Sigiriya is pricey for foreigners is climbing Pidurangala instead worth it

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Elise D.10025 rep2

The Sigiriya rock ticket for foreigners is quite expensive Is it worth it or should I climb the cheaper Pidurangala rock next door for the view What is the difference and best time of day

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4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

They offer different things. Sigiriya (the foreigner ticket is around 30 USD) is the actual UNESCO site: you climb the famous Lion Rock itself, see the frescoes, the mirror wall and the water gardens on top. Pidurangala is a fraction of the price and is the rock OPPOSITE Sigiriya, so from its summit you get the iconic photo OF Sigiriya rock at sunrise, which you cannot get from Sigiriya itself. Ideal combo: climb Pidurangala for sunrise (cheaper, fewer crowds, the postcard view), then do Sigiriya proper later in the morning for the history. If budget is tight, Pidurangala alone is a great view.

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Mahesh S.21660 rep1

For Sigiriya itself, go right at opening (7am) to beat both the heat and the tour buses. By mid-morning the steel staircases get a queue.

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Amber C.14695 rep2

Doing both, Pidurangala for sunrise then Sigiriya at opening. Merci, perfect plan.

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Elise D.10025 rep2

Pidurangala has a short rocky scramble near the top, not hard but wear proper shoes. The reclining Buddha on the way up is worth a pause.

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Daniel V.7985 rep2

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