The Past

Pidurangala is an ancient temple (Vihara) which was constructed on the eastern part of a massive rock. The history of this temple goes back to the 1st and 2nd century BC, when the Pidurangala temple was used as a Buddhist monastery. During the time of King Kashyapa (473–495 AC), he requested the monks who were around Sigiriya Buddhist monastery to move the Pidurangala temple area as King Kashyapa started to build his place and fortress. As respect and help in return, Kind Kashyapa refurbished Pidurangala Temple and its surroundings.

Today you can see a few Buddha statues, an old temple and some ancient inscriptions.

Right now

Today, Pidurangala Rock is a major attraction and a must-visit place on your bucket list. Most travelers sometimes skip Sigiirya Rock and visit Pidurangala Rock, as the route to the top of the rock is more exciting and full of nature than Sigiriya.

Pidurangala Rock is all about nature and a totally different experience. There are millions of rocks all around the world, but Pidurangala Rock is so unique and unbelievable.

After the ticket counter, you need to remove your shoes to pass through the temple area and cover your body with a cloth if you wear skinny or short pants. This is only to pass through the temple area, and beyond that you can wear shoes and start climbing. On the way back, you need to do the same.

The best time to visit Pidurangala Rock will be in the afternoon. If you start the climb around 2.30pm to 2.45pm, you will reach the top by 3.30pm or a little early.

Until the end, the route to the top is not that difficult. But there are a few places you need to get some support from others. In my photos we are using the best possible route to the top at the very end. You will have three options and take the middle path between rocks. It’s really narrow, but it is the easiest way to get to the top.

Spend some time searching around the summit and you will see how nature starts to change and so many beautiful colors of nature will appear when the sun goes down. Sit on the rock, relax and enjoy the sunset as you like. A good camera or a phone camera will be ideal as your photo collection will be huge.

My photos will tell the whole story.

On your way back, you can use a phone flash light or regular flash light as there are some places really dark after 6pm.

Temple authorities will not allow anyone to stay beyond 7pm. So everyone needs to return on the same day.

Travel advice

• The ticket counter will open at 5am and close at 6pm. Local cash payments only for buying tickets. The ticket counter will be open until 5.30pm and issue tickets. Until 5pm, it’s good to go up. However, experience will be limited.
• A small hike of 20min to 45min depends on your speed.
• Please bring some cover-up clothes if you are wearing skinny or short pants. You MUST cover your shoulders and knees.
• 1 liter water bottle
• Good jogging shoes. No flip-flops
• A torch or flashlight will be helpful.
• There are no toilets on the way up or on the way to the top. So please use it before starting climbing. In the Temple area, you can find it.
• Sometimes, travelers use bicycles as their transport. If that is the case, you better come down from the rock before it gets dark and leave at least before 6pm. Because sometimes wild elephants will be on the road from Sigiriya to Pidurangala. At night on bicycles will be a big problem.