A quick Instagram search about Sri Lanka will give you a long list of the obvious places to visit. Galle beach, Galle fort, Sigiriya monolith, Dambulla cave temple, Mirissa coconut hill and the Giant Swing are a few to note. While tourists often flock the many popular wonders of Sri Lanka, this one is often overlooked. The summit of Pidurangala – one of the most spectacular views ever, where the sun rises over the ancient Sigiriya.
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north and right opposite the famous Lion rock in Sri Lanka. Considering it less grand, tourists horde the Lion rock instead, which gives you an opportunity to explore this beauty in solitude. It is said that Pidurangala was formed by volcanic activity and appears to be larger than the Lion rock.
During my trip to Srilanka, I had 10 days and a lot to explore. I certainly had Sigiriya in my list, how can one miss it? First look at the google image is enough to convince anybody that it is a must visit. I landed in Colombo from Chennai from where I took a bus to Dambulla and the rest of the way to Sigiriya, cruised in a rickshaw. The entire journey from Colombo to Sigiriya was 4 to 5 hours on local transport.
Later that evening sitting with the homestay owner Mr.Fernando for a cup of chai and Kokis (Sri lankan sweet snack) we got to talking. He had much insight about the history and travels in Sigiriya. He then told me about Pidurangala; the ancient fortress. When I heard it was going to be a small trek and that it would end up in me capturing the sunrise, there were no more questions. It was decided that we would hike up Pidurangala for the view of the first rays.
When the alarm rang at 5.00 am, we jumped right out of bed, grabbed the camera and drove to the base of Pidurangala. There is a tiny office at the base where we bought our entry tickets for 500 LKR per person. Pidurangala Rock is quiet and evidently cool at sunrise which makes it the best time for a hike. Mr.Fernando said that this hike was tough, the path was uneven and that there was a decent amount of boulder climbing, which, in the dark, we feared would be a bit hairy. To my surprise, the walk was fairly straight forward. There is a staircase that starts at Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya Temple, and it is well defined for the majority of the walk till the peak.
Almost half a way up to the summit, we stopped at the 12.5 meter long reclining Buddha, which at one point in time was known as the largest brick statue of Buddha in the world. By this time the light was out but the sun was taking his time. The route was all uphill with very little flat section. By the time we reached the Lion rock view point it was bright and the clouds were covering the monolith.
The sun rises on the opposite direction and not against the Lion rock. Looking out from Pidurangala Rock to as far as I could see was green plains, the mist settling down like shimmering diamonds, the white layer of clouds like cream on coffee, the light bouncing off the trees and the changing hue. What an amazing sight it was! An inexplicable experience.
There were barely 30 people altogether as the sun rose. The peak of Pidurangala is a vast stretch of flat rock. We could see 360 degree views of the entire city of Sigiriya. It took us about 45 minutes to walk up the hill and we spent another one hour at the peak. Whilst it is a struggle to get up at 5.00 am and go for a hike, it was well worth the effort.
The sky was absolutely dramatic that morning. It was like a painting or like windows screensaver. Looking out from Pidurangala Rock at the horizon at sunrise was a magical experience, and one of the best things to do in Sigiriya. Not only can you see for miles in all directions, but you'll get the best view of Sigirya rock. We actually liked the views from Pidurangala Rock more than from Sigiriya itself, and it was also far less busy. The next time you are in Sri Lanka, I would urge you to add Pidurangala rock climb to your definite list.
Highlights:
Transport: Rickshaw
Timings: 5.00 am to 5.pm
Cost: 500 LKR entry fee, 300 LKR rickshaw
Essentials: Sports shoes, pants, water and camera
Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset
Bon Voyage!
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