On the tropical island of Sri Lanka, hidden in dense forests and surrounded by a mystical aura, stand two remarkable hills: Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock. These majestic rock formations not only impress with their grandeur and beauty but also boast a rich history and cultural significance.
Sigiriya Rock, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icon of the country, renowned for its extraordinary ancient ruins atop it, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Nevertheless, nearby, a slightly lesser-known yet equally enchanting place is Pidurangala Rock. Despite its lack of the same renown, Pidurangala offers equally breathtaking views, a rich history, and importantly, far fewer tourist crowds.
Allow me to introduce you to these two places so that you can incorporate them into your journey through Sri Lanka as effectively as possible.
The History of Sigiriya Lion’s Rock
Today, the captivating historical legacy of Sigiriya demonstrates that Lion’s Rock is more than just breathtaking views. Its history is a tale of betrayal, murder, and extravagance.
Once upon a time, the area we now call Sigiriya was a dense forest, shaped by storms and landslides into the form of a hill. It was on this hill that King Kashyapa selected the site for Sigiriya, the seat of his capital and an extraordinarily lavish palace.
Kashyapa was the firstborn son of the king, but his mother was a concubine. Consequently, he was cast aside and told he could not inherit the throne.
Kashyapa orchestrated a coup, claiming the throne, and then ordered his father to be buried alive in his prison cell. However, his Buddhist subjects were not pleased with such a turn of events.
Rejected by his people, Kashyapa moved his capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya. Following the loss of his people’s support, Kashyapa essentially did whatever he wanted.
The king disregarded the Buddhist principle of avoiding extravagance and began designing the most extravagant kingdom in the country.
Here we speak of the water gardens, pools, and fountains of Sigiriya within arm’s reach, frescoes of women, and the gigantic, polished Mirror Wall for him to admire himself. Guarding the entrance to the palace was a huge stone lion — the same lion that gives Sigiriya its moniker, Lion Rock. Time may have conquered the lion, but its paws still valiantly guard today.
Ultimately, the feared confrontation came when Kashyapa’s royal brother gathered an army to overthrow him. However, Kashyapa took his own life by cutting his throat before anyone else could reach him.
After the king’s death, the palace was abandoned. Buddhist monks took it over, using Sigiriya as a monastery until the 14th century.
The History of Pidurangala Rock
During the construction of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, King Kashyapa resettled the monks who lived nearby to a newly established monastery situated on Pidurangala Rock.
In the ancient temple cave, you can still see artifacts from various epochs, reflecting Buddhist, Hindu, and Western beliefs. The stupa on the left side of the temple entrance is a symbolic place where, according to legend, King Kashyapa was cremated.
Where are Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock located?
Sigiriya is situated in Sri Lanka within the renowned so-called Cultural Triangle, near the city of Dambulla, a key landmark for travelers.
Dambulla offers convenient transportation connections, making it a popular stopover for many who travel by train or bus from Colombo. Additionally, the city serves as a gateway to other attractions such as the Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. Most importantly, Dambulla offers easy access to Sigiriya, making it a popular starting point for journeys through this part of Sri Lanka.
Another lodging option could be the village of Habarana, situated near other UNESCO sites. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity of Sigiriya.
When to visit Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock
Sri Lanka is a popular travel destination year-round! However, the best time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, the weather is sunny and dry, perfect for hiking and exploring the surroundings of the cities of Sigiriya and Dambulla.
The rainy season occurs from May to November. It is not advisable to hike during or after rainfall, as the trails may become slippery and dangerous.
How to get from Dambulla to Sigiriya
The Sigiriya Fortress is just around a 20-minute drive from Dambulla and can be reached by tuk-tuk, bus, or taxi.
Tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya
This is a fast and convenient way to travel between these two places. You can arrange tuk-tuk transportation directly from the hotel or easily catch one on the street.
The route is picturesque, and travelers have complete control over whether they want to make any stops along the way. Tuk-tuk also allows for departure at any time, offering maximum flexibility during visits and climbs to Sigiriya Rock.
Bus from Dambulla to Sigiriya
A one-way ticket costs 40 rupees per person, making the bus a much cheaper option. However, the journey is long, and the bus schedules are limited.
The first bus from Dambulla to Sigiriya departs at 6:45 in the morning, and the last return to Dambulla operates at 18:00 on weekdays, 17:30 on Saturdays, and 17:00 on Sundays. Outside of the set hours, buses run approximately every half an hour, but they are not always consistent.
The bus ride lasts around an hour and takes you to the Sigiriya bus stop, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the ticket counter.
While this option is more budget-friendly, the limited operating hours and long travel duration can make it inconvenient and not necessarily feasible for most travelers.
However, if you’re looking to save money and have the time, you can opt for taking the bus from the central bus terminal in Dambulla, situated roughly 300 meters south of the clock tower.
Private transportation from Dambulla to Sigiriya
You can also consider taking a taxi from Dambulla to Sigiriya, which is a faster and more comfortable option compared to the bus. Renting a taxi will allow you to reach your destination quickly and hassle-free, without the need to wait for a (likely delayed) bus. Although a taxi may be slightly more expensive, it offers you travel comfort and flexibility in planning your time exploring Sigiriya.
When it comes to reaching Pidurangala…
The entrance to Pidurangala is located approximately 2 kilometers north of the entrance to Lion’s Rock. You can reach Pidurangala from the center of Sigiriya by tuk-tuk for about 200 LKR.
The best time to visit Sigiriya Rock
Ticket sales are from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the top of Sigiriya. However, it’s advisable to begin the climb in the late afternoon, around 4:30 PM.
This way, you’ll avoid the heat and crowds that usually occur during the day, especially in the morning when many tour groups visit the site.
Moreover, by climbing late in the day, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning sunset from the top. Just remember to purchase your ticket in advance and bring sunscreen and enough water with you.
Additionally, if you want to see Pidurangala at sunrise, you can combine visits to both places on the same day.
As for Pidurangala Rock, there are no official opening hours! You can stay at the top for as long as you like. Just keep in mind that the ticket office is open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fees
The ticket prices for Sigiriya for tourists are 11,772 LKR (about $36), while for locals, it’s 120 LKR.
As for the entrance fee to Pidurangala Rock, it is only 1000 LKR per person. It’s important to note that this fee is a contribution to the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple.
Tips for both hikes
- Plan your hiking time accordingly, as the numerous stairs and climbing on slippery rocks may extend the trek.
- It’s worth mentioning that there are no toilets on Pidurangala Rock or along the trail.
- At the beginning of the trail to Pidurangala Rock, you will have to pass through a Buddhist temple. This means that you MUST cover your shoulders, knees, and remove your shoes. I recommend bringing a light scarf with you. This applies to both women and men.
- There are no dress code restrictions for climbing Sigiriya. Lion’s Rock is not a temple, so there’s no need to cover your shoulders or knees. Wearing shorts or sportswear is completely acceptable.
- I suggest bringing a headlamp just in case.
- And water, plenty of water.
- Additionally, there may be snakes in the area, so be cautious.
Hiking at Sigiriya Rock
Starting tip: Ensure you’ve purchased your ticket and used the restroom before starting the hike.
Begin your adventure by exploring the Sigiriya Water Gardens.
As you enter the complex, follow the gravel path that winds through these extraordinary gardens. Here, you’ll see symmetrical layouts of water gardens, fountains, and well-maintained lawns. This walk is truly serene, with the towering trees offering a refreshing shade.
The Sigiriya Rock Gardens is another must-see destination! After leaving the water gardens, you’ll come across the magical rock garden. Here, stones of various shapes and sizes create enchanting arrangements.
The next stage of the hike will take you to the most exciting part of this experience. The name Sigiriya, translated from Sinhalese, means “Lion Rock”. At the foot of the stairs, you’ll come face to face with the enormous lion’s paws.
Today, only two huge paws remain from the “Lion’s Gate”. However, it is believed that there was once a massive lion head carved from stone, standing 14 meters tall.
However, the most challenging part of the climb is still ahead of you. When you look at these stairs from below, they may seem dauntingly steep, requiring some effort to overcome.
The next task will be ascending the Sigiriya stairs to the Sky Palace.
The final stage of the ascent to the summit of Sigiriya, up narrow, metal stairs that seem precariously attached to the rock, may evoke a slight sense of unease in those who fear heights. Additionally, due to the heat, humidity, and altitude, climbing the stairs requires significant effort. In total, there are 1200 steps leading to the top of Sigiriya.
Once you reach the summit of Sigiriya Rock, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the stunning landscape. With Pidurangala in the distance and the lush jungle spreading across the plains to the horizon, it’s an unforgettable sight and a well-deserved reward for conquering over a thousand steps.
Then, proceed past the Mirror Wall. It was once believed that this wall was so smooth that King Kashyapa could see his own reflection in it, but nowadays its surface is much less glossy.
However, this does not diminish its significance—it is covered with ancient graffiti left by visitors to Sigiriya over the past 1500 years. It contains poems, impressions from visitors, and tributes engraved on its entire surface, much like in a huge ancient guestbook dating back to the 7th century.
Take a moment to admire the beautiful frescoes in Sigiriya.
One of the most famous attractions in Sigiriya is the fresco wall, known as the “Sigiriya Damsels”; 21 beautiful women, dressed in revealing attire and depicted with ample bosoms, offering trays of fruit or flower petals, painted on the rock surface.
These women are believed to be apsaras (celestial nymphs), the consorts of King Kashyapa, or possibly representations of Tara, a significant goddess in Tantric Buddhism.
Taking photos here is prohibited because flash photography is harmful to the frescoes. Unfortunately, previous tourists ignored the warnings about using flash, so now cameras cannot be used at all in this location.
You can always first view the frescoes and the Mirror Wall, and then proceed to the summit.
The Sigiriya Museum is also a significant part of your visit, and admission is included in the ticket price. It provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the history of Sigiriya and understand its importance. Inside, you’ll find a large three-dimensional model of Sigiriya Rock, explanations about ancient trade routes, and many photographs from early excavations conducted by the British archaeologist HCP Bell. Photography is not allowed in the museum.
Finally, make your way down the steep and rusty spiral stairs.
Hike to Pidurangala Rock
Trekking to the summit of Pidurangala Rock typically takes around 30 minutes. However, if you’re not feeling physically fit, it’s advisable to allocate 45 minutes to an hour.
Please remember to cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes when you start the Pidurangala Rock trail, as it passes through a Buddhist temple.
The trail is well-maintained until you reach the Pidurangala Cave Temple. After passing the temple, the path becomes more challenging, turning into a climb where you’ll need to find your way through large rocks and boulders.
Spray-painted signs indicating the safest route can be found along certain sections to help you.
While climbing, it’s essential to be cautious and mindful of every step. Many rocks are unstable, and there are snakes in the area.
Once you reach the main section of Pidurangala Rock, you’ll be able to enjoy a short walk amidst the stunning scenery.
The views from the summit of Pidurangala are unforgettable – unrivaled across Sri Lanka, especially at sunrise or sunset. From Sigiriya in the south to the Minneraya and Kaudulla national parks in the west, the panorama is breathtaking.
Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala Rock – which place is better?
When it comes to choosing between Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock, both places offer unique experiences but have their differences.
Sigiriya, also known as Lion’s Rock, is an icon of Sri Lanka with an impressive history and architecture. The climb to the top of Sigiriya is demanding, but the reward is a spectacular view from the top, magnificent frescoes, and fascinating palace ruins. This place is more commercial, which means it can be crowded, but it has better infrastructure, including guides, toilets (in the museum), and resting areas.
On the other hand, Pidurangala Rock offers a lesser-known but equally impressive adventure. The climb is less physically demanding but still provides magnificent views of the surrounding area, as well as of Sigiriya from a different perspective. It’s a more natural and wild experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
If you’re looking for a cultural and historical experience along with spectacular ruins, Sigiriya is the perfect choice. However, if you’re seeking an adventure in nature and a different perspective on Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock might be the right option for you.
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