Which rock is better for sunrise photography, Sigiriya or Pidurangala?

For photography, Pidurangala is the clear winner. Climbing Pidurangala at 5:00 AM allows you to see the sun rising right next to Sigiriya Rock, giving you that famous panoramic shot of the fortress. If you are on Sigiriya, you are standing on the landmark itself so you cannot see its shape. Most travelers climb Pidurangala for the sunrise and then visit Sigiriya later in the day to see the palace ruins and the frescoes.