Two rock fortresses, one famous and one less so. Which one should you climb? The answer depends on how you feel about crowds, stairs, and sunrises.
Sigiriya is the A-list attraction in Sri Lanka. The climb itself is fairly gentle — a series of staircases winding up through terraced gardens, past the mirror wall and frescoes, to the fortress ruins on top. The views are exactly as good as the photos suggest. The problem? It's expensive ($30 entry for tourists), crowded by 9am, and you'll queue on the spiral staircases. The whole thing takes 2–3 hours including the base gardens. Worth doing if you've got time and want the full history.
Pidurangala is Sigiriya's less polished neighbor. It's a bigger physical challenge — the final section is scrambling over boulders, not climbing stairs. You'll need decent shoes and some upper body strength. But the payoff is huge: you get a panoramic view that includes Sigiriya rock itself in the frame. Sunrise from Pidurangala is the photographer's choice, because the light hits Sigiriya's face and you're looking at it, not standing on it. Entry is $5. It's quieter, sweatier, and in my opinion, more rewarding.
The straightforward call: do both if you're fit and have two days in the area. Pidurangala at sunrise, Sigiriya mid-morning. If you can only pick one, Pidurangala wins for the view and the price, Sigiriya wins for the history and the gardens. Your call depends on what you care about more — your Instagram feed or your knees.