Pidurangala - the not so known Gem of Sigiriya, Srilanka

Those words are still ringing in my ears -

You cannot see how the elephant looks by standing on elephant. You'll have to take a side view and that's why we are here..

The guide, who accompanied us, hiking Pidurangala Rock, mentioned in two lines, why we were at top of Pidurangala and why the sight was once in a lifetime experience and why pain of climbing odd rocks was all worth.

Marked on Sri Lanka's national tourism brochure, Sigiri's world famous Lion Rock picture was taken from top of Pidurangala and now you know why :-)Before taking virtual tour, crisp pointers about Pidurangala -

Opens at 5 am and closes at 6 pm

Best for Sunrise or Sunset view

Shoulder and knees to be covered

All you need would be - Hiking shoes, water bottle, some fun snacks, camera and spirit

Tuk-tuk is the best way to reach Pidurangala, if you don't have your own vehicle

Pidurangala means "offered piles of gold"

One of the memorable experience would be to see the shining,48 ft long sleeping Buddha at the time of Sunrise