Pidurangala - Dambulla

Cultural and Heritage

 

Pidurangala is a hill located close to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, and is known for its stunning views and historic Buddhist temple. The hill is about 200 meters high and is a popular destination for tourists who want to see Sigiriya from a different perspective.

At the base of the hill, there is an ancient temple called the Pidurangala Vihara, which was built around the same time as the Sigiriya rock fortress. The temple was later used as a meditation center, and today it is still a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists.

The climb up to the top of Pidurangala hill is steep, and it takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the summit. However, the climb is worth it for the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Sigiriya, the jungle-covered plains, and the distant mountains.

At the summit, there is a large rock formation, which provides a perfect vantage point for watching the sunrise or sunset. Many visitors come here to experience the serene and peaceful atmosphere, meditate, or practice yoga.

Pidurangala is also known for its resident troop of monkeys, who can be seen playing and jumping from tree to tree along the path to the summit. Visitors are advised to be cautious and keep a safe distance from the monkeys, as they can sometimes be mischievous and steal food or personal belongings.