Arriving at Sigiriya via one of the back roads you confront the equally imposing monolithic mass of Pidurangala. Comparable
in height to nearby Sigiriya, its striking feature is the sloping western flank, devoid of growth and angled like the
surface of a peaked,wedge-shaped lectern.Regrettably, most visitors to Sigiriya never get to see Pidurangala, an equally ancient site with a remarkable climb to its summit.
When Kasyapa built Sigiriya, the lower elevations of Pidurangala were reserved for the royal monastery. today, Pidurangala is still a religious enclave. The main temple, Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya - from where the path to the top begins - is situated at the eastern base of the rock. The path is not always clearly marked or easily trekked. Don't let the steps at the bottom lull you into thinking otherwise. The higher you climb, the rougher it gets. But it's not along ordeal; at a leisurely pace the climb should only take 30 minutes.
After a series of steps, the trail becomes more obvious, winding through the foliage on the eastern and southern slopes of the rock. Sometimes it consists of rock steps, sometimes a way cleared through a tumble of natural debris. Pause to appreciate the shade and the calm, such a contrast to barren Sigiriya to the south.
These contrasts are inevitable on reaching a narrow terrace fronting a shallow cave. The view to the left provides a most dramatic vision of Sigiriya Seen from this angle - a side view highlighting the impregnability and isolation of the rock - it is clear why Kasyapa chose it. Staring directly at the Lion's Paw plateau you also get a better sense of just how dramtic the complete lion sculpture must have been.
Back on Pidurangala, the cave on the right was resided in by brick-and-plaster reclining 10th century Buddha that peers sublimely out at Sigiriya. Please consider removing your shoes for the short traverse of the area in front of this Buddha image.
After this, the path becomes more and more challenging. The way through a series of large rocks becomes less and less obvious. At the most confusing and difficult point,below an overhanging boulder,it is best to go beneath it or it around to the left. Beyond is the treeless expanse of the summit, far less steep than it looks from below, but from which the 360-degree vista of the surrounding plains is superb.
E.G GO NEXT POST CLICK THIS LINK RITIGALA
in height to nearby Sigiriya, its striking feature is the sloping western flank, devoid of growth and angled like the
surface of a peaked,wedge-shaped lectern.Regrettably, most visitors to Sigiriya never get to see Pidurangala, an equally ancient site with a remarkable climb to its summit.
When Kasyapa built Sigiriya, the lower elevations of Pidurangala were reserved for the royal monastery. today, Pidurangala is still a religious enclave. The main temple, Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya - from where the path to the top begins - is situated at the eastern base of the rock. The path is not always clearly marked or easily trekked. Don't let the steps at the bottom lull you into thinking otherwise. The higher you climb, the rougher it gets. But it's not along ordeal; at a leisurely pace the climb should only take 30 minutes.
After a series of steps, the trail becomes more obvious, winding through the foliage on the eastern and southern slopes of the rock. Sometimes it consists of rock steps, sometimes a way cleared through a tumble of natural debris. Pause to appreciate the shade and the calm, such a contrast to barren Sigiriya to the south.
These contrasts are inevitable on reaching a narrow terrace fronting a shallow cave. The view to the left provides a most dramatic vision of Sigiriya Seen from this angle - a side view highlighting the impregnability and isolation of the rock - it is clear why Kasyapa chose it. Staring directly at the Lion's Paw plateau you also get a better sense of just how dramtic the complete lion sculpture must have been.
Back on Pidurangala, the cave on the right was resided in by brick-and-plaster reclining 10th century Buddha that peers sublimely out at Sigiriya. Please consider removing your shoes for the short traverse of the area in front of this Buddha image.
After this, the path becomes more and more challenging. The way through a series of large rocks becomes less and less obvious. At the most confusing and difficult point,below an overhanging boulder,it is best to go beneath it or it around to the left. Beyond is the treeless expanse of the summit, far less steep than it looks from below, but from which the 360-degree vista of the surrounding plains is superb.
E.G GO NEXT POST CLICK THIS LINK RITIGALA
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