29.01.2019 | Sri-Lanka, Travel

Climbing Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala Rock

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Hey guys, do you like to climb one of the most famous rocks in Sri Lanka? And do you know there is a second mountain next to Sigiriya Rock? Are you not sure which one has the better view? Climbing one of the two mountains is a must do in Sri Lanka and can be easily combined with doing a Safari in Kaudulla National Park. We want to share the differences between the two rocks and give you some tips.

Both rocks definitely offer a good view of the surrounding area. We would say Sigiriya Rock is famous for its hillside terraces on the top of the mountain. It is amazing to explore the different areas on this rock. In contrast, Pidurangala Rock is actually famous for its view on Sigiriya Rock. Both have nearly the same height. The main difference is the price. Due to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock will cost you 30$ and Pidurangala only 3$. Sigiriya Rock has an ATM, for Pidurangala Rock you will need Sri Lankan LKR. Sigiriya Rock is more crowded than Pidurangala Rock and you can only hike Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. If you have enough time, we would recommend climbing both. You can also climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise and Sigiriya Rock for sunset. With less time we would prefer Pidurangala Rock.

The famous Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya Rock is definitely the most popular landmark in Sri Lanka, also known as Lion Rock Fortress, because of the giant lion claws that function as an entry gate about halfway up the rock. The massive column of rock is a volcanic plug that was formed over 2 billion years ago in the middle of flat land. The surrounding rock is removed over time by wind and rain, while the hard volcanic plug material remains. The 200 meter high mountain became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
There are 1200 steps to reach the Lions Rock fortress on top of Sigiriya Rock, including several plattforms for a break with an amauzing view on the sourrounding area.

The way up – 1. Terrace Gardens and steps

The rock is surrounded by beautiful pleasure gardens with man-made ponds, canals, alleys, and fountains. From here you have the best view of the famous Sigiriya Rock.
Passing a long lane you will move upwards, then a few steps, a few meters on flat ground and a lot more steps.

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The way up – 2. Spiral staircase to the frescoes and the Mirror Wall

Take the narrow spiral staircase to see the old frescoes in the mountain, but you can also skip the staircase and walk on along the shiny mirror wall. The wall was polished in order to produce reflections.

The way up- 3. Lion Gate and the summit

Then you will reach the small plateau, the Lion Gate, halfway up to the top of the rock. All that’s left now are the claws, but scientists believe that the lion sculpture used to be much larger, including a head and shoulders.
200 more steps and you will reach the summit! The climb is worth the effort, the view is ahh-mazing! You will see the ruins of the former palace at the hillside terraces – there is a lot to explore. Take a walk around the pond and down to the lowest terrace. Little tip: On the way back down there is another beautiful platform!

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Who lived there?

Sri Lankan people believe it was built by King Kasyapa after he’d murdered his father, King Dhatusena, by plastering him into a wall, had seized the throne from his brother Mogallana and moved the capital to Sigiriya. Lion Rock later became a monastery complex, but it was abandoned in the 14th century.

Good to know

There are many guides roaming around the entrance area offering their help. It´s not necessary at all! All paths are clear and going with a guide who wants to show you a faster way for more money is dangerous! Be careful with the cheeky monkeys up there! They also warn about hornets, but we never heard anything bad about that.

The second mountain Pidurangala Rock – a good choise!

Many travelers agreed that Sigiriya Rock was great but it was Pidurangala Rock that was the more memorable experience. Pidurangala Rock has a much more natural feel and because it is located directly next to Sigiriya Rock it has truly the best view on the more famous Rock as it is only slightly lower.

The way up to Pidurangala Rock – 1.part to the Pidurangala temple

At the base, you will pass a white temple and temporarily get off your shoes. There you have to pay the 3$. The hike doesn´t ease you in. After a few minutes you will reach the stairs, the whole hike to the top took us around 20 minutes, although some parts need a little bit of a climbing. Halfway through the hike you will reach Pidurangala Temple, it is survived only by a few remains. A huge Buddha lays inside the temple.

The way up to Pidurangala Rock- the second part to the top

There are only 10 minutes left, although it means a little bit of climbing. At the top, you will have the best view on Sigiriya Rock and the sourrounding area. Spot some places you might have visited.

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The best time to climb

For both mountains it is best to climb as early as possible at 7am. For Pidurangala Rock you can also go for sunrise. On midday it gets very crowded. There are two monsoon seasons in South/West and North/East of Sri Lanka, both can have an impact on Sigiriya mountain, but far less than at the coast. Be prepared that there could be a heavy short shower most likely in the afternoon, just take along an umbrella or a rain jacket. Around Christmas there are a lot of locals climbing both rocks, you will be surrounded by 98% Sri Lankan people and it gets very crowded. We needed 5 hours to climb Sigiriya Rock, waiting in the crowds, nevertheless it was a great experience together with the locals.

Time for a Safarai?

From Sigiriya you can easily do a half day or a day trip to Kaudulla National Park. It will take you around 30-45 minutes to get there by car, but the Safari Jeeps normally pick you up at the hotel around 6 am in the morning or around midday. Kaudulla National Park is the best place to see herds of elephants!

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Where to stay

• We stayed in the bigger town Habarana and took a tuktuk to Sigiriya Rock: GoGo Green Hotel
• Hotel Sigiriya (Sigiriya is a lot smaller then Habarana when it comes to restaurants, but it is closer to the mountains)
• you can also do a day trip from Trincolomee

How to reach Sigiriya?

We booked a Pick me via the app from the International Airport to Sigiriya. If you stay in Habarana or Dambulla your hotel will organize you a transport. You can also take the bus to Dambulla/Habarana and another bus to Sigiriya. There is also a train from Colombo to Habarana.

Do you have more time left for this area?

• Dambulla
• Habarana
• Trincolomee