Pidurangala Rock
A short, steep climb next to Sigiriya that ends on a flat summit with the classic view of Sigiriya rock rising from the jungle, best at sunrise.
Pidurangala Rock rises just north of Sigiriya, and from its summit you get the one view you cannot get from Sigiriya itself: the whole fortress rock standing alone above the forest, with the plains stretching away on every side. At sunrise, when the mist lies in the valleys and the light turns the rock gold, it is one of the most photographed views in Sri Lanka.
The climb starts at the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya, a working Buddhist temple at the foot of the rock, so cover your shoulders and knees and remove your hat at the temple. Your ticket supports the temple. From there, a path of stone steps climbs through the forest past a large reclining Buddha made of brick, sheltered under a rock overhang about halfway up.
The last section is a short scramble over and between boulders. It needs a bit of care and a free pair of hands, but no climbing skills. Most people reach the top in 30 to 45 minutes. Shoes with good grip are a must, and a headtorch helps if you start in the dark for sunrise.
Many travellers find Pidurangala as memorable as Sigiriya, and it is far less crowded. Doing both is the ideal: Pidurangala for sunrise, then Sigiriya once the gates open. The area also makes a good base for an elephant safari at Minneriya National Park or a day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Around LKR 1,000 for foreign visitors, paid at the temple. Locals pay less.
- Opening hours: From around 5:00am for sunrise until about 6:00pm
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best time: Sunrise, or late afternoon for sunset
How to get there
About 1.5km north of Sigiriya village. A short tuk tuk ride or a walk from Sigiriya brings you to the temple at the foot of the rock, where the climb begins.