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Sigiriya
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Pidurangala Rock
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Pidurangala Rock

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See all things to do
Pidurangala Rock
5
2,490 reviews
#1 of 15 things to do in Sigiriya
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 6:15 AM
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About
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more strenuous than climbing Sigiriya. If you are fit and adventurous it is a climb worth making. It will take you about two hours. There is far less to see on this site than Sigiriya
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
79 within 3 miles
S.L.Kafé
56
0.8 miAsian • Sri Lankan
Anu's Mom Kitchen
12
0.6 miItalian • Chinese • Indian • German
King's Pavilion Sigiriya
9
0.6 mi$ • International
Sigiriya wew Thawulla Restaurant
230
1.1 mi$ • Asian • Street Food • Sri Lankan
Nalin's Village Food & Hand Wowen
3
0.6 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan
Wijesiri Family Restaurant
596
1.1 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Shenadi Restaurant
147
1.1 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Chooti Restaurant
453
1.1 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Cashew Nuts Restaurant Sigiriya
2
0.8 mi$$$$ • Chinese • Japanese • German
Little Hut
72
1.1 mi$ • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Attractions
16 within 6 miles
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
11,459
0.6 miAncient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sigiriya Museum
786
0.9 miSpeciality Museums
Sudath Safari & Tours Sri Lanka
5
0.8 miHistoric Sites
Minneriya National Park
1,997
National Parks
Rana's Travel Counter & Information Center
84
Visitor Centers
Dhilip De Alwis
45
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Habarana Cultural Centre
1
Civic Centres
Habarana Lake
29
Bodies of Water
Minneriya Safari
2
National Parks
Jm Tattoos Lk
1
Art Galleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,490 reviews
Excellent
2,123
Very good
305
Average
53
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Ulrikbuchert
Odense, Denmark487 contributions
Beautiful views of the area and Lion's Rock
Jun 2022
We can highly recommend climbing the Pidurangala Rock after having climbed Lion's Rock. From the summit there's a phenomenal view of the area and Lion's Rock. The trail to the summit is relatively easy, but consider hiring a guide for the trip. If you do ask for Sunil who gave us a wonderful experience on the climb. Actually, climbing both rocks in Sigiriya should be mandatory :)
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie
Copenhagen, Denmark43 contributions
Most fantastic view at sunrise (even better than Sigiriya Rock)!
Oct 2021
The view from the top during sunrise is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. We hiked to the top of the rock at 4 in the morning to see the sunrise and we were not disappointed. Beforehand we were not sure what to expect, as we could read a lot of different things about the difficulty online. But it was not difficult at all as there were steps most of the way. Some of them are steep, so if you are not in shape it will be difficult, but if you are just normally fit and wear good shoes and a headlamp if you are hiking in the dark, it's very doable.

You have to climb three or four boulders in the end, but we were very pleasantly surprised as we have done hikes in Sri Lanka that were much more challenging and much longer. It only took us 20 minutes to get to the top.

We also walked to the top of Sigiriya Rock, but we actually preferred this and it is MUCH cheaper!
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kai Wah
Malaysia2,790 contributions
Panoramic overlooking Sirigiya Rock
Feb 2020 • Couples
An entrance fee of LKR1,000 for foreigners to enter to this place. Before climbing up the rock, there is a Buddhist Temple at the foot of the climb. No shoes are allowed and appropriate dressing is required. The Buddhist temple was built since 5th century by King Kashyapa who killed his father (King Dhatusena) who fled to Sirigiya to avoid retaliation from his half brother, Mugalan. The built of the temple was meant for meditation purpose for the monks. Interesting graffiti within the temple with local worshippers and ritual can be seen within the temple. Two parts to climb up Pidurangala Rock. First part is pretty straight forward with proper stair case till reaching the Reclining Buddha statue at the cave. Pretty impressive authentic statue of the Reclining Buddha. Second part is after the Reclining Buddha where is more tricky with unclear path as one has to manoeuvre between boulders to reach to the top. Avoid going alone as it is possible to get lost or asking other travellers who are on the way back from the top, since there are some misleading paths. Precautions is required as it can be risky upon falling from the boulders. Upon reaching the top, the 360 degree panoramic view is well worth it especially overlooking Sirigiya Rock. Some travellers are here for sunrise or sunset watching. Our suggestion is to do Pidurangala first then proceed to Sirigiya since the later has more details to see in terms of the ruins of the palace on top, plus it is easier to do Sirigiya with proper staircase. Winds on top of the rock can be quite strong and nice to sit/ line down to relax. Total climb takes 30-45 mins to reach the top depends on individual fitness. Definitely a “No” for anyone who has phobia for heights and faint-hearted. One may need to use own discretion whether to climb to the top as we saw a couple in their 50’s gave up climbing the 2nd part of the climb, whereas a 85 years old man managed to reach to the top.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
selvakumar2015
Chennai, India684 contributions
Pidurangala - Difficult terrain - No facilities - Beautiful sunset.
Sep 2022 • Solo
This steep hill near sigiriya is not as popular as it's neighbour Sigiriya fort.
The hill is very steep to climb, the path is strewn with boulders and there are no handrail or steps.
The entry fee of SLR 500 is rather steep.
The place has no toilet facilities available.
When it gets dark, there are no lights to assist the tourists to safely climb down the uneven path.

Having said that, once you are able to reach the top, literally on your hands and knees, the sunset is beautiful with the majestic Sigiriya fort visible to the south.

We can also see a partly damaged reclining Lord Buddha statue almost half way to the top.
The top of the hill is bereft of any structure or a Buddha vihara.

It is suggested that the hapless tourists may be spared the trouble of wearing uncomfortable clothes just to pass a new Buddha vihara located near the ticket office.

Instead, the management of the Vihara can consider putting up a screen before the door/pinnacle.

Given an option, one can always choose to climb the Sigiriya fort for its varied attractions.

Wear comfortable clothes and put on your climbing shoes before attempting to climb the hill.

Brush up your rock climbing skills also.

You need to be not only young at heart but also have a young body to climb this rather difficult hill.

Not recommended unless you have already visited Sigiriya fort and are physically very fit.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Morgan
4 contributions
Beautiful view but very dangerous
Feb 2020 • Couples
The view from the top is absolutely amazing, on a clear day you can see the mountains that boarder Sigiriya and you have a beautiful view of Sigiriya rock itself! The climb to the top is rather tricky, it starts with a short walk through a temple (make sure you have your shoulders and knees covered, if not you can rent a sarong) followed by a few uneven cobble stone steps. Next, you have to climb over boulders. It is quite dangerous and whist we were clambering, someone fell and grazed their head, arms and leg. We also made the mistake of going up just before sunset and on a Poya day - making it extra busy. There was a large crush with an every man for themselves scenario making it even more dangerous. It was the same scenario on the way down. Pidurangala costs 500LKR (2.80USD) per person in comparison to Sigiriya Rock which costs 5,450LKR (30USD) per person. I would definitely recommend because the view was incredible and the price is so low however I wouldn’t recommend taking young children or climbing if you’re unable to clamber over boulders
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon Y
Bexley, Australia22 contributions
Dangerous climb at the last 10 mins.
Feb 2020 • Solo
I can see all the good reviews and It’s a great view up the top. But the organisation need to do something to get the path right at the last 10 mins to the top. It’s dangerous and not easy to climb. Saw some poor old folks struggling. Just matter of time somebody get injured. They need to put a short bridge in one section as a missed step you could fallen off. And railing to assist in ascent n descent. Collect 500 rupees but not giving the safety is a total let down whoever collecting the tickets.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kayleigh B
Essex, UK306 contributions
Warning: Very difficult climb
Apr 2022
Our driver encouraged us to do Pidurangula Rock for sunset instead of Sigirya and in my opinion it's the one bad recommendation he gave us. Yes it's 1/10th the price, but it's about 10 times more difficult. It was so hard that I actually gave up halfway!! For context I am not super fit, but I am in my early 30s and have never abandoned a climb up to any landmark before.
In 30+ degree temperatures and 95% humidity, it was punishing. I saw people struggling and actually crying! The steps are uneven, crumbling and frankly dangerous. The only picture my fiance wanted from the whole trip was from the top of this rock so he soldiered on, but at 6'3 even he really struggled getting up the rocks near the end. Tourists have to help push and pull each other up. The pictures he showed me from the top didn't even look that good anyway!
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kasthuri Arachchi Jr.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka7 contributions
The view and the relaxation
Oct 2020
Pidurangala Rock is only a 20-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock and costs about $3 to enter. The view from the top of the rock is more impressive than the more famous and popular Sri Lankan hill. The rock offers a chance to explore a more natural setting, visit cave temples, see what was once the largest brick reclining Buddha in the world, and experience history without the crowds. It could be the best $3 you have ever spent, and only takes about 2 hours to complete.

You’ll have to scramble up and over boulders after passing the stairs for few hundred steps from the entrance. It’s a short trip, but much more challenging than the previous section or any place at Sigiriya Rock. Make sure you have suitable shoes for this section and a headlight if you’re planning to climb it before sunrise or after sunset. It's a short but difficult climb, but it's a long way to reach the top of the rock.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sleepybexhill
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK1,516 contributions
The view is worth the climb.
Jan 2022 • Couples
At 500 rupees it’s good value for money. Plenty of relatively easy rock steps, followed by a scramble over large rocks at the very end of the climb. If you aren’t prepared for that don’t do the climb. I’m 70 and managed it OK. In the morning you get to climb in cooler conditions and most of the way you are in the shade. It was a little hazy when we got to the top, but we still had an impressive view of the Lion Rock and the surrounding countryside.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Original Critic
England, UK369 contributions
Best View Of Sigiriya Rock. Go At 7am To Avoid Tourists
Jan 2020 • Couples
| The Short |
This is the best way to see Sigiriya rock. The entrance is 500 rupees per person. There is parking for your vehicle just outside the main entrance.

| The Long |
Easily accessible by TukTuk or car Pidurangala rock is the best way to see Sigiriya rock. It is approximately 5km outside the nearby town. There are also public buses that pass the nearest junction and is approximately a 2km walk to the main entrance from here.

The main entrance is easy to locate. Walk in towards the temple and the ticket office is the right. Tickets cost 500 rupees per person.

The path is easy to follow but consists of multiple steps which can become slippery as they as narrown in places. However it is lit by lights if you choose to do sunrise or sunset. You will walk through a temple and it is respectful to have shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. The last part of track (after the laying down buddha) does consist of climbing over rocks and can be challenging. When you finally reach the last section head under the big rock rather than up the left or right side for an easier route to get on the rock.

We went up at 7.15am and there were multiple people coming down and by 7.30am it was really quite. If you are not fussed about sunrise I would head for this sort of time.

If you want to see Sigiriya rock rather than climb it this is one of the best options in the area and well worth the climb.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Pidurangala Rock (Sigiriya) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 AM - 6:15 AM
  • Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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We recommend booking Pidurangala Rock tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 163 Pidurangala Rock tours on Tripadvisor