Pidurangala - one of Sri Lanka's most amazing attractions, nature & culture

Pidurangala seems to be nothing more than the smaller neigbouring rock of Sigiriya. Although Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s most visited heritage destination, not many travellers find their way to the Pidurangala rock, which is situated only 1 km further north. That’s fine, as it allows independent travellers to enjoy a world-class attraction undisturbed by the crowds. Actually, there is a very lot to see in Pidurangala, as this rock monastery has indeed four major attactions. Firstly, in the plains just below the rock is a typical example of a ruined ancient monastery from the Anuradhapura period, very similar to the Pabbata Parivena type. Secondly, a typical Sri Lankan cave temple with image houses in the style of the Kandyan period can be seen at the base of the rock. Thirdly, a lush green jungle path climbs from that Pidurangala temple, which is still inhabited by monks, uphill along a series of prehistoric abris to an upper terrace with a reclining Buddha in a rock shelter, which is actually one of the most enchanting places with a Buddha statue on the island of Sri Lanka. Last not least, the views from the summit plateau of Pidurangala are even more exciting than those from Sigiriya, as the steep monadnock of the Lion Rock can be seen from a distance. It’s the perfect view to Sigiriya and to the entire central plains of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The breathtaking vistas and the lonesome Buddha statue are rewarding enough indeed to claim that Pidurangala is one of the best places to visit on the island of Sri Lanka.

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