sigiriya

Pidurangala Rock photography lighting at sunrise versus sunset

Asked 7 months agoSeen by 446 travellers

Leo F.•13655 rep•2

I want to get the best photo of Sigiriya Rock from Pidurangala. For professional photographers, is the lighting better during the sunrise hike or the sunset hike.

sigiriya hiking photography

edited 7 months agooneceylon_staff8,819

asked 7 months ago

Leo F.•13655 rep•2

editedoneceylon_staff

7 months ago

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.

For dramatic lighting, sunrise is vastly superior. The sun rises behind you, casting a beautiful golden glow directly onto the face of Sigiriya Rock. At sunset, you are shooting directly into the sun, which puts Sigiriya in shadow unless you are specifically going for a silhouette shot.

answered 7 months ago

Nimal W.•11540 rep•1

If you go for sunrise, bring a very bright headlamp. The last 10 minutes of the climb involve scrambling over massive boulders in complete darkness.

answered 7 months ago

Maya T.•17105 rep•2

Sunrise is much better for photos, but be prepared for a massive crowd at the top. Everyone has the same idea. Sunset is usually a bit quieter.

answered 7 months ago

Zoe R.•12560 rep•2

The ticket office at the temple base opens very early, around 5:00 AM. Make sure you dress appropriately to pass through the temple grounds before the hike begins.