Yapahuwa Rock Fortress
යාපහුව
A short-lived capital of the 13th century; the richly carved staircase flanked by stone lions at the foot of the rock is exquisite, and visitors are few.
Yapahuwa was a temporary capital founded in the late 13th century by King Buvanekabahu I under the threat of South Indian invasions, and the Buddha's Tooth Relic was also enshrined here. The highlight is the steep, ornate staircase leading to the palace on the rock; the stone lions beside it and the carved friezes are masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan stone carving (the lion figure was once printed on old banknotes). The summit offers views over the plains, and the whole visit takes about an hour. Entry costs about LKR 1000. It is about 1.5 hours' drive from Dambulla and suits a stop on the way west from Sigiriya or en route to Colombo.
Opening hours
Approx. 7:00 am–5:30 pm
Nearby sights
- Namal Uyana
- Avukana Buddha Statue
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Nalanda Gedige
- Ritigala Forest Monastery
- Sigiriya Museum
- Sigiriya
- Habarana Village Tour (Hiriwadunna)