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Pidurangala Rock

A rock a kilometer from Sigiriya offering the best view of the famous "Lion Rock." Pidurangala is a secret everyone knows: cheaper, less crowded, and magical at sunset. The climb is shorter than Sigiriya, but the final meters over boulders are a real adventure.

Why Come Here

View of Sigiriya

The main reason—a photograph of Sigiriya against the jungle backdrop. The classic shot everyone's seen: a rock rising from a sea of green. That shot is taken from Pidurangala. You can't get this view from Sigiriya itself—from there you see everything around, except Sigiriya.

Price

Entry—about 500-1000...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum1.5 hours
Recommended2 hours
Maximum3 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult
1,000 LKR~1,000 $
Child
500 LKR~500 $

Some reports of 5000 LKR in 2025 — price may vary. Ticket office opens 4 AM for sunrise hikers.

Best Time to Visit

Sunrise (arrive 5 AM) for magical golden light on Sigiriya and empty summit. December to April for dry season and clear views.

Crowd Level

Moderate — comfortable

Price Range

Budget
Official Website

How to Get There

1.5 km from Sigiriya. Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya (5 min). Walking possible but hot. Often combined with Sigiriya — Pidurangala sunrise, then Sigiriya after.

What to Expect

Pass through Buddhist temple at base. 30-45 min hike through jungle, ending with rock scramble. Summit: panoramic views with Sigiriya Lion Rock as centerpiece. Reclining Buddha statue partway up.

Best Photo Spot

Summit at sunrise with Sigiriya bathed in golden light. Multiple angles from different rocks at top.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMarApr

Good Time

MaySepOctNov

Avoid

JunJulAug

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Not available
Charging
No outlets
Mobile signal
signalModerate

Facilities & Services

restrooms
parking

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Monday04:00 — 18:00
Tuesday04:00 — 18:00
Wednesday04:00 — 18:00
Thursday04:00 — 18:00
Friday04:00 — 18:00
Saturday04:00 — 18:00
Sunday04:00 — 18:00

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Not accessible
Audio Guide
Not available
Staff Assistance
Not available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Pidurangala Rock

Moderate. Most of hike is easy trail. Last 5-10 minutes involves climbing over large boulders — doable but not suitable for those with mobility issues. Proper shoes essential.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Pidurangala Rock

Arrive by 5 AM for sunrise — best experience. Headtorch essential for pre-dawn climb. Bring scarf/sarong to cover shoulders at temple. Last section requires scrambling — wear proper shoes.

1.5 km from Sigiriya. Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya (5 min). Walking possible but hot. Often combined with Sigiriya — Pidurangala sunrise, then Sigiriya after.

Pass through Buddhist temple at base. 30-45 min hike through jungle, ending with rock scramble. Summit: panoramic views with Sigiriya Lion Rock as centerpiece. Reclining Buddha statue partway up.

Summit at sunrise with Sigiriya bathed in golden light. Multiple angles from different rocks at top.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather25°
91%12 м/с
Todayweather28°25°
Tomorrowweather28°25°
Thuweather28°25°
Friweather30°24°
Satweather28°24°
Sunweather27°24°
Monweather27°25°
31°
23°Jan
31°
23°Feb
32°
24°Mar
32°
25°Apr
31°
26°May
30°
26°Jun
30°
26°Jul
30°
26°Aug
30°
25°Sep
30°
25°Oct
30°
24°Nov
30°
23°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
29°
28°
27°
27°
27°
28°
28°
28°

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