Ultimate Guide: How to Hike Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya

Ultimate Guide: How to Hike Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

The Pidurangala Rock sunrise hike is a must-do in Sigiriya, so you can’t miss it on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Wondering how to visit Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka? Take a sunrise climb and enjoy the epic viewpoint of Sigiriya Lion Rock.

We think this is one of the best hikes in Sigiriya that should not be skipped.

This ultimate guide to the Pidurangala Rock climb includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the hike, and tips for visiting.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Pidurangala Rock?

Pidurangala Rock is a massive rock formation located opposite Lion Rock in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

When to Hike to Pidurangala Rock?

Sri Lanka is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Sigiriya is during the dry season, from December to April.

The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for hiking and exploring the Sigiriya & Dambulla areas.

The rainy season runs from May to September. During the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, hiking is not recommended, as the trail can be slippery and dangerous. We suggest you check the weather before your visit!

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For the best experience, visit Pidurangala Rock at sunrise.

How to Get to Pidurangala Rock

To get to Pidurangala Rock, you first need to get to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Most people come to Sigiriya from Colombo.

The distance between Colombo and Sigiriya is about 175 km, which is 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Colombo to Sigiriya with all the information you need.

Although there are several ways to get to Sigiriya, you will need a mode of transport on arrival to discover the best attractions of Sigiriya.

Therefore, one of the most exciting and best ways to get from Colombo to Sigiriya is to rent a tuk tuk and drive there yourself. The journey time by tuk tuk is approximately 4-5 hours. We rented a tuk tuk for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka for only 22 USD/day.

Travel Like a Local and Use our 5% Discount Code dittusandmate on tuktukrental.com

Read the full post → Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

From Dambulla, you can easily get to Pidurangala Rock by tuk tuk for 1000 LKR (3 USD) or by local bus to Sigiriya for 50 LKR.

You can get from Sigiriya town center to Pidurangala by tuk tuk for about 200 LKR (0,65 USD).

Pidurangala Rock Opening Hours

There are no official opening hours! You can stay at the top as long as you like.

Good to know
The ticket office is open from 5 AM to 6 PM.

Pidurangala Rock Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Pidurangala Rock is just 1000 LKR (3 USD) per person. In fact, it is a donation to the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple.

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Parking is free, but don’t leave food or valuables in the tuk tuk!

Pidurangala Rock Climb Time

The Pidurangala Rock climb takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take.

The downhill hike is lighter and takes about 20-25 minutes.

Pidurangala Rock Hike

The Pidurangala Rock hike is an unforgettable adventure, so don’t miss this magical experience at sunrise or sunset.

We left our accommodation at 5 AM by tuk tuk and reached the Pidurangala Rock parking lot in about 15 minutes. Be careful when driving, as some dogs were lying on the road at dawn!

From the parking lot, it is only a few minutes walk to the ticket office where you can purchase your ticket.

The hike starts at the white temple of Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya. Women should cover their shoulders and knees when passing the temple, so bring a sarong or dress appropriately!

The hike is challenging at dawn, with many stairs (more than 200 steps) and climbing over the rocks to reach the summit. You can’t miss the right direction, as many people hike at sunrise, and you can easily follow them. But there are painted arrows on the rocks showing the right way.

The last part of the hike is the most exhausting, but the tour down is very comfortable.

On the last section of the hike, we suggest you go to the left, which is the easiest way to the top. Alternatively, you can follow the route to the right, but there, you will have a big rock jump to the summit, which is dangerous.

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For the best experience, take a day trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and visit Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock, and Minneriya National Park. Book your tour here.

Pidurangala Rock Sunrise

It was a magical experience when the first rays of light came, and we enjoyed a spectacular 360-degree view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the surrounding landscape.

During our visit, there were many tourists at sunrise and a lot of people arriving when we descended. But the Pidurangala summit has a large area, so you will easily find a perfect spot to take photos or enjoy the view.

On the way back, allow enough time to see the Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple and the impressive reclining Buddha, which is about 12 meters long. The Buddha statue was reconstructed using bricks, but it was still a beautiful attraction.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at Pidurangala.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

Tips for Hiking

• A local guide is not mandatory! Because you can do the Pidurangala hike yourself.
• As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
• Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
• Allow enough time for hiking, as the many steps and the climbing over slippery rocks can make the hiking time longer.
• We recommend using a headlamp for safer dawn hiking.
• Don’t take unnecessary things with you!
• Bring a sarong or borrow one at the temple if they ask you to cover your shoulders or knees.
• The best view is at sunrise and sunset! Due to the very high humidity and temperatures, we do not recommend starting your hike in the middle of the day.
• Take care of your valuables, as there may be monkeys there!
• It’s good to know there are no toilets at Pidurangala Rock or on the trail.

What to Pack for Hiking

• Small backpack
• Light raincoat
• Hiking shoes or boots & socks
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera gear
• Extra water
• Snacks
• Personal medication
• Local money

Pidurangala Rock Hike Map

Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala Rock

One of the most frequently asked questions is which should I visit: Lion Rock or Pidurangala? Both places are located in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress hike is more popular than the Pidurangala Rock. But if you have limited time in Sri Lanka or are looking for the most incredible viewpoint in Sigiriya, we recommend Pidurangala.

The entrance fee to Lion Rock is 30 USD per person, so the entrance fee to Pidurangala Rock (3 USD) is an affordable alternative for backpackers or budget travelers.

Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient stone fortress 200 meters high with 1200 steps to climb. It attracts visitors from all over the world with its incredible paintings, the Mirror Wall, the Lion’s Paws, the water gardens, and the royal swimming pool.

Sigiriya Lion Rock was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

We think both places are worth a visit! For the best experience, we recommend visiting Pidurangala Rock at sunrise and Lion Rock at sunset.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Sigiriya

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

If you plan to visit Lion Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya is the best base.

You can spend 1-2 days in Sigiriya, these are our accommodation recommendations. We suggest booking accommodation with a private pool.

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Alternatively, stay in Dambulla, where accommodation is cheaper and about a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya.

Best hotels in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

• Luxury: Water Garden Sigiriya
• Mid-Range: Hotel Sigiriya or Sigiriya Village
• Budget: The Nature Park Villa

We stayed at the Nivadoo Resort for 2 nights, and it was the perfect base for exploring the Sigiriya attractions.

We hope you found our guide to Pidurangala Rock useful and will inspire you to visit Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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