Hiking The Pidurangala Rock And Seeing The Sigiriya Rock: A Day Soaked In History, Adventure And The Magic Of Sunrise 

I have just shared my story of climbing the Sigiriya Rock. It’s huge, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the 660-foot stone remnants, is the perfect postcard of the cultural richness of Sri Lanka. 

I visited the Hindu temples of Jaffna and experienced their grandeur. I have also experienced the somber vibe and wondered at the architectural marvel of the Ritigala Forest Monastery

Now, if you think of the Pidurangala Rock, it is not the bucket-list material like the three places I have mentioned. I initially planned a hike of the Pidurangala Rock to have a different perspective of the Sigiriya Rock. 

The view from the top is mesmerizing. 

However, the Pidurangala Rock is not just the lesser-known neighbor of the Sigiriya Rock. It was an ancient Buddhist Monastery and is famous as the home to a 1500-year-old massive statue of Lord Buddha. 

Also, watching the sunrise from the top of the Pidurangala Rock is an ethereal experience. 

I hope you have guessed by now. In this blog, I will share my experience of climbing the Pidurangala Rock, watching the sunrise from there, its history, and other details. 

The History Of The Pidurangala Rock

The History Of The Pidurangala Rock

The history of the Pidurangala Rock is over two millennia old. King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Fort his seat of power and asked the monks to shift here. He made suitable arrangements to build amenities for the resident monks here. 

In fact, the rock gets its name from “Pidu + Ran + Goda.” It means the offered piles of gold. Thus, the name itself explains how King Kashyapa made donations for the development. 

Furthermore, the Sigiri Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple is still inside the caves. 

Also, the site has a 1500-year-old massive Buddha Statue in a reclining position. The treasure hunters ruined it partially in the 1960s. However, it has been restored. 

Today, the Pidurangala Rock is a protected archaeological site containing ancient caves, a 5th-century stupa, and remains of a second stupa on the summit.

How To Reach The Pidurangala Rock From Kandy?

How To Reach The Pidurangala Rock From Kandy

Hiking the Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be an extension of the mixed bag of things to do in Kandy. 

The journey from Kandy to the Pidurangala Rock

1. The Long Haul From Kandy 

You can catch a bus from the station behind the Kandy train station to Dambulla. This is a journey of 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Furthermore, the ticket will cost you around 1.14 USD or 200 LKR. 

2. The Short Haul From Kandy 

Once you reach Dambulla, you will get local buses to Sigiriya. The ticket price is around 40 LKR, and the travel time is just 30 minutes. 

What Is The Entry Fee For Pidurangala Rock?

While researching Sigiriya Rock, I was shocked to find that the entrance fee is $36 USD per person.

a steep price tag considering how affordable the rest of Sri Lanka is. 

Aside from our $35 USD Yala National Park safari, it was the only major expense I encountered during my entire month-long trip. In fact, my 5 days in Jaffna were quite a budget-friendly affair. 

However, the Pidurangala Rock was a stark contrast. I paid only 300 LKR, which was less than 3 USD at that time. 

Want to know more about my holiday in Sri Lanka? Read my guide on the Ambuluwawa Tower and things to do in Trincomalee

I also visited Mount Lavinia Beach

Hiking The Pidurangala Rock

Hiking The Pidurangala Rock

The hike to the Pidurangala Rock took me around 20 minutes. However, my heart was really pumping. 

I climbed up a steep set of stairs, and that was an excellent morning workout for me. 

Then, the trail ran into a scramble, and here, I found some large boulders. 

You don’t need to use your rock climbing skills here. However, you will definitely need your friend’s hand to hoist yourself up. 

Now, as I reached the top, I saw the long-awaited silhouette of the Sigiriya Rock. It looked magical against the backdrop of a golden morning sky. 

The only complaint I had was the crowded main viewpoint. A local guide showed me a place that was around 20 feet down. 

There was hardly a soul, and the view was unobstructed. 

The Sunrise Mission On The Pidurangala Rock

Hike the Pidurangala Rock before or during the sunrise to be a part of nature’s magic. See how colors form before your eyes. 

Do not walk or hike at the site once the Sun is down, as the elephants are out then. I took a tuk-tuk before sunset to reach the base. 

It cost me around 500 LKR. 

The trail begins at the ancient Buddhist temple. So, you have to be respectful in your attire and demeanor. 

How To Have The “Perfect” Sigiriya Day?

If you are an adventurous soul, you can actually climb both the rocks in one day. You can see the sunrise at Pidurangala and be back at Hotel Sigiriya to catch some quick refreshment and relax. 

Then, in the late afternoon, you hike the Sigiriya Rock for the best sunset experience. 

Where To Eat And Sleep In Sigiriya?

Sigiriya is small and spread out, so stay near the “center” (look for Pradeep Restaurant on the map).

I loved Kalana Homestay. A cheap, friendly, and right in the mix. If you want luxury, Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs further out.

Moreover, Pradeep Restaurant and Shenadi are the two places where you will find the best meals. 

What To Bring For A Hike To The Pidurrangala Rock?

Since the hike begins near a Buddhist temple, women are asked to cover their shoulders and legs out of respect. 

Because of the heat, a sarong is the perfect solution. You can stay cool and easily tuck it away once you’ve passed the temple grounds.

Forgot to pack something modest? Don’t worry, as the ticket office usually has scarves available to borrow. 

Just make sure you’ve also packed sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay comfortable on the trail!

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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On The Go: Packing Essentials For Your Next Adventure

BY  Ankita Nov 21, 2023

For those who love venturing off the beaten path to experience the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer, your success and your safety in enjoying your next adventure will depend on the essentials you pack to carry with you. While enjoying the wind and sun or exploring a new destination can be exciting, gratifying, and even relaxing, these emotions can quickly turn into worry, fear, and exhaustion if you’re unprepared. Selecting what is essential to your well-being on the move can be challenging, whether planning a six-month, six-day, or six-hour adventure, mainly if you have limited packing space. Planning is the key to your success. Phone  It’s impossible nowadays to even think of going somewhere without your smartphone. You don’t want to leave home without yours. Consider including a universal travel adapter depending on your destination and acquiring a local SIM card to remain connected in the event of an emergency or if you want to enjoy a bit of entertainment while on the go. 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READ MORE Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park Elephants: The Adventure Safari, Best Time To Visit, Ticket Price And More  

BY  Sibashree Mar 11, 2026

My trip to Kandy was one of the best cultural experiences I had in Sri Lanka. From Kandy, I decided to further go for a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park.   I certainly could not miss watching the elephants, and more so, because unlike many rehabilitation centers, the elephants are not chained at the Kaudulla National Park.   Also, I was staying at Habarana, which is very close to the national park. So, traveling was easy for me.   Hi, in today’s guide, I will talk about my encounters with the most intelligent and empathetic animals in the world, the elephants in Sri Lanka.   However, before that,  I will share some essential details about visiting the National Park.    Where Is The Kaudulla National Park?   The Kaudulla National Park is located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. It is located at a distance of around 197 km from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.   Furthermore, the distance between Kandy and the Kaudulla National Park is around 122 km. Kandy, in the central province, is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.   Also, the major gateway near the Kaudulla National Park is Habarana in the Anuradhapura District. The distance between these two places is around 28 km.   In addition, thanks to the proximity to Habarana, the Kaudulla National Park is close to national parks such as the Kalawewa National Park and cultural and historical attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock, and the Ritigara Forest Monastery.   How To Reach The Kaudulla National Park?   The Kaudulla National Park is well-connected to many major airports in Sri Lanka. However, the Sigiriya (GIU) Airport is the closest to the National Park, and the travel time from the airport to the national park is around 53 minutes.   The second-closest airport is Trincomalee, which is around 55 km away.   Also, if you are traveling from the Colombo Airport, around 157 km away, you have to first reach Habarana, and then you can travel to the Kaudulla National Park.   How To Reach The Kaudulla National Park From Habarana?   Buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks are easily available from Habarana to Kaudulla National Park. You will get a bus once a day from Habarana, and the bus to Gayola is run by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB ICT).   It takes around 19 minutes to cover the journey. Moreover, you can contact +94 112 581 120 to know about the journey and ticket prices.   Furthermore, you will get a private taxi from Habarana, and the cost is around INR 240 or 680 LKR.   What Is The Best Time To Visit The Kaudulla National Park?  August to December, or the dry season, is the best time to visit the Kaudulla National Park.   It is the best season because the elephants gather here in the dry season in search of water. They migrate here from the nearby national parks.   Furthermore, in a day, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit the national park, as wildlife sightings are at their maximum in these hours.   What Are The Kaudulla National Park Ticket Prices And Hours?  The Kaudulla National Park remains open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM. However, safaris in the national park are conducted early in the morning and late in the afternoon.   The safari tour tickets in this national park start from $95.   Moreover, once you pay for the safari tour, the entry fee to the park is also included. The ticket also includes a free pick up and drop off to and from the hotels of Minneriya, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Kandalama.   Kaudulla National Park Jeep Safari Price And Timings  Safari Tours Timings Tour Price (5 PAX) Kaudulla Evening Safari 1 PM to 3:30 PM $95 for Adults $30 for Children (6-11 Years) Free for Children Under 5 Years  Kaudulla Morning Safari 6 AM to 9 AM $95 for Adults $30 for Children (6-11 Years) Free for Children Under 5 Years  Kaudulla & Minneriya Full-day Safari 6 AM to 7:30 AM $190  You can call the Kaudulla National Park contact number, +94776487757, to know more details about the safari ticket prices.   My Experience On The Kaudulla National Park Elephant Safari   The jeep drove down the extensive stretch of dirt road, and we entered the national park. Within minutes, our first encounter with the wildlife was a jackal.   As we continued through the main road, Kumar, our guide, kept showing us different monkeys, birds, and lizards.   I was loving the experience, apart from the dodges we had to do to get away from the low-lying branches of the trees.   After a drive for a while through the dense forest, we finally reached the grassland, and the Kaudulla Wewa Lake was the first major stop on the way.   1. Kaudulla Wewa Lake  After reaching the Kaudulla Wewa Lake, the first thing that caught my eye was the branch of an old tree. 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The number of jeeps was decent, and each of the jeeps maintained a safe distance from the animals.   Moreover, the elephants were not chained, and they were roaming freely between the Kaudulla Park and other neighboring parks.   What Are The Other National Parks To Visit Near The Kaudulla National Park?   Along with the Kaudulla National Park, Habarana is also the gateway to the Minneriya and Kalawewa national parks.   1. Minneriya National Park   You can reach the Minneriya National Park with a short drive from the east of the Habarana town.   However, as I have already mentioned, you can take a combined safari tour of the Kaudulla National Park and Minneriya National Park.   Moreover, this national park, covering 90 square kilometers, has elephants and many other wildlife.   2. Kalawewa National Park   The Kalawewa National Park is home to the rare breed of tusked elephants in Sri Lanka.   Also, you have to take a drive of around 45 minutes west of Habaraba to visit the Kalawewa National Park.   Moreover, December to March is the best season to visit this national park.  

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BY  Arnab Jun 19, 2023

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