Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks living around Sigiriya to a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. If mention Piduranagla rock height Both Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock are of similar height at about 200 meters (660 feet) high, with Pidurangala merely 1 meter shorter.
Pidurangala Rock History
It is a hidden gem now slowly gaining popularity thanks to the cult of growing Instagram influencers who have sealed the site’s fate, as one of the most scenic spots in the region. However, Pidurangala Rock also lays claim to its own fascinating history. This is closely tied to that of the Lion Rock aka the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the king who made it his royal abode.
The legend has it that after King Kashyapa, (477 to 495 AD) usurped the throne by committing patricide he feared retaliation by his brother, the rightful heir. He thus scouted for a secure location to build his palace. The king is said to have relocated the Buddhist monks who were occupying the cave complex at Sigiriya Rock to a new monastery in Pidurangala known as “Uppalavanna Kashyapa Girri Viharaya”, built under his patronage. Another popular belief is that the site was home to monks seeking seclusion even before the time of King Kashyapa and that its historical significance ebbed and flowed since the first and second century BC.
Pidurangala Climb Time & Best time to visit
The best time of year to visit and hike Pidurangala is during the dry season, between late December and early April. For the best chance of a perfect sunrise or sunset, March is prime time, as there's a limited chance of cloud cover.
Pidurangala Rock is a much more adventurous climb over its hugely touristy neighbor, Lions Rock. W with only a quarter of the steps and without the crowds. It's super family friendly and only takes between 20-45 minutes to make the climb.
How to Reach?
From Colombo to Pidurangala Rock 174km Far away. You can choose easy way to reach Pidurangala Rock.
What You Can Do Here?
If you visit in Pidurangala Rock, there are lots of things to do for your enjoying. You can hike; watch sunrise, visit pidurangala rock temple, sightseeing, take photos & many more.
Here is a long list of major things to do in Pidurangala Rock. Which the first time travelers can visit and experience.
Piduranagala Hike
You can easily plan your Pidurangala hike independently and a guide isn’t necessary. But make sure you come prepared and know where to go and what to bring so that no time is wasted!
Best time for pidurangala hike is morning. The hike only take us 20 minutes and was relatively easy despite the incline and some parts of the path being a little bit ‘off-road’.
Halfway through the hike, you will reach the Pidurangala Temple, which takes you back in time although not quite rivaling the history of Sigiriya Rock. Before you hike in pidurangala, you must take all you need accessories.
Watch Pidurangala Sunrise
Looking out from Pidurangala Rock to the plains below at sunrise is a magical experience, and one of the best things to do in Sigiriya. Whilst it is a struggle to get up at 4.30am and go for a hike, it is well worth the effort. You can must get this wonderful experience.
Visit Pidurangala Rock Temple
Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fort Sigiriya.
Watch Pidurangala Reclining Buddha
On the first landing is located shallow cave with a beautiful 12.5 meter-long statute of a recumbent Buddha. This statue was at one time the largest brick statue of Buddha in the world. It may originally have been commissioned by King Kasyapa. The head and torso of the statue were destroyed by treasure hunters in the 1960s and have been reconstructed.
Sightseeing
Here you can get more information about Pidurangala & watch calm, eye pleasing view.
Take Photos
You can take lots of pictures here. There is wonderful view.
