Sri Lanka Travel News / 2019-12-04

The Pidurangala rock gained prominence during the reign of King Kasyappa between 473-479 AC. History has it that in an attempt to seek refuge, he fled to the Sigiriya rock in order to build a secure fortress for himself. But instead, found a monastery already built on the site. So as a respect to the monks he relocated them on the Pidurangala Rock and refurbished the existing monastery as sort of compensation.

Thus became the parable of the two Rock brothers located in close proximity with each other, making Sigiriya village the most renowned tourist spot in Sri Lanka.

In comparison to the Lion's rock (Sigiriya), the Pidurangala rock is much more of a challenging hike and is often over looked by tourists. Laden with steep, uneven pathways and narrow crevices, the climb is recommended only to those with greater physical fitness and medium statures. The ascent to the top will take you around 2 hours in total.

Scattered in various points of this vivacious climb, you will find within historical (yet abandoned) temples, a great deal of unique artifacts reflecting Hindu, Buddhist and even Western culture.

The iconic statue of the reclining Buddha can be found on your way to the top and is often the marked point signifying the second (and more arduous) stage of the journey.

All the hiking and fatigue will finally unveil to you a breathtaking panoramic vista of the majestic Lion's Rock nestled within acres of deep verdant greenery.

It's the ideal spot to sit back and take in the vastness of an open sky and watch as the colors interflow, making way to the rising or setting of the sun.

Although Pidurangala doesn't offer much of a rich history as its rival, it still gives a good competition. Most tourists start their day by witnessing the sunrise on Pidurangala and often head to Sigiriya in time for sunset.

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