk-tuk is the best way to get to the rock from Sigiriya. There are no buses from Sigiriya town to Pidurangala, and it's a little far to walk from town. A tuk-tuk ride from the town center costs about only 200 LKR. 

From Dambulla

Take the regular bus service to Sigiriya from Dambulla Main Bus Station (they run every 30 minutes between 6:45 am - 6:00 pm). The travel will take roughly an hour, and one-way tickets should cost around LKR 50 per person. We recommend taking the bus to Sigiriya and then a tuk-tuk from Dambulla. A tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya costs roughly 1000 LKR each trip, making this the most cost-effective option. On the other hand, the bus will cost approximately 50 LKR each way, with a tuk-tuk to the rock costing 200 LKR. The final bus stop is only a 5-minute walk from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress's main ticket office.

Photo from so_sri_lankann

Pidurangala Timing and Entry Fees

Pidurangala rock is open from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, and there is no entry fee for locals and residents, while the cost for foreigners is 500LKR (2.5US$). You can stay up at the summit of the rock until dark.

Best Time to Visit Pidurangala Rock

When it's raining, hiking up Pidurangala rock is dangerous. Because of that, keep an eye on the weather always. From December to April, the best time to visit Pidurangala and Sigiriya is when the dry days and the sunrises are clear. If you want to catch the sunrise view, it is best to visit early in the morning, and to visit in the evening is best to see the sunset view.

Photo from trofymara

Hiking Pidurangala Rock

The hike to Pidurangala is more strenuous than hiking Sigiriya. It's not recommended for those with poor physical fitness. As the hike starts by passing through a charming white temple, You must cover up shoulders and knees if necessary. If you don't have one, you can collect a free scarf from the small office at the entrance. You can remove the scarf once you've passed the shrine. It's a moderately challenging 30/40-minute journey up to the summit, with some boulder scrambling at the end that can be challenging. Be careful on the way up the rock as there are many loose rocks and snakes.

Photo from pubudutennakoon