Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 6 km from Sigiriya Rock and 8 km from Sigiriya Airport, Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located near Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of hiking in Sri Lanka and among the must include places in Sigiriya Tour Packages.

The Pidurangala Rock is also called the Sister Rock of Sigiriya as both the rocks are just a few kilometers away from each other. It may be less popular compared to the Sigiriya Rock, but the hike to the topmost point and the view from up there makes it no less magnificent than the UNESCO site. The breathtaking and unobstructed vistas from the summit of Pidurangala Rock encompass the surrounding forests, lakes, mountains, and of course, Sigiriya Rock. One can even spot the hills of Kandy on a clear day.

The Pidurangala Rock also has a white temple called the Pidurangala Vihara, at the base. The temple houses a few beautiful thousand-year-old frescoes, akin to those at Sigiriya Rock. Midway through the hike, there is a huge reclining statue of Buddha made of clay, brick, and limestone, approximately 48 feet long, under an ancient boulder. One can also spot the ruins of a cave temple complex on the rock along with Brahmi inscriptions that have been carved into the rock.

The hike to the summit of Pidurangala Rock is moderately difficult but lasts for about an hour. It begins at the Buddhist temple situated near the entrance and one has to walk through the temple to reach the stairs. The path then consists of more than a thousand steep and uneven steps amid a jungle, until you reach the statue of the reclining Lord Buddha in the cave temple complex. After this, the last 20 meters of the path is mostly rock boulders and can be a bit challenging. At the peak, the sight of the merely gorgeous panoramas is gratifying.

Wear an outfit that covers your knees and shoulders as one must pass through a Buddhist temple before beginning the ascent. Visitors can also use the shawls that are available free of cost at the temple. It is advisable to bring a torch if you plan to hike at sunrise or sunset as it is usually reasonably dark along the jungle-like path at this time. Don't forget to carry a bottle of water as there are no shops or stalls along the way.

The best time to visit Pidurangala Rock is during the summer, typically in May to September as the weather hinders neither the climb nor the views. Begin the hike in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the views of the sunrise or sunset. While the sunrise is quite tranquil, the site can be a bit crowded during the sunset.

Timings: 5 AM - 4 PM

Entry: LKR. 500 for Foreigners