By Umesh's Travel Lens
Location: Yapahuwa, Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
Visited on: 16th September 2024
Introduction
Tucked away in the heart of the North Western Province lies
one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating yet often overlooked historical
sites—Yapahuwa Rock Fortress. Once the capital of the island in the 13th
century, this magnificent stronghold tells a story of kings, invasions, and
architectural brilliance carved into stone.
As a travel photographer passionate about both history and hidden gems,
Yapahuwa was a dream to explore through my lens.
The First Glimpse
Approaching
Yapahuwa, the first thing that strikes you is the majestic granite rock rising
over 90 meters, piercing the surrounding greenery. At its base lie the remnants
of a once-thriving kingdom—crumbling yet proud, whispering tales of a bygone
era.
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| View of the Yapahuwa Rock |
The Magnificent Staircase
Perhaps
the most iconic image of Yapahuwa is its ornate stone staircase leading up to
the royal palace complex. Guarded by intricate lion sculptures (one of which is
now featured on Sri Lankan currency), the stairs are a marvel of medieval
Sinhalese architecture.
Walking up those ancient steps, I couldn’t help but feel transported to another
time.
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| Close-up shot of lion guard |
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| Stairs of Yapahuwa |
The Palace Ruins & Temple
At
the top, you'll find ruins of the palace and a Buddhist shrine. According to
history, Yapahuwa once safeguarded the Sacred Tooth Relic before it was moved
to Kurunegala Kingdom. The view from the summit is breathtaking—360 degrees of
surrounding villages and forestland.
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| landscape shot from the top of the rock |
Wildlife & Surroundings
Interestingly,
Yapahuwa is not just for history lovers. It’s a great spot for nature
photography, too. During my visit, I encountered playful monkeys, lizards, and
colorful bird species that frequent the nearby vegetation.
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| View from the top of the Yapahuwa |
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon (avoid
mid-day heat)
- Entrance Fee: free entry for locals
- What to bring: Water, sun hat, camera gear
- Nearby attractions: Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Daduru oya Riservoir,
Arankele Monastery
Through My Lens
Yapahuwa may not be on every traveler’s list, but it truly
deserves to be. As a historical site, it captures the resilience and
craftsmanship of an era long past. As a location, it offers one of the best
blends of history, landscape, and wildlife—exactly what Umesh’s Travel Lens is
all about.
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| Entrance of the Dalada Maligawa |
Final Thoughts
If you're someone who loves forgotten places and hidden
treasures, Yapahuwa is your spot. Add it to your travel list and experience the
soul of ancient Sri Lanka, one step at a time.
📌 Don’t forget to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
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| Architecture of Yapahuwa |
How to Reach Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka,
approximately 140km from Colombo and about 50 km from Kurunegala town.
By Bus:
From Colombo, take a bus heading to Anuradhapura, Vavuniya (bus
route 57) and get off at Daladagama Junction. From Daladagama Junction, take a
local bus to Maho and from Maho take galtamwewa bus to yapahuwa. Total travel
time is around 4–5 hours.
From Kurunegala take a bus heading to Maho and From Maho take
a galtamwewa bus to Yapahuwa or take tuk-tuk from Maho to Yapahuwa (around 5
km).
By Train:
You can take a train from Colombo Fort to Maho Junction via
the Northern Line or Eastern line. Trains run daily and the journey takes
approximately 3.5–4 hours. From Maho Station, you can hire a tuk-tuk or take a
local bus to reach Yapahuwa Fortress.
© Umesh Chamodika. All images and content are the intellectual property of the author. Reproduction or use without written consent is strictly prohibited.
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