Pidurangala
Located right in the heart of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, otherwise known as Lion Rock, is an ancient palace and fortress built in 480AD atop a unique rock island that rises 200m above the jungle below.
The Fortress, full of abandoned palaces, gardens, waterways and frescoes, has always been an important part of Sri Lanka history, and its become one of the country’s most visited cultural heritage sites (read our guide to Sigiriya here).
While there's no doubting Sigiriya's astounding beauty, historical significance, and dramatic features, at USD $30pp, it can be a little expensive for those on a strict budget (ie. backpackers like us!).
Fortunately, Pidurangala Rock, located adjacent to Sigiriya, provides equally epic views of the surrounding area, a historic cave complex of its own, a tenth of the crowds, and the most incredible view overlooking the famous Sigiriya rock.
Hiking Pidurangala Rock for sunrise has become something of a right of passage for backpackers visiting Sri Lanka (check our Sri Lanka itinerary), and it was something we had to experience for ourselves.
From the peak, watch the stunning sunrise from this rock-top viewpoint, with panoramic vistas over Sigiriya in the distance. Stare in awe as the sun lights up the misty forests, lakes and villages, showering the vast central Sri Lankan landscapes in golden hues.
In our view, you can’t visit Sri Lanka without a visit to Pidurangala and Sigiriya. Explore Pidurangala Rock yourself with our complete guide, featuring all the tips you need to have an incredible experience.
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PIDURANGALA ROCK HISTORY Both Sigirya and Pidurangala Rock are volcanic hills rising out of the lowland jungles and central plains of Sri Lanka, and are steeped in history and mythology. Briefly, when King Kashyapa arrived in Sigiriya in the 5th century, he discovered Sigiriya itself was a monastery complex. Wanting to build a fortress atop Sigiriya for himself, he offered to build them an alternative, similar monastery at close by Pidurangala Rock. As the legend goes, King Kashyapa offered a ‘golden monastery’, or ‘Aran gala’, which would later become Pidurangala, which literally means "offered piles of gold”. The monks duly obliged, and a Buddhist monastery was built in the caves and rocks around Pidurangala. Now, all that remains is the ancient cave temple and reclining Buddha which you pass on the way up, and a stupa near the temple entrance which is believed to mark the spot where King Kashyapa was cremated. So despite the epic insta-views, know that monks have been walking these very footpaths and enjoying the vistas for over 1,000 years!
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THE VIEWS FROM PIDURANGALA The 360° views from the summit of Pidurangala will blow you away - there’s simply no better view in all of Sri Lanka, especially during sunrise or sunset. To the south lies Sigiriya, where the best views are head. Facing Sigiriya, turn right and move down the rock face a little for the clearest views, framed by the jungles below. The majority of the summit is a curved rock which allows for plenty of exploration, so don’t be afraid to take in the scenery from all angles, including over Minneraya and Kaudulla National Parks to the west.
