The Ultimate Travel Guide To Pidurangala Rock Sri Lanka

When exploring various places to visit in Pidurangala City, don’t miss the ancient Pidurangala Cave Temple near the top of the rock. It houses a huge Buddha statue and offers a glimpse into the site’s Buddhist heritage. The climb to the summit takes about 30-40 minutes and offers you the stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

This Pidurangala Rock travel guide covers everything right from the history, best attractions, and stays to hiking precautions and how to reach Pidurangala Rock. 

Remember to dress modestly, bring water, and wear proper shoes for the climb. With this guide, you are all set for an unforgettable adventure at Pidurangala Rock!

Pidurangala Rock: The Hidden Gem

Pidurangala Rock has a rich history that dates back many centuries. Its name means “offered piles of Gold”. This large rock formation was first used as a Buddhist monastery, making it a sacred place for Buddhists. 

Historians believe the monastery dates back to the time of King Kasyapa, who ruled before the first and second centuries. This means the site is over 1800 years old, making it one of the oldest Buddhist locations in the area. 

While today Pidurangala Rock is famous for its stunning views, it still holds deep religious and historical significance. The ancient monastery ruins at the site serve as a reminder of the rock’s long-standing connection to Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture.

Climbing Pidurangala is harder than climbing Sigiriya and takes about two hours. Climbing Pidurangala Rock is fun, and a good challenge if you’re fit and like adventure. 

Many people like climbing Pidurangala Rock to watch the sunrise. From the top, you can see everything around you, including great views of Sigiriya Rock and the nearby valleys. 

Pidurangala Rock is almost 200 metres tall and has a long history. Long ago, it was a Buddhist monastery. Today, people climb it to see amazing views of the area. There is still an old cave temple near the top that both locals and visitors go to. To get to the top, you need to walk upstairs. 

Climbing Pidurangala Rock

After that, the hike gets tough as you need to climb over big rocks and boulders. And there are some spray-painted signs to show you the safest way. 

Suggested Read: Singimale Sumaithangi Stone: The Hidden Gem of Sri Lanka

Things You Need To Know Before Climbing Pidurangala Rock Sigiriya 

1. It takes about 30-40 minutes to climb up
2. Be careful and go slow
3. Watch where you step. Some rocks are loose. There might even be snakes on the path.
4. At the start of the trail, you’ll go through a Buddhist Temple. This is very important: you must cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. They are very strict about this rule.
5. Bring your own clothes/coverings if you can. Sometimes they have coverings you can borrow, but these might not be available during busy times. You can’t start the hike without the proper covering of your body.
6. You only need to stay covered and keep your shoes off for the first 100 meters of the hike. After you leave the temple area, you can put your shoes back on and uncover yourself if you want.
7. The best times to go are sunrise and sunset
8. They say no to plastic 
9. The ticket office opens at 5 AM and closes at 6 PM
10. Entry costs 500 LKR
11. There are no toilets on the trail or at the rock

Remember, it is better to be prepared. Bring proper clothes and take your time on the hike. The view from the top is great, but safety is more important.

Pidurangala Cave Temple

It is one of the best Pidurangala Rock attractions. It is about 30 feet long and in much better shape than the other old ruins around. If you’re climbing in the dark for sunrise or sunset, you might not see the temple on the way. 

So make sure to visit when it is not too dark.  Raja Maha Viharaya (right next to the temple place) is also among the popular Pidurangala Rock attractions. 

Best Time To Visit Pidurangala Rock Sigiriya

Sunrise

• The air is cooler in the morning, making the climb easier
• You can watch the sun come up over the landscape
• The light is soft and good for taking photos
• It is  usually less crowded at this time

Sunset

• The evening light is warm and golden, also great for pictures
• You can see the sun go down behind the hills
• The sky often has pretty colours as it gets dark
• It is a nice way to end the day

Things To Carry While Hiking To Pidurangala Rock

Water: It’s important to stay hydrated during the hike. Especially in hot weather. Bring water in a backpack or use a reusable bottle.  There’s a rule against plastic bottles on the trail. This rule exists because some people leave trash behind. 

Flashlight or Torch: This is very important if you’re hiking for sunrise or sunset. A phone flashlight can work, but a real flashlight is better. Bring extra batteries just in case. 

Cash: You need to pay an entrance fee at the start of the trail. They only accept cash for payment and there are no card machines or other payment options.

These items will help make your hike safer and more enjoyable. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared when going on outdoor adventures. Bringing these things will help you have a good experience on Pidurangala Rock.

How To Reach Pidurangala Rock?

Pidurangala Rock is close to Sigiriya town. Taking a short tuk-tuk ride for about 200 LKR is the best option. There are no buses for this short trip. 

Dambulla is another nearby town. It has other attractions like Dambulla Cave Temple. The cheapest way is to take a bus to Sigiriya and a tuk-tuk ride from Sigiriya as discussed earlier. 

But if you don’t mind spending more, take a tuk-tuk directly from Dambulla. It costs about 2,000 LKR for a round trip. The driver will wait for you (usually 2 hours). It is better to discuss and agree on waiting time before you start. 

Many people visit Sigiriya on a short trip from Colombo. The best way is to hire a private driver, as it is faster than taking a bus and a good option if you don’t have much time. 

Choose the option that fits your budget and time best.

Suggested Read: Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka: A Traveler’s Guide

Popular Places To Visit In Pidurangala City

Where To Stay Near Pidurangala Rock?

Located at a 5-minute distance from Pidurangala, Back of Beyond Jungle is an eco-friendly stay. 

The establishment offers 24/7 reception services, transportation arrangements, and laundry facilities

It is home to spacious countryside villas and offers a wellness centre, spa, and outdoor pool. It also has an in-house restaurant and private bathrooms. Couples particularly prefer Water Garden Sigiriya. 

There is a spa for relaxing and if you want to exercise, there’s a special place for that too. You can use free internet anywhere in the hotel. The rooms are comfy and have everything you need. 

With free breakfast, babysitting, Gym, and a pool, Mahagedara Wellness Retreat offers air-conditioned rooms, an Ayurveda spa, and detox treatments for a relaxing experience amidst nature. 

Kaveri Resort Sigiriya is a nice place to stay and not too far from Pidurangala Rock. It is about 8.5 km away. The resort is fancy. Most people rated it with a 4-star recommendation. 

If you like doing things outdoors, you can go hiking, fishing, or riding bikes around Sigiriya. It is a good place for both adults and kids, with lots to do at the resort and in the area around it.

It is a great place to stay if you want to be close to nature and see some important old places.

Aliya Resort and Spa is in a place with lots of green plants. It’s right across from Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock offering an outside pool for swimming, a separate place to exercise, and four different places to eat.

The resort is in a beautiful green area with lots of tasty fruits growing around. It has 35 nice rooms for guests. From these rooms, you can see pretty views of Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks. It is a great place if you like being in nature and seeing beautiful sights.

Suggested Read: Top 12 Things To Do In Sri Lanka On Your Trip

15 Top Places To Go Shopping At Sigiriya

1. Sigiri Art Gallery
2. Colombo City Centre
3. Samantha Supermart Sigiriya
4. Oakray Woodcarvings
5. Sigiriya Craft Village
6. Lanka Silks 
7. Vish Wood Carvings
8. Vishwa Gems
9. Lanka Souvenirs
10. Rawana Spice & Herbal Gardens
11. Pettah Market
12. House of Fashions
13. Lakpahana Handicrafts
14. Kandy City Centre
15. Negombo Central Fish Market

The Best Places To Go In Sigiriya 

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Around this big rock, you can find The Lion Gate, Beautiful gardens, Ruins of old palaces, an old city, a Mirror Wall, and lots of pretty old paintings on the walls. 

These paintings are special because they were made long ago by putting paint on wet plaster on the walls. All these things show how amazing and advanced the people who lived here were a very long time ago.

2. Sigiriya Museum

The museum has lots of interesting things to see such as old objects found at Sigiriya, photos showing Sigiriya’s history, videos that tell you about the place, models of what the fortress used to look like, and a really good copy of the famous paintings from the fortress. 

The museum has more than five different areas to explore. Each one teaches you something new about Sigiriya’s past.

This museum is great for people who can’t climb the rock but still want to learn about it. It helps everyone understand why Sigiriya is so special that it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Even if you do climb the rock, the museum is worth visiting. 

3. Lion’s Paws

There was a whole lion statue. It was huge and very detailed, showing a lion’s head, chest, and paws. It was there to guard the entrance to King Kashyapa I’s home. 

Today, only the paws are left. Even though most of the lion is gone, these paws still show us how important and rich King Kashyapa was. They remind us of the grand things he built during his time as king.

Suggested Read: Where To Stay In Matale

Where To Stay In Sigiriya? 

1. Sigiriya King’s Resort 
2. Roo Mansala Boutique Villas
3. Atha Resort
4. Sigiriya Forest Edge By Marino Leisure
5. Isanka Lion Lodge
6. Sigiriya Rock Gate Resort
7. Sigiriya Water Cottage
8. Kuwera Eco Lodge
9. Organic Garden Resort Sigiriya
10. Sigiri Forest View

These best places to stay in Sigiriya offer the best views and cosy and luxurious accommodations that make your stay memorable. 

Conclusion 

Don’t forget to explore other places to visit in Pidurangala City. The Dambulla Cave Temple, with its Buddhist artwork, is a must-see. Nature enthusiasts will love the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, famous for elephants. For a cultural experience, visit the ancient city of Kandy. 

This Pidurangala Rock travel guide has covered the essentials, from how to reach the site to what to expect during your climb. Remember to respect the local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Bring appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and take your time to fully appreciate the beauty around you.

Whether you’re watching the sunrise from the summit, exploring the cave temple, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Pidurangala Rock offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget in this beautiful corner of Sri Lanka!