Two Lions, One Dawn: Climbing Pidurangala and Sigiriya from Colombo
Sunrise on Pidurangala, stairs up the Lion Rock—two climbs, one unforgettable day.
Just before dawn, the plains around Sigiriya hold their breath. Palms go still. A soft wind prowls the grass. As you step from the tuk-tuk at Pidurangala Temple, the rock ahead looks like a sleeping animal—broad-backed, watchful, waiting to see if you’ll make the first move. A monk’s bell rings once, faint in the cool air. You pull a sarong over your knees to pass the temple, tighten your laces, and begin the climb.
Trail Wisdom
Go Pidurangala First
Aim for sunrise at Pidurangala, then tackle Sigiriya by mid-morning to avoid the heaviest crowds and midday heat.
Dress Modestly at the Temple
Shoulders and knees must be covered to pass Pidurangala Temple; carry a lightweight sarong or scarf in your daypack.
Mind the Scramble
The final section of Pidurangala involves hands-on scrambling over smooth granite—wear grippy shoes and keep three points of contact.
Respect the Rock (and Hornets)
At Sigiriya, keep voices low near posted areas; hornets can be provoked by loud noise. Follow ranger guidance and signs.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Reclining Buddha ruins partway up Pidurangala
- •Mirror Wall inscriptions and Lion Paws terrace on Sigiriya
Wildlife
Toque macaques, Grey langurs
Conservation Note
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; stay on marked paths, avoid touching frescoes, and never feed wildlife.
Sigiriya was transformed into a sky palace by King Kasyapa in the 5th century CE; monks displaced during construction were resettled at Pidurangala.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Clear mornings, Wildlife sightings
Challenges: Rising heat by April, Isolated thunderstorms
March to May brings warm, often clear mornings ideal for sunrise on Pidurangala, with occasional afternoon showers.
summer
Best for: Dry trails, Consistent visibility
Challenges: High temperatures, Intense midday sun
June to August is typically dry in the Dry Zone around Sigiriya—expect strong sun and plan early starts.
fall
Best for: Lush landscapes, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Inter-monsoon showers, Slippery rock surfaces
September to November can bring periodic rain that greens the plains; pack a light shell and watch your footing.
winter
Best for: Cooler mornings, Soft light
Challenges: Northeast monsoon influence, Short rain bursts
December to February offers pleasant temperatures with brief showers—mornings are especially comfortable for climbing.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight Hiking Shoes with GripEssential
Crucial for Pidurangala’s smooth granite scramble and the many stairs on Sigiriya.
2 Liters of Water + ElectrolytesEssential
Heat and humidity demand steady hydration; add electrolytes to prevent cramping.
Sun Protection (Hat, SPF 50, Sunglasses)Essential
Open rock and exposed steps make sun coverage essential, especially in the dry season.
Modest Cover-Up (Sarong/Scarf)
Needed to pass Pidurangala Temple respectfully if your hiking attire doesn’t cover shoulders and knees.
Common Questions
Can I climb both Pidurangala and Sigiriya in one day?
Yes—sunrise at Pidurangala followed by a mid-morning ascent of Sigiriya is a popular, efficient plan.
Do I need a guide?
Not for the climbs themselves, though a licensed guide at Sigiriya can enrich the visit with history and context.
Is there a dress code?
To pass Pidurangala Temple, shoulders and knees must be covered. Sigiriya has no strict dress code, but modest attire is respectful.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes—Sigiriya requires a ticket purchased on-site, and Pidurangala typically requests a small donation to the temple.
How many steps are at Sigiriya?
Expect more than 1,000 steps from the water gardens to the summit, with some sections exposed and steep.
Can I fly a drone?
Drone use is tightly regulated and typically not permitted at Sigiriya without official authorization from relevant authorities.
What to Pack
Grippy hiking shoes for Pidurangala’s scramble; 2L of water plus electrolytes to handle heat; sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen for exposed rock; lightweight sarong/scarf to respect the temple dress code.
Did You Know
The Mirror Wall at Sigiriya preserves hundreds of poems and visitor inscriptions dating from the 8th to 10th centuries, offering one of South Asia’s earliest records of vernacular verse.
Quick Travel Tips
Depart Colombo before 3:30 a.m. to make Pidurangala sunrise; carry cash for donations and small purchases; buy Sigiriya tickets at the site and keep them handy for checkpoints; combine with Dambulla Cave Temple if you plan an overnight in the area.
Local Flavor
After the climbs, refuel in Sigiriya or Dambulla with rice and curry, string hoppers, and a fresh king coconut. Try fiery pol sambol and cool it with wood-apple juice. In the evening, a cold Lion Lager pairs perfectly with sunset views across paddy fields.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Bandaranaike International (CMB), Colombo. Trailheads: Pidurangala Temple car park; Sigiriya ticket office and water gardens. Drive time: 3.5–5 hours from Colombo; 25 minutes between Dambulla and Sigiriya. Cell service: Generally good in towns; intermittent on the rocks. Permits: Sigiriya entrance ticket required; modest dress and small donation at Pidurangala Temple.
Sustainability Note
Pack out all waste, keep voices low near wildlife and signed hornet zones, do not touch or photograph with flash near the frescoes, and avoid feeding monkeys—human food harms them and disrupts natural behavior.
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