Pidurangala Rock : All you need to know about Sri Lanka,s Incredible View Point
Sigiria rock is on top list for those visiting Sri Lanka. Not many know about a view point closeby known as Pidurangala Rock.The rock summit offers an incredible 360-degree viewpoint located opposite the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. Hiking to the top is a real adventure and demanding views. Visitors to Sr Lanka should definitely include pidurangala along with Sigiriya in your itinerary.
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Have you ever been to Sri Lanka?
If you haven’t climbed to the top of Pidurangala rock Viewpoint near to Sigiriya and savored the epic view from here.
Then, here are the complete details as to when, and how to reach there!
Sigiriya, known as the Lion rock, is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.It is on the bucket list of many visiting this Island paradise Sri Lanka.
Located right in the heart of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, otherwise an Imposing Rock is an ancient palace and fortress built in 480AD atop a unique rock island that rises 200m dominating the landscape above the jungle below.
The hill Fortress, full of abandoned palaces, gardens, waterways, and frescoes, has always been an important part of Sri Lanka's history, and its become one of the country’s most visited cultural heritage sites
While there's no doubt Sigiriya's astounding beauty, historical significance, and dramatic features, draw the attention of the onlooker. The entry fee of USD $30 pp, can pinch you a bit for those who are on a shoestring budget.
Fortunately, Pidurangala Rock, located adjacent to Sigiriya, is overshadowed by the imposing rock. Though it provides equally epical views of the surrounding area, a historic cave complex of its own, a less trodden path, and the most incredible view facing the famous Sigiriya rock.
The very reason for hiking Pidurangala Rock is to catch a glimpse of the sunrise has become something must-do in Sigiriya and it was something we too had to experience for ourselves.
From the peak, watch and admire the stunning sunrise from this rock-top viewpoint, with panoramic vistas over Sigiriya in the backdrop. Gaze the horizon, the canopy is kissed by rays of the sun and soon envelops the misty forests. Soon the whole landscape transforms into golden hues.
In our view, your visit to Sri Lanka is not complete without a visit to Pidurangala and Sigiriya. You can explore Pidurangala Rock yourself as we did. Hope our handy guide, featuring all the tips will help you to have an incredible experience.
A bit of History
Both Sigirya and Pidurangala Rock are volcanic rocky hills rising out of the lowland jungles and central plains of Sri Lanka and are steeped deeply in history.
Briefly, when King Kashyapa arrived in Sigiriya in the 5th century, he discovered Sigiriya itself was a monastery complex. Wanting to build a fortress atop Sigiriya for himself, he offered to build them an alternative, similar monastery at close by Pidurangala Rock.
As the legend goes, King Kashyapa offered a ‘golden monastery’, or ‘Aran gala’, which would later become Pidurangala, which literally means "offered piles of gold”.
The monks duly obliged, and a Buddhist monastery was built in the caves and inside rocks around Pidurangala.
Now, all that remains is the ancient cave temple and reclining Buddha which you pass on the way up, and a stupa near the temple entrance which is believed to mark the spot where the cremation of King Kashyapa was done with due respect.
Interestingly, the reclining Buddha statue actually faces directly to the Lion’s Paw of Sigiriya.
There is also a 7th-century rock inscription of ‘pidu’, ‘ran’, and good’, literally translated as "offered piles of gold”.
The view from here is beyond words, you can as well witness, the monks using this path for meditation and enjoying the vistas for centuries!
Things to be aware of...
The Pidurangala Rock entrance fee is LKR 500 per person (3 USD).
The fee is part of a donation to the Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya temple that you pass through to commence the hike. The Pidurangala Rock ticket office opens at 5 am and closes at 6 pm, you stay and spend time at leisure as long as you like at the summit.
The view of the rock face is undoubtedly astounding, and its historical significance, and dramatic features, leave you spellbound.
Best time to Visit
The best time of year to visit and hike Pidurangala is during the post-winter, between late December and early April.
For the best chance of a perfect sunrise or sunset, March is prime time, as there’s a limited chance of cloud cover.
Do be aware of the remote location and being the hottest part of the year, with temperatures and humidity exceedingly high, so always carry fluids to keep you hydrated
How to Reach View Point
The only way to reach the top of the Pidurangala is via a pretty tough 30-40 minute climb, ascending quickly over a boulder path
The hike to the top of Pidurangala is, a bit rugged and taxing.
Fortunately, there are also plenty of similar amazing spots around Sigiriya to witness this 8th wonder of the world.
How to reach Pidurangala
We recommend traveling to Sigiriya from Dambulla, - A Buddhist site, mid-way between Kandy and the ancient rock fortress
From Dambulla, you have two transport options to choose
BY BUS | From the Dambulla Main Bus Station, take the regular bus service to Sigiriya (they run every 30 minutes between 6:00 am - 6:00 pm). The journey will take about an hour, and tickets should set you back at about LKR 50 per person, one way.
You can see the Sigiriya Rock Fortress as soon as you alight from the bus..
BY TUK TUK | Hire a 3-wheeler, and hitch a ride anywhere between LKR 500-1000 depending on how well you can bargain..! The tuk-tuk journey takes only 30 minutes.
