The Pidurangala Rock, located a few kilometers away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is another archeological and religious site of Sri Lanka. The Pidurangala Rock is said to have been formed as part of volcanic activity many thousands of years ago. Around the time King Kashyapa came to Sigiriya seeking to make it his Royal Kingdom, there were many monks who resided in the caves near Sigiriya. As a symbol of good merit, King Kashyapa built a large monastery on Pidurangala Rock for the monks to reside in. Ever since then, the Pidurangala Rock has been a religious landmark of the region. Today the Pidurangala Rock is a popular attraction, as the climb to the peak of the rock is considered to be a pleasant hike, as the route to the peak goes through several scenic areas and ancient ruins