What time does the Pidurangala Rock sunrise hike start?

We pick you up at about 4:00 am in Dambulla or 4:30 am in Sigiriya, so you start climbing at about 5:00 am and reach the top before sunrise, which is around 6:00 am.

How long is the Pidurangala rock hike?

Most people reach the summit in 30 to 45 minutes. The path has stone steps and a forest trail, with a short scramble over boulders near the top.

Is the Pidurangala rock climb difficult?

It is steep but short. Anyone reasonably fit can do it at a gentle pace. Wear shoes with good grip and bring a torch for the dark start.

Can I see the sunrise from Sigiriya instead?

Yes. When you book, choose Sigiriya Rock instead of Pidurangala, or add both climbs on the same morning.

Where is Pidurangala Rock in Sri Lanka?

Pidurangala Rock is about 1 km north of Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle, roughly 30 minutes from Dambulla by road.

Comfortable shoes with grip and light layers, as it can be cool before dawn. Cover your shoulders and knees near the temple, where you also remove your shoes.

Pidurangala Rock Sunrise Hike | Sigiriya at Dawn

Q: How much does the sunrise hike cost?

Private transport costs US$50 for 1 to 3 people in a car or US$75 for 4 to 7 people in a van. Entrance tickets are extra and paid at each site.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Watch the sun rise over Lion Rock on our private Pidurangala Rock sunrise hike. Your English-speaking driver picks you up from your hotel in Sigiriya or Dambulla before dawn, so you start climbing at about 5:00 am and reach the top in time for first light.

You choose the rock when you book: Pidurangala Rock, for the famous view of Sigiriya glowing in the morning mist, or Sigiriya Rock itself, climbed in the cool of the early morning. Want both? Add the second climb in the booking box. Private transport costs US$50 for 1 to 3 people in a car or US$75 for 4 to 7 people in a van; entrance tickets are extra.

Pidurangala rock hike: what to expect

The walk starts at the white Pidurangala temple at the foot of the rock. Stone steps and a forest path lead past an ancient reclining Buddha, and the last few minutes are a scramble over large boulders to the flat summit. Most people reach the top in 30 to 45 minutes. It is steep but short, and fine for anyone who is reasonably fit; wear shoes with good grip and bring a torch.

Sigiriya sunrise from the top

From the summit you look straight across at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising out of the jungle as the sun comes up behind it, often with mist drifting through the trees below. The Pidurangala sunrise is one of the best in Sri Lanka. Read more about Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Pidurangala Rock Sri Lanka: a little history

Pidurangala Rock stands about a kilometre north of Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Its cave temple has been used by Buddhist monks for more than 2,000 years, and tradition says the monks of Sigiriya moved here when King Kashyapa built his palace on the neighbouring rock in the 5th century.

More day tours from Sigiriya and Dambulla

This is one of our private day tours from Dambulla and Sigiriya. Prefer a later start? Book our Dambulla to Sigiriya tour.

Later startDambulla to Sigiriya TourSigiriya Rock · From US$50

Safari jeep with wild elephants in Minneriya National Park

Same afternoonMinneriya SafariWild elephants · US$60 per jeep

Gal Vihara Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa

Another daySigiriya to Polonnaruwa TourAncient city · From US$100

See all day tours from Dambulla and Sigiriya →

Highlights

Pidurangala Rock sunrise hike with hotel pickup before dawn
Start climbing at about 5:00 am and watch the sunrise from the summit
Classic view of Sigiriya Rock in the morning mist
Choose Pidurangala Rock or Sigiriya Rock, or add both
Private air-conditioned car (1–3 people) or van (4–7 people) with an English-speaking driver
Transport from US$50 · entrance tickets extra