I had the privilege of hiking to the top of Pidurangala Rock, and I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable experience. The hike itself is both exhilarating and rewarding.. As you ascend, you'll be surrounded by the lush, vibrant greenery of Sri Lanka's countryside. Pidurangala Rock has an elevation of approximately 340 meters (1,115 feet) above sea level. As for the number of steps, there are around 500 steep and uneven steps that you'll need to climb to reach the summit. You start by passing through a temple, so need to remove shoes and cover knees and shoulders for 1st 100m. The entrance fees much lower than other places. It’s about $2.75 per person. The place has no toilet facilities. Early morning or late afternoon climb is advisable. 5.30am to 7pm it’s open for visitors. But, if you don’t have drive, try to climb down before too dark because tuk tuk is very expensive at night. The climb can be challenging, but the breathtaking views from the top make it well worth the effort. Upon reaching the summit, I was met with a panoramic view that left me in awe. The 360-degree vista includes the iconic Sigiriya Rock in the foreground and stretches out to the distant horizon, showcasing the beauty of the region. Watching the sunrise or sunset from Pidurangala Rock is a memory that will stay with you forever. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a nature-filled adventure, Pidurangala Rock is an absolute must-visit. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this gem in Sri Lanka; it's a true testament to the wonders of Mother Nature. Happy hiking!

The climb is long and tiring, but the view that greets you when you finally reach the top is worth everything. The summit is very windy, be sure to carry appropriate clothing. Sports shoes must be worn

You have to pay to climb but only $3 ( the other rock is $30) in a way this one is better as you have the view of Sigiriya Lion Rock, but there is no ruins at the top. Bit of a climb mainly stairs .. the top part is a bit of a scramble. I wouldn’t advise in the rain We went at sunset there is a great view . Our driver / guide came up with us and I was glad he did . If you are a bit unfit you can do it .. just take slowly and stop to rest . It’s worth it

The day we reached SriLanka, we headed for Sigiriya where we trekked the Pidurangala rock to get the sunset view. It took ~45 min to climb the rock, including adequate rests. There are stone made steps throughout the journey. Some bhramhi inscriptions, inclined Buddha statue can be seen on the way. It used to be very early settlement of Buddhist monks. Last 50 -100 m climbing was very challenging with no defined steps and almost vertical/ steep climbing on rocks ! But the view from the top was worth taking the risk. Recommend to use sport shoes, light wear and bagpack. Carry water. Try to return as soon as the Sun set, since it becomes difficult to walk in low light condition.

We visited on an overcast day to climb the rock, having read that this rock gave a good view over the main Lion’s Rock that people flock to Sigiriya to climb. The rock was a lot cheaper to climb that it’s neighbour and offered good views from the top. The majority of the climb was ok, mainly with stone steps, however the last 10m (5 mins or so) were very much “off roading” with a moment where you need to pull yourself up an almost sheer sheet of rock with a rope. Safe to say I bailed out on seeing this and left my partner to climb to the summit where the view of the other rock was. He reported that this last bit of the climb was treacherous and that people were being helped by guides and other more experienced climbers to get up and down. As it was slightly damp when we climbed this made it a bit more of a tricky ascent, and we were offered a guide by the ticket office, which we think wouldn’t have been needed, until the last section mentioned above. But people were helping each other out here as it seemed dangerous - regardless of if you had a guide or not. The views from the platform I stopped at (just prior to the peak with the laying Buddha) were nice, but you couldn’t see the Lion’s Rock. Ladies need to have knees covered as there is a temple on the way up! You can borrow a cover from the ticket office for your ascent. Overall, it was an ok experience, but not as easy as made out online and in the Lonely Planet, but by all accounts did give a great view of Lion’s Rock from the top.

We paid 1,000LKR at the entrance and went up without a guide. It’s up irregular rock steps until the last 50m or so when it becomes a tough bouldering challenge. We made it to the top and were rewarded by an incredible 360deg vista. Even if you decide not to go to the very top, it’s still worth going as far as the reclining Buddha. Not as commercial or busy as climbing Sigaria Rock and the benefit of seeing that landmark at eye level. Wear good walking shoes and clothes suitable for bouldering. We loved it.

A decent climb up a lot of steps initially followed by some bouldering at the end made the views all the more rewarding when we reached the top for sunrise. A local chap was guiding people how to scramble over the final rocks to reach the top, which then allowed everyone to copy. There was even a couple of wild dogs and monkeys at the top! Beautiful views of Lion Rock. Well worth the effort of getting up at 4.45am to meet the tuktuk driver who drove us there - felt safer with him because he’d have known what to do if we came across an elephant which apparently is not unheard of at this time of day🐘

Definitely the rock to climb first when around Sigiriya. Wake up early, do the climb for the sunrise, take wonderful pictures of Sigiriya rock, enjoy the view then go down and move to climb Sigiriya itself. Climbing Pidurangala is easy, there are some stairs , a very small element of scrambling , but nothing that an average person would not be able to do. It will take you 45 minutes to climb it from the start of the trekking path at good pacing. The view to Sigiriya breath-taking! Going early for the sunrise gives enough time to go down and then move to Sigiriya before the heath and the massive tourist crowds.

Sunset seekers, look no further than Pidurangala Rock! This climb might be challenging, but trust me, the reward is absolutely worth the effort. Unlike Sigiriya's Lion Rock, Pidurangala offers a breathtaking panoramic view with Sigiriya itself as the centerpiece. Imagine watching the fiery hues of sunset paint the sky while this majestic rock formation stands tall in front of you. For adventurers on a budget, the entrance fee is just 1,000 LKR for tourists (free for locals), making it an even more attractive option. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

We started out at 6 am, which means that we missed sunrise, however that also meant that we missed the crowds (LOTS of young people were coming down then) and we actually had the entire top to ourselves almost the whole time we were up there, and daylight, and daylight for the tuk there, and nice light and still not too hot. It is currently 1000lkr for entry. The steps are rocky, steep and uneven. It is a bit tougher than Sigiriya. Took us about 40 mins to get up (including lots of photo stops, and a couple of puffing spots). The last bit does involve “bouldering” for a short section (5 mins). But as I said, very achievable even for us, and no guide, or pushing/pulling required. Take your time, take care (you would NOT want to get injured up here) Great views of Sigiriya rock and surrounding plains. Worth it! Wear decent shoes Take care descending