Sri Lanka has a rich history of about 2500 years. There are places scattered all over Sri Lanka that reflect thousands of years of Sri Vibhuti. Matale district is an area that inherits several of them.
Sigiriya, located on the northern border of Matale district, is a popular tourist destination all over the world. Also known as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, this is a place where most of the foreign tourists who come to Sri Lanka visit without fail.
Pidurangala can be called as a place where Sigiriya was connected to the tree as bark since the past. Although Sigiriya is sometimes overlooked due to its extreme popularity, it is not second to Sigiriya in terms of historical importance.
Road to Pidurangala
Pidurangala is located Km from Colombo. m. About 180 away. On the Inamaluwa Sigiriya road, Pidurangala is reached after passing the entry point for climbing the Sigiri rock. This is approx from Inamaluwa Junction. m. It is located at a distance of about 3 Sigiriya is located at a height of about 349 meters above sea level, while Pidurangala is considered to be about one meter lower than that. When you climb to the top of Pidurangala, you can see the beautiful views of Hatpasa and you can also see a mind-blowing view of Sigiriya.
Pidurangala and online history
Pidurangala has a history that stretches back thousands of years. The history here goes back even further than Sigiriya and AD. B.C. It has functioned as an ancient Buddhist center since the second and first centuries. AD King Kasyapa, who reigned with Sigiriya as his administrative center between 477-495, built a large monastery and a Buddhist education center here and offered it to Rahathan Vanahsela.
What to see in Pidurangala
In addition to seeing the breathtaking scenery at the top of Pidurangala, visitors will find many places of historical and religious value from its base. To the left of the starting point of the Pidurangala climb, you can see the ruins of a dilapidated pagoda called Kasyapa Stupa. This is considered to be the place where King Kasyapa was cremated after his death. At the foot of the Pidurangala Rock, you will find the Pidurangala Rajamaha Vihara. Here, a cave temple, you can see old paintings like in Sigiriya. The present temple here was built about a hundred years ago, but it was completed among the remains of an ancient temple that was centuries old.
After worshiping it one can start climbing the rock. This climb is slightly more difficult than Sigiriya. It usually takes about an hour to climb and it is advisable to plan the trip to avoid midday when there is intense sunlight. The first part of the trek consists of stone steps and handrails and the last part is quite steep with a slightly difficult climb. Another ancient cave temple of historical value is found on the way, of which only a few ruins remain today. There is a 12.5-meter-long reclining Buddha statue here, and some of its collapsed parts have been restored in recent times. The head part was destroyed by treasure thieves about 50 years ago and is among the most recent restorations. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the top of this historic cave temple.
After reaching the top of the rock, a mind-blowing scene begins to appear. Especially from here, Sigiriya looks very beautiful. The ruins of an ancient pagoda are found at the highest point here. It is said that Sigiriya is visible from the top of Pidurangala, Pidurangala is also visible from the top of Sigiriya, and it is said that during the reign of King Kasyapa, King Kasyapa worshiped Pidurangala from the palace. It is considered that the children in Sigiri paintings are shown carrying flowers to worship Pidurangala.
Sigiriya and Ritigala are well visible on Pidurangala. If you reach here in the morning or in the evening, you can see the sunrise and sunset.
In addition to the places mentioned above, other historical ruins have been found in Pidurangala Rock and its suburbs. Meanwhile, there are things like old Dagab, a Bodhigarh, ruins of Sanghavas, and ruins of an ancient wall.
The nature of pidurangala
Like Sigiriya, Pidurangala is flat on top and has a space of several acres. However, because it is located at a certain incline, you have to walk carefully.
Points to be aware of while going to Pidurangala
Until recently, Pidurangala was not a very popular place among tourists, but due to the sudden popularity it received through social media, more and more tourists are attracted there recently. However, there are several things that should be taken into account during the journey to Pidurangala.
As there are two shrines at the foot of Pidurangala and in its center, its guards are concerned about the dress of tourists. It is advisable to wear clothes longer than the knee. In addition to this, you should carry a water bottle to quench the burn and a flashlight if you are going to watch the sunrise or sunset. It is also the duty of the tourists not to harm the environment and the things of historical value.