Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya, provides one of the most breathtaking views in the whole of Sri Lanka. The rock is effectively Sigiriya’s hidden gem, just hidden in plain sight.
Sigiriya is a must visit destination on a Sri Lanka trip, and what better place to view the world wonder of Lion Rock than from neighbouring Pidurangala Rock? There really is no better place!
Worth a visit at any time of day, but if you can make it a sunrise or sunset trip, do. The changing colours of the vast land and the sky work to create that extra magic that is the super spectacular sight of Sigiriya and the lush forests beyond. The Central Province of Sri Lanka has never looked so beautiful.
Standing on top of Pidurangala Rock, with the land expanding as far as the eye can see, almost makes you feel like you are in a scene of the Lion King. The scenery is simply sublime. Lion Rock protrudes in all its might, its significance evident from its grandeur.
How to get there?
Pidurangala Rock is an accessible walk, in terms of being located in Sigiriya itself. The entrance can be easily reached by a short tuktuk ride from the town centre or around. This really gives you no excuse not to put this on your itinerary if in the area.
Note: You can walk to the entrance from the main town, but after attempting this I would really advise just to pay for a tuktuk. It is quite a trek, in the stifling heat, before even reaching the entrance.
Accommodation is readily available in Sigiriya and surrounds. Even staying in Dambulla, around a 30 minute ride away, is a good spot from where to check out Sigiriya.
But, isn’t Sigiriya famous for Lion Rock? So why visit Pidurangala Rock?
Pidurangala Rock v. Lion Rock:
On top of a Sigiriya bucket list for most probably lies climbing Lion Rock, Sigirya’s most famous attraction, and one of Sri Lanka’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is incredible, don’t get me wrong. But in a sense, Pidurangala Rock actually trumps Lion Rock.
- Much cheaper. At only 500LKR ($3 USD), Pidurangala Rock is accessible for even the most serious of budget travelers. Lion Rock, on the other hand, is a steep $30 (USD) – that is a lot of money, especially in terms of prices in Sri Lanka.
- Same spectacular view, yet even better in a sense as you get to view the wonderful, impressive, Lion Rock in the distance. It is even (almost) the same height, Pidurangala is a mere 1 meter shorter.
- Fewer crowds. Although still a tourist spot, it feels much less touristy and more authentic in a sense. As I said, it is a bit of a hidden gem, just hidden in plain sight.
- The climb is more of an adventure, although more difficult. It is more like a real hike. Lion Rock, on the other hand, is more barriers and a stricter (predominantly stairway) passageway, giving the walk itself a more touristy, enclosed essence.
There is no doubt Lion Rock is more spectacular in terms of the rock itself. It is an ancient fortress after all. The gardens leading to the start of the climb, the rock carvings, cave paintings, the all round history the rock encompasses, is what makes Lion Rock stand out. Pidurangala Rock, on the other hand, is more about experiencing the climb and the view. So, if you’re really into history, architecture, culture, Lion Rock is for you.
Honestly, I would advise to climb both. That is what I did, and I am glad I did. They provide such a different experience, from the climb itself, to the history, to the overall atmosphere at the summit, even if the overall view is very similar. The history of Lion Rock is paramount to Sigiriya, don’t not climb it unless you really can’t commit to the higher price. At the same time, don’t skip out Pidurangala Rock because it’s not the most popular of the two.
If you only have one day in Sigiriya, I would advise climbing Lion Rock in the morning, and Pidurangala Rock later in the day for sunset. We stayed two nights, so went up Pidurangala Rock the first night and Lion Rock the next morning.
Pidurangala Rock – The Hike:
- Around 30-45 minutes from the entrance to the summit.
- About 200m high.
- Clearly marked path including many stairs, until the path somewhat disappears and you have to complete the hike by scrambling your way over rocks and boulders to the top.
- TOUGH, STEEP and HOT. Sums it up.
- The view is WORTH IT.
As much as I am bigging up a trip to Pidurangala Rock, I’m not going to lie, I did not enjoy the climb itself. But that was probably as much down to how much of a rush we were in to make it before the sunset beat us, the fact that I was wearing flip-flops, the serious heat and humidity I was still not used to, and being completed exhausted in general, as it was down to the walk itself. Just mentally prepare yourself first for a tough climb, then it might be a breeze. At least it’s pretty short (okay it didn’t feel like it to me)!
Tips:
- Wear sensible shoes. I can’t say I recommend doing what I did and wearing flip-flops, so unprepared!
- Take clothes to cover up for the temple at the beginning or you will not be permitted access.
- Carry plenty of water. You will sweat A LOT, no matter what time of day it is. Always take more water than you reckon you will need whatever you are doing in Sri Lanka.
- Take a camera to snap that stunning view.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to take it all in. In other words, if going for sunset, go EARLY. Again, something we did not do. It is the perfect spot to really just relax and enjoy being in the moment in such a wonderful part of the world. The more time, the better.
Pidurangala Rock Adventure – My Experience
Pidurangala Rock was our (my two travel mates and I’s) first proper activity in Sigiriya. I would say what a great start to this part of the trip (which it was), but it was almost a fail.
We decided to set off to Pidurangala Rock for sunset. Figuring we had plenty of time, and should be true budget backpackers, we decided to walk the whole way from Sigiriya centre (most people take a tuktuk to the main entrance at the bottom – the smart option). So, we started walking, but it turned into being like some form of maze, it’s not, but it felt like it. After a while, we realised we were lost, the roads seemed never-ending, and the sun was already beginning to lower itself in the sky. Now, there was a high chance we were not going to make it to the top of the rock in time. What did we need? A tuktuk!
For once, trying to catch a tuktuk was like trying to catch a taxi in New York. Only without the abundance of them. In other words, there were few, and those which did pass were full with people either heading to, or away from, the main entrance. Eventually, thankfully, we got lucky. There is no chance we would have made it otherwise. Would have been so much easier to have just jumped in one from the start. Don’t waste your energy on a pre-hike walk!
After paying the entrance fee, making it just in time before the ticket office closed, encountering many monkeys and covering up for the temple, it was finally time to start the actual walk. Which turned from a reasonable path to more of a scramble.
At a few points I genuinely did not think I was going to make it to the top. I’m a fit person, I run half marathons for fun, but I just couldn’t muster the energy on this walk. It was hot, so hot. I am not the kind of person who just gives up, but oh did I want to. My whole body was simply feeling dead. The sweat was real, the all round struggle was real.
The last part of the climb is the hardest, I was trailing behind my friends feeling as slow as a snail. The flip-flops on my feet were NOT the ideal footwear. I resorted to carrying them and scrambling up the rocks bare-foot. The last step to the top could not come quick enough.
So, of course, I made it. I am so glad I did, and in time to see the sunset. Literally just in time. I was well and truly dead and feeling like the sweatiest person on the top of that rock. There wasn’t even enough time to sit down and let that feeling subside, because, as I said, it was sunset time. It was time to snap some pictures (while feeling (and looking) super gross – HOW do people get such ‘Insta-worthy’ images of themselves after times like this?!), enjoy the breathtaking, panoramic view and witness the sunset skies of Sigiriya from high above the city.
WHAT. A. BEAUTY.
Even without the perfect sunset conditions, having clouds mask the view of the sun fading into the farthest part of the land, the beauty is surreal. The picture perfect blue sky is not needed here.
To top off the sunset scene was the most luminous pink moon I have ever seen. Wow!
Although the summit is busy, there is a sense of serenity. It’s the kind of spot you feel like you could just sit at for hours, relax and take it all in. Unlike with Lion Rock, where you can do this, but the top is meant for exploring. However, after our walking misfortunes, we did not allow ourselves enough time to appreciate this wonderful spot. The downside of a sunset hike is needing to descend again before the darkness falls and you fall with it when you can’t see. As I said, go EARLY.
The descent was 100 times easier than the ascent, thank goodness. Again, not ideal in flip-flops however.. Back at the entrance there were many tuktuks waiting to transport the hikers to their desired destination, knowing they could pick up good business here just after sunset. Without any hassle, we jumped in one. The way back to Sigiriya centre for a dinner stop was significantly easier than getting to the rock initially!
All in all, Pidurangala Rock really is a MUST DO. One of my travel mates actually skipped Lion Rock and climbed Pidurangala Rock again the morning after our sunset hike. It is the kind of walk you really would do more than once. Had we been there an extra day I would not have objected to climbing it again, being more prepared for the walk itself and allowing more time at the top for an even better experience!
Check out my post on Nilaveli here for an idea of the perfect before or after (depending on which way you are travelling) Sigiriya stop. We hit up Nilaveli, then Sigiriya, then headed to Dambulla.
