Spectacular Pidurangala in Sri Lanka

Asked for the most rewarding destinations in Sri Lanka, our shortlist would definitely include Pidurangala. Pidurangala rock is the smaller brother of the world-famous Sigiriya lion rock. Of course, Sigiriya is even more amazing than Pidurangala. However, almost every traveller knows Sigiriya, thus it is a little bit crowded and therefore has a mass tourism touch. In contrast, Pidurangala is almost undisturbed and therefore gives you the impression of being an explorer.

There is a lot to see in Pidurangala. In the plains you can find ruins of a typical monastic complex from the late Anuradhapura period. Furthermore, at the bottom of the rock is a modern monastery with some ancient cave temples in the typical Kandy style. Climbing the hill, you will see a series of natural rock shelters. They were significant finding places of remnants of a prehistoric culture. Pidurangala’s main attractions are higher above the ground. The jungle path leads to one rock shelter occupied by a huge brick sculpture of a recumbent Buddha from the Sigiriya period. Morning hours are the best time to visit it when the sunlight reaches the lonesome sculpture. From here you can climb the very top of Pidurangala rock, which is an even more phantastic vantage point than Sigiriya, although not of the same altitude. But try it to find out: We do not exaggerate. Pidurangala has the best panoramic view in the entire Cultural Triangle area.