Pidurangala Rock Hike In Sigiriya

The Pidurangala Rock hike is fast becoming the most popular thing to do in Sigirya. So here’s our guide to an amazing view for a cheap price.

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How To Get To Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is located in a small town named Sigirya, close to the town of Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.

Most tourists choose to stay in the more built up area of Dambulla, where you can find many more accommodations and restaurants.

From Dambulla the easiest way to reach Pidurangala Rock is by tuk tuk.

A two way tuk tuk from Dambulla should cost roughly 2,000 Rupees. This is includes the 30 minute ride to Sigiriya, the 2 hour wait whilst you explored the Pidurangala Rock Hike, and the return journey home.

We arranged this through out accommodation, however if you barter with the local tuk tuk drivers on the street, they should be happy to agree on something similar.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Pidurangala Rock Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee: 500 Rupees per person.

This price includes head and shoulder covers for visiting the temple.

Pidurangala Rock Opening Times

There are no opening hours for Pidurangala as it’s a public footpath.

However, we wouldn’t recommend visiting outside of daylight hours.

Pidurangala Rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka — Will it be worth the climb?

Pidurangala Rock Vs Sigirya Rock

Before arriving in Dambulla, of course Sigiriya Rock was at the top of our radar.

Sigiriya Rock, or Lion Rock as it’s also known, is famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of gardens, reservoirs and other structures.

The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano, attracting thousands of tourists to Sigiriya to climb and take in the views from the summit.

It wasn’t until we arrived in the city and started talking to other travellers, that we found out about Pidurangala Rock. Another large, naturally formed tourist attraction with insane views! Views of the almighty Sigiriya Rock.

This of course led us to the dreaded question ‘Which rock to climb in Sigiriya?’ So we broke it down:

Entrance Fees:

Pidurangala Rock – 500 Rupees

Sigiriya Rock – 4500 Rupees

Wait Times:

Pidurangala Rock – No wait

Sigiriya Rock – Up to 3 hours

So after weighing up the options and speaking to locals, backpackers and people that had climbed both, they all advised us to do the Pidurangala Rock Hike.

They mentioned how there were no crowds, you got a way better view from the summit, and the wait time on the stairway Sigiriya Rock could sometimes push up to 3 hours.

So that was it. Decision made! And it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made throughout our travels!

What To Expect On The Pidurangala Rock Hike

We set off in to morning around 10am and headed in our tuk tuk towards Pidurangala Rock.

We paid our entrance fee, stocked up with water and tighten up our laces ready for a hike!

Upon entry there’s a pretty little temple at the bottom, which ladies you’ll have to cover up for, but the 500 Rupee entrance fee includes head/shoulder covers if needed.

Past the temple and about a 15 minutes climb up, there are a few other interesting attractions to look out for!

Rock formations, a reclining buddha and even a couple of cobras can be spotted on the way up. It’s shaded most of the way up, so it’s not too difficult of a hike. Just watch out for the monkeys!

Buddha At Pidurangala Rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka — As well as a huge reclining Buddha

As for the view from the top, it was insane!

Pidurangala Rock really is a beautiful hike and well worth the climb. It gave a 360 degree span of Sigiriya and of course looked out to the famous Sigiriya Rock.

As you can see from the photo’s it doesn’t really need much more explaining!!

We sat at the top for a while and just took in the fresh air/panoramic views. It wasn’t at all busy, so we sat and chilled as we saw the queues develop on the stairway in the distance of the famous Lion Rock!

Sigiriya Rock From Pidurangala Rock Sigiriya Sri Lanka — But nothing beat the view of Sigiriya Rock from the top

Pidurangala Rock View Sigiriya Sri Lanka — Pidurangala Rock – A day we’ll never forget!

Where To Stay In Sigiriya

Luxury – Water Garden Sigiriya

With Sigiriya Rock and a lush countryside as its backdrop, Water Garden Sigiriya offers a spa and wellness centre and a fitness centre.

The resort has an outdoor pool and offers views of the pool. Free WiFi and free private parking is available on site.

All villas come with air-conditioning. A large living area offers pristine views of the pool.

Guests can have a walk in the verandah and have a dip in large private pool and unwind.

Certain units include a private bathroom with a spa bath, while others have bath robes and slippers.

Mid-Budget – Royal Retreat,Sigiriya

Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a seafood restaurant, Royal Retreat, Sigiriya is located at a distance of 3-minute drive from Sigiriya Rock.

Free WiFi access is available. Each air-conditioned room here will provide you with a cable TV, veranda and a minibar. There is also an electric kettle.

Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

At Royal Retreat, Sigiriya you will find barbecue facilities and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, luggage storage and a children’s playground.

Budget – #BEDBOX

Situated in Dambulla within 1.6 miles of Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium and 2.1 miles of Dambulla Cave Temple, #BEDBOX features rooms with free WiFi.

Among the various facilities are a garden and a shared lounge.

Some rooms at the property include a terrace with a garden view. The daily breakfast offers local options.

For more places to stay in Sigiriya, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.