Hiking to the top of Pidurangala Rock is among the most exciting activities in Sri Lanka, so it was something we definitely had to experience for ourselves. Let us tell you, it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip! The hike itself is quite exhausting, but at the top you’ll reach an incredible 360-degree viewpoint with epic views of the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. Our guide to Pidurangala Rock covers all the essentials, from important advice before you set out, to the best tips for making it to the top. And, more importantly, we’ll answer the age-old question: Pidurangala Rock for sunset or sunrise? Get ready to add this unforgettable experience to your Sri Lanka bucket list!
Pidurangala Rock versus Sigiriya Lion Rock
Deciding between Pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka was a no-brainer for us, mainly because of the big difference in prices. The cost of climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock is about 10 times (!) more than Pidurangala Rock. As budget-conscious backpackers, that played a big part in our choice. We also talked to many other travelers who visited both, and they all agreed that Pidurangala Rock is the one that leaves a lasting impression. Both rocks are worth visiting, but for adventure and view, Pidurangala Rock is the absolute winner.
Even though Sigiriya Lion Rock boasts interesting history and holds a fancy UNESCO World Heritage Site title, the rock formation itself is the absolute star of the show. So the only catch is that when you’re standing on top after completing the hike, you can’t fully appreciate the beauty of the rock beneath you. Pidurangala Rock, on the other hand, offers a more adventurous climb. Unlike Sigiriya Lion Rock, which is mostly steps, Pidurangala Rock has you navigating over rocks. This is such a unique and cool experience that adds an extra layer of fun to the adventure. And remember, by climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock, you get that extra reward of seeing Sigiriya Lion Rock in all its glory! For us, it made sense to climb the rock that not only was cheaper and more adventurous, but also offered iconic views of Sri Lanka’s most famous rock.
Entrance fee and opening hours
The Pidurangala Rock entrance fee is 1000 LKR per person (about € 3). The ticket office opens around 5 AM and stays open until 6 PM, but these hours are not strictly enforced.
Pidurangala Rock for sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise is definitely the best time to visit the top of Pidurangala Rock. Waking up before the sun and making your way to the top to catch those early rays over the landscape… simply magical. No to mention the gorgeous colors of the sky! You can see the sky change before your eyes, so amazing! There’s something so magical about seeing the start of the day unfold in front of you. The only downside of choosing sunrise over sunset is that it is a little more difficult to reach the top, since it’s still dark. It makes the hike a little more tricky as well, especially the last part where you have to do some climbing. So be sure to bring a flashlight!
Now, if you’re not exactly a morning person, don’t worry – sunset at Pidurangala Rock is also pretty great, just a tad busier and the light will be different. The best things in life don’t come easy, though.
Good to know
If you drive on a motorbike, always pay attention because wild elephants wander around here. Especially the dirt road before you arrive at the ticket office is known to be an “elephant hotspot”. Keep your eyes on the road and your surroundings, don’t drive too fast and make sure to be prepared to stop at any second! We drove that road at around 5 AM and didn’t run into any problems, although it might’ve been too dark to spot any elephants around us. 😂 However, we heard from people that visited that same day (only 1 hour after we visited) that a wild elephant had tried to knock over a woman on a scooter! So bear in mind that things like this can happen.
Duration of the hike
The only way to reach the top of Pidurangala Rock is through a pretty tough 30-40 minute hike. The thing that makes it a strenuous hike (for us at least), is that a big part of the trail is just going uphill on pretty uneven stairs. We really don’t like climbing stairs! The rest of the hike is going up a rocky path, either via stairs or some kind of muddy path.
At one part near the end, you need to climb over some rocks to reach the top. This is really cool, but also a little stressy. There are almost no guard rails, the rope that’s there for assistance has definitely seen better days, and chances are you’ll have to wait a bit before it’s your turn. In a nutshell, it’s not the easiest trail, and you have to be really careful! Nonetheless, we really enjoyed it because the reward you get in return is absolutely stunning.
When you reach the top
After you conquered that last piece of “free climbing”, it is finally time to reap all the rewards! When you arrive at the top, whether for sunrise or not, an amazing panoramic view awaits. The top of Pidurangala Rock is really big, you won’t have trouble finding a spot where you can enjoy the amazing views. Most people will be sitting at the same side of the top, the side that offers the best views of Sigiriya Lion Rock. That’s what we recommend doing, too. Just pick a spot and watch the mist appear and disappear in front of Sigiriya Lion Rock. Truly a mesmerizing sight!
Once you’re done admiring Sigiriya Lion Rock, the fun doesn’t have to stop! Just walk to the other side of the top, where you can see amazing views of the lakes and rice fields of the surrounding area. It’s not the reason you’re there, we know that, but it’s a nice bonus we think.
To fully prepare you for your visit, we also wanted to mention that tons of stray dogs and little monkeys occupy the top. Usually they live in harmony, but during our 3 hours on the top we did see some fights between them! When that happens, it’s best to stay away because things can get quite heated. Also, watch out for those little monkeys as they are really quick to steal your bags or anything that’s available to them. We saw monkeys steal food, clothes, and go through plastic bags of tourists that didn’t pay attention!
With all this taken into account, we estimate you’ll be here for 2 to 3 hours (or even longer).
What to bring
For a smooth Pidurangala hike, make sure to pack the essentials below.
- Water: Bring enough water to stay hydrated during the trek. There are no shops along the way where you can buy water, so what you have in your bag at the start is what you have to make do with.
- Proper shoes: Even though the hike isn’t too long, it’s best to wear proper shoes since you’ll have to climb a bit. This means: no flip-flops, please! For the “free climbing” part you absolutely want some grip with your feet.
- Flashlight: If you’re hiking up for sunrise or coming down after sunset, we definitely recommend bringing a headlamp to light your way. The flashlight on your phone might do the trick, but for us it was a bit substandard and we were glad we brought a “real” one.
- Camera: The views at the top are totally Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget your camera!
- Sarong: Since the entrance to Pidurangala is through a Buddhist temple, covering your shoulders and knees is necessary. Bring a sarong or something to cover up, or wear clothes that do the job. This way, you can breeze through without any issues.
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