Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala stands directly north of Sigiriya and is climbed for one reason: from the top, Sigiriya rock is seen entire, rising out of the plain, which cannot be done from Sigiriya itself. A temple occupies the lower slope, with a large brick reclining Buddha in a rock shelter partway up, and above that the path turns into a scramble over boulders to the flat summit. Sunrise is the standard time and the summit is crowded for it.

What you actually see

• The view of Sigiriya - the rock seen whole from across the plain.
• The reclining Buddha - a large brick figure in a cave shelter partway up.
• The boulder scramble - the final section climbed over rock rather than steps.
• The flat summit - an open rock top with the plain in every direction.

When to go

January to April is the driest. Sunrise is the classic time and the summit fills with people for it; sunset is quieter. Midday is very hot on the bare rock.

Honest expectations

The last section is a genuine scramble over boulders and is not for everyone; people are injured. Sunrise crowds are heavy and the summit is small. Modest dress is required at the temple on the way up.

Nearby

Sigiriya is directly south, and Dambulla is southwest.