Pettigala Kandy

Awesome location in Teldeniya. Short and rocky hike up the hill through lush foliage and cool shadiness of the trees and wines but a tiny bit challenging because it's a rocky trail all the way up. You need to pass through a Buddhist temple to start on the trail to the Pettigala rock. There are two caves to look at along the way and one with an ancient art pattern stamped onto the rock ceiling on plastered clay.

Pettigala, once known as Pethiyagala, is a hiking area situated in Teldeniya in the Kandy district. It is a moderately tall mountain standing at 760m, with an altitude variation of 200m, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

Breathtaking scenery at the top, a must do short hike for all travel enthusiasts and hikers.

It’s a short, interesting hike through woods, but the view is just fascinating. You see the Victoria Reservoir when you climb to the top of the mountain. There’s a fine breeze and the feeling at the top is totally worth it.

On the rainy days, the route is slippery, so don’t forget to wear your hiking shoes. No tickets issued.

A must-see place, you can climb Pettigala while watching the Bambaragala Rajamaha Vihara, you can see the old Theldeniya city up

Pettigala is located in Kandy district, Digana area. If you are planning to go by bus you have to take Senerathwela bus from Digana town. And before get off from the bus driver which time is there another bus. So, you can how much time you have to spend there.
First thing you can see is there is a small shop on the left side but do not sure about that shop because it is not open everyday. So you better take your foods, and water bottles with you.
You can see the Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya entrance. When we enter the temple you can see come caves on the left side. You have to go up to end of the rock stairs and then you can find old temple. You can visit there and there are some old drawings inside the temple.
After that you can find a path to go up surrounding by trees and rocks. You can start your hike from there. It is not a dangerous hike, but pay more attention if you are planning to go during raining days because during the raining days the path is somewhat slippery.
There is an amazing view from the top of the Pettigala. You can see 360° view in the top area. It is a beautiful area.

Anyone interested in thrilling adventure should visit this place. It's recommended to avoid rainy days as there's no proper road to climb this rock. You need to have some Tarzan skills to climb the final part of the rock. But that's not that difficult.

There are friendly dogs on your way to top. I would recommend you guys to take some food for them if possible.

Nestled in the heart of Kandy lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Bambaragala Ancient Temple and Pettigala. This lesser-known treasure offers travelers a unique and rewarding experience, easily accessible through a gentle 30-minute hike. As you ascend, you'll unveil not only stunning panoramic vistas but also a rich historical and natural tapestry.

The journey to the summit is a delightful stroll through lush greenery, occasionally revealing captivating glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you'll stumble upon intriguing cave formations, echoing with the whispers of time and mystery.

Upon reaching the pinnacle, you'll be greeted by a spectacle that words alone can't do justice to. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to a majestic view of the expansive Victoria Reservoir, its glistening waters stretching far and wide, seemingly touching the horizon. The rugged mountain ranges that cradle this reservoir add an element of grandeur, creating a visual masterpiece that will leave you in awe.

The best times to embark on this enchanting journey are either early morning or late afternoon. During these hours, the sun's gentle embrace casts a warm and captivating glow over the landscape, enhancing its natural beauty and tranquility.

Bambaragala Ancient Temple and Pettigala are not just about breathtaking views but also an opportunity to connect with nature, history, and the sense of wonder that comes with exploration. This hidden treasure, often overlooked by many travelers, promises a memorable experience that will linger in your heart long after you've left its serene embrace

This as by far the best experience i had so far in Srilanka. Climbing this rock from the tempel. No one there, it was just me and all these wonderful views. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. And just in front of the stairs, leading you to the tempel, there is an womens initiative who are wieving beutiful textiles. Chech them out.

Very nice rock on top of a mountain. 360 degree view point around Victoria resoviour and Victoria dam. Can visualise both ends of mahaweli river and huluganga river ends of Victoria resoviour. Victoria dam is visualised from the resoviour side. Therefore can't see the beauty of spilling off the dam. Very calm and quite friendly environment. Bit difficult to climb at certain places. But those are arranged with ropes and things. Please don't harm those or natural environment during your visits. Can easily enter through bambaragala temple. Better to inform thero before entering. They are helpful in any situation. Safe parking available at bambaragala temple.
Travel and enjoy

One of the best views for sure. Highly recommended place to see a breathtaking view just by 30 minutes hike.

Nice hike. Better if avoid day time. Prefer morning or evening. Need to access through Babaragala Rajamaha Viharaya.

The best place to hike in Kandy. Only 2 hours of hike. The view after the hike is a worthwhile.

A beautiful place in the city "Pettigala"
Pettigala is a mountain about 760 meters high located in Theldeniya area of Kandy district. Although it is quite difficult to reach the top by going through the jungle environment, you can finally see a beautiful view of the Victoria reservoir and other mountain ranges from the top of Pettigala.
Distance from Kandy -20.7 km

After you arrive to the bambaragala temple, you can park your vehicles in the temple. Just follow the stpes which lie and you'll get to the entrance to pettigala, it's a bit strenuous hike, male sure to get some water bottles and something to eat. Top view is very beautiful. Make sure while you go back to digana stop at NLDB outlet.

How To Get To Pettigala From Kandy
The Pettigala hike is located approximately 20 kilometers from Kandy in the Pethiyagala Teldeniya District. However, since most people tend to stay in Kandy, I'll provide directions from here.

By far, the best and most convenient option to get to the Pettigala hike from Kandy is to take the public bus. I suggest walking to the central Kandy Market Bus Stop, where there are dozens of buses departing on different routes. Ask for a bus to "Digana. " There should be a bus departing every 30 minutes or so.

This bus route travels east along the Mahaweli Ganga and stops at several small villages en route to Wegala. Overall, expect a 45-minute bus ride from Kandy to Digana.

Once you arrive, you can pay a rickshaw driver to take you the remaining 5 kilometers to the Bambaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya Buddhist Temple (the start of the Pettigala hike). However, instead of getting a rickshaw, we decided to walk from Digana, which only took us about 45 minutes. We followed the length of Victoria Gold Club Road before arriving at the stone steps of the Buddhist Temple.

This is Balangoda Pettigala, not Kandy Pettigala. Don't get confused
All these people posted wrong photos.
This mountain is hard to climb.
If you want to go to Pettigala in these photos, search Babaragala Rajamaha wiharaya on the map.
In particular, this mountain is very beautiful.
If climbing, definitely climb with someone from the village below.