Pidurangala Rock
පිදුරංගල
A giant rock north of Sigiriya. Its summit offers a frontal panorama of Sigiriya and is the best place to watch sunrise, with admission far cheaper than Sigiriya’s.
Pidurangala Rock lies about 1.5 km north of Sigiriya, and an ancient Buddhist temple sits at its base. Climbing the stone steps for 20 to 30 minutes brings you to a brick-built reclining Buddha. The final section requires scrambling over boulders by hand and foot. From the top, Sigiriya and the surrounding jungle are laid out in full view. Admission for foreigners is about LKR 1,000 to 1,500, and the site opens early, just after 5 a.m. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds. Bring a headlamp and non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Sigiriya
- Sigiriya Museum
- Habarana Village Tour (Hiriwadunna)
- Minneriya National Park
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Ritigala Forest Monastery
- Namal Uyana
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa