Witness the sunrise from Pidurangala Rock, where the first rays of light illuminate the surrounding scenery and the morning mist clears from the jungles. It's a magical place and moment in Sri Lanka that should not be overlooked. The big boulder, which is the tallest point, has plenty of room for tourists to stroll around and take in the scenery. Discover panoramic views of the valley as well as a rare sight of Lion's Rock!

Pidurangala's entrance is about 2 kilometers north of Lion Rock's. It is a very short drive to the foot of the rock if you remain in Sigiriya city.

Pidurangala Rock is located in Sigiriya, a small town in Sri Lanka, and is just a 200 LKR tuk-tuk ride from the town center. If you're coming from Sigiriya, a tuk-tuk is the fastest way to get there because it's a little long to travel from town and there are no buses.

Dambulla is another popular destination for visitors to Pidurangala Rock. Dambulla has a lot of cool things to do, such as the famed Dambulla Cave Temple and the Rose Quartz Mountains.

Buses run from Dambulla to Sigiriya. A tuk-tuk ride from Dambulla to Sigiriya will cost about 1000 LKR either way. The bus, on the other side, will cost about 50 LKR in either direction. After arriving in Sigiriya, take a 200 LKR tuk-tuk to the rock.

If you don't want to bother saving a few rupees, you can arrange a tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Pidurangala rock return for about 2,000 LKR, and they'll even wait for you at the bottom. They will normally wait for 2 hours, but if you need more time, make sure to talk ahead of time!

People often travel to Sigiriya on a day trip from Colombo. If you want to do this, hiring a private driver is the safest option.

It's a medium-difficult 30/40-minute walk up to the summit, with some boulder climbing at the end that can be intimidating. Allow for a little more time to visit the reclining Buddha and the lovely murals halfway through.

The main gate is open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, you can be on the rock after that point, but not before.

Hiking up Pidurangala Rock when it's raining is risky, so keep an eye on the weather. From December to April, when the days are dry and the sunrises are bright, is the best time to visit this region.

Pidurangala Rock is best hiked at sunrise or sunset. Many people believe that sunrise is preferable, but given the direction of the sun and the fact that the Pidurangala rock has a 360-degree view, it doesn't matter.

If you plan to hike at dawn or sunset, check the sunrise time and bring a flashlight. You'll be hiking in the dark, and the road isn't the best – not to mention the snakes!

Pidurangala Rock is a 200-meter-high rock formation situated next to the famed Sigiriya Fortress. Sigiriya is an ancient castle perched on a huge rock column.

The Pidurangala Temple is directly connected to the Pidurangala Rock. The past of Pidurangala Vihara is thought to predate the first and second centuries BC. Pidurangala has been used as a Buddhist monastery since its establishment, but it rose to fame during King Kashyapa's reign (473 - 495 AC).

According to legend, Prince Kashyapa assassinated his parent, King Dhatusena, and fled to Sigiriya in search of a more safe location to avoid revenge attacks from his half-brother, Mugalan. When King Kashyapa arrived, the Bhikkus who were meditating there were asked to relocate to the nearby Pidurangala. As recompense, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and elevated it to a prestigious position.

The entrance fee to Pidurangala Rock is LKR 500 (USD 3) per male. This fee serves as a gift to enter the temple. Tickets are available at the box office from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours are not strictly enforced, although we do ask that you contribute. It's very inexpensive and well worth it!

At the start of the trail, you must cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes. Cover-ups are sometimes available, so carry your own during busy hours.

If you want to go to the rock at sunset and linger until dark, carry a flasher. Snakes are in the forest, so be cautious.

There are no toilets at Pidrangala Rock or along the trail.

Especially: Plastic and polythene should be avoided.

We have compiled all of the necessary details about Pidurangala Rock for you here.