A 4 am alarm, a half an hour drive and a 30-minute climb led to one of the most beautiful sunrises we’ve ever experienced. Pidurangala Rock, a 200m high rock which sits adjacent to Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, offers some of the best panoramic views in the country, and with the hike only being moderate in difficulty, the view to effort ratio is off the charts! Plus, it’s the less popular of the two rocks, so it’s definitely a place of tranquillity and relaxation.
WHY WE CHOSE PIDURANGALA OVER SIGIRIYA ROCK
There are many reasons to hike Pidurangala Rock. First, there is a major price difference between the neighboring rock. Sigiriya Rock can run you a bill of about $40/person CAD, while Pidurangala will only cost you 500 LKR ($3.65 CAD).
Now, while the hike is a bit of a challenge, the effort is well worth it. There aren’t crowds of people here like there are at Sigiriya Rock. We spent a good 2 hours here soaking in the view and photographing the skyline and the enormous summit allows you disperse from the crowds, if there are any. The summit of Pidurangala Rock allows for panoramic 360-degree views of not just the luscious green valley below, but also the adjacent Sigiriya Rock. In fact, the best view of Sigiriya Rock is from the summit of Pidurangala as the you’re slightly lower than Sigiriya Rock which makes for some epics views of the neighboring rock temple.
Even though Sigiriya Rock has some really intriguing features, like the massive lion’s paw and the mirror wall , Pidurangala Rock has some of its own. There’s a giant reclining Buddha statue about halfway up, partially reconstructed out of brick and has a much more natural feel to it.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PIDURANGALA ROCK
Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya was located about half an hour from where we stayed (Aliya Resort & Spa). We made the trek to the rock for sunrise, therefore left our resort at around 4:30am. We highly recommend sunrise as the views are breathtaking; the rising sun illuminated the vast wilderness below, the shadows made by the two large adjacent rocks and the birds chirping in the morning sun make it a spectacular sight. You’ll get to experience golden hour which is also perfect for photographing the landscape that becomes visible before you as the sun rises.
THE HIKE
The trek up wasn’t overly long, lasting about 30 minutes but you’re not eased into the uphill trek as the first set of steps you encounter almost seem as though they go straight up. About halfway through the hike, you’ll reach Royal Cave Temple, or what remains of it which is just a few monastic structures. The main feature is the reclining Buddha statue, protected by a protruding rock is half reconstructed in brick, though much of the original statue is still there. From this point, it’s only about 10 more minutes to the top. The end of the hike might be a bit challenging as there are some huge boulders you have to climb, jump off and grapple onto so just exercise caution when climbing.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING PIDURANGALA ROCK
Before heading out to Pidurangala Rock, there a few things you should know! The rock is home to a temple at it’s base and you will be passing by it to pay your entrance fee before your ascent. Therefore, men will need wear pants/shorts that cover at least until the knees, and women will have to wear pants at least three-quarters in length. If adequate bottoms aren’t worn, you’ll be supplied with a sarong. It’s also respectful to have your shoulders covered as there are monks roaming the grounds caring for the land.
Bring a headlamp, especially when hiking in the early morning, as there are no lights on your way up. Also, tread lightly as the massive bump that remained on my (Anthony’s) head for a few days was reason enough to recommended having some sort of handsfree light source for your sunrise ascent. Wear good shoes too as parkour is definitely needed in some parts of your hike. Swinging through trees, hoping from rock to rock leads to one final, pretty difficult climb, before being greeted by the summit.
Lastly, drones aren’t permitted at Pidurangala Rock and you may have already guessed why; because of the Temple. However, the views are so stunning that an iPhone 3 can still capture the beauty you’re sure to see from the summit.
WHERE TO STAY IF YOU WANT TO BE NEAR PIDURANGALA OR SIGIRIYA ROCK
Luxury – Aliya Resort & Spa – We stayed in here!
Mid Budget – Hotel Sigiriya – Stunning pool with an incredible view of Sigiriya Rock
Budget – Dambulla City Hostel – Great place to meet other travelers!
MORE SRI LANKA BLOGS
If you’re looking for other hikes to conquer in Sri Lanka, be sure to check out Little Adam’s Peak