A Thrilling Adventure with Breathtaking Views
Sri Lanka, an island country in South Asia, is home to some of the most stunning rock formations in the world. One such formation is Pidurangala Rock, located just a few kilometers north of Sigiriya. It’s a hidden gem that foreign travelers often miss, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
Pidurangala Rock is a massive rock formation with an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more strenuous than climbing Sigiriya, but it’s a climb worth making. The hike takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on your fitness levels, and starts at Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya, a temple at the base of the rock.
The hike to the top of Pidurangala is a bit difficult, but the reward is the vast, panoramic views atop the mountain. The part of the hike till the cave temple is not that difficult, but beyond it is pretty tricky as one has to climb rocks and boulders, through some narrow paths. At one point, we had to wait for about 15 minutes to move up, as people were coming down and the narrow pathway allows one way traffic only. But everyone was helping each other, which was great- and the only reason we were able to make it up, and enjoy the amazing views at sunset.
The view from the top of Pidurangala Rock is absolutely breathtaking, with a full 360-degree view of the area and one hell of a sunset. We recommend getting up there before the actual sunset, just to make sure you get a good spot and don’t get caught in the queue. It takes about half an hour or so to get up, and the last 5 minutes are a little tricky to scale the rocks, but if you’re semi-fit and agile, you’ll be fine.
One of the best things about Pidurangala Rock is that the entrance fee is much lower than for the Lion Rock and the crowd is not that big either. Easy access to parking is also available, and locals help with parking and protect your vehicle from monkeys. We highly recommend giving them some money for their services.
The climb to Pidurangala is moderately challenging, but once you reach the top, it’s a dream come true. The beautiful panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock is simply mesmerizing. The Sunset here is majestic, and if you climb in the evening, you can see the beautiful sun dawn as well. The top of the hill is bereft of any structure or a Buddha vihara, but we can also see a partly damaged reclining Lord Buddha statue almost halfway to the top.
Directions for foreigners to reach Pidurangala Rock in Sri Lanka
- Start by getting to the town of Sigiriya, which is located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. You can take a bus or taxi from Colombo, which is about a four-hour drive away.
- Once in Sigiriya, head towards the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a popular tourist attraction. Pidurangala Rock is located about 1.5km north of Sigiriya Rock.
- To get to Pidurangala Rock, turn left at the main entrance of Sigiriya and follow the road until you see a sign for Pidurangala Temple. Turn left and continue down the dirt road until you reach the temple.
- Then you can find the Pidurangala Rock Temple Ticket Office (LKR.1000.00 per tourists person)
- From the temple, follow the path that leads towards the rock. There will be signs to guide you. The hike to the top of the rock takes about 30-45 minutes and is moderately difficult.
Pidurangala Rock is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Sigiriya. It’s a hidden gem that is not as popular as its neighbor Sigiriya fort, but it’s definitely worth the visit. Wear comfortable clothes and put on your climbing shoes before attempting to climb the hill. Brush up your rock climbing skills and be young at heart, as well as physically fit, to climb this rather difficult hill. We highly recommend climbing both rocks in Sigiriya for their varied attractions.
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