Yapahuwa Travel Guide

 
by Sambawalk
 
  •   Yapahuwa
    by Sambawalk
  •   Yapahuwa
    by Sambawalk
  • View from the top
      View from the top
    by Sambawalk
  •   Things to Do
    by Sambawalk
  •   Things to Do
    by Sambawalk
 

Explore Yapahuwa

Things to Do  

Enjoying the view
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hydronetta 903 reviews
splendid views

Once at the top and with not much to see there, just enjoy the luxurious greenery of the surrounding countryside. If you’re not used to it (like me) then it can be a jaw drop experience.

Written Oct 24, 2006

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At the top
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hydronetta 903 reviews

At the end of the stairs and through the the carved doorway (while you have been impressed by the grandiose entrance) you’ll face a bit of disappointment as the ruins there are not much to see. The Lion Terrace as it is called might have been the site of the Temple of the Tooth or of the king’s palace.

Written Oct 24, 2006

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The staircase
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hydronetta 903 reviews
1 more image

What makes Yapahuwa unique is the Maya looking like staircase. The stairs are step and not for heart-fainted. The staircase sides are decorated with statues of lions, elephants, goddesses and dwarfs. By the end of the staircase on the upper level is a carved doorway and windows. The quality of carving is considered as high

Written Oct 24, 2006

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At the basement
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hydronetta 903 reviews
base ruins of the city

Remains of the city which used to spread around the rock are hard to find and are located nowadays in the area at the bottom of the staircase. Mainly some foundations of buildings but nevertheless insignificant.

Written Oct 24, 2006

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Rock Fortress
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Sambawalk 1601 reviews
2 more images

Yapahuwa is a rock fotress rising 100m from a plainis similar in concept to Sigiriya. All the history can be found in your travel gide book. The practical points are that the admisison is Rs200. You can go up on your own in a clear mark staircase and path. The view from the top is wonderful. See more pics for the view from the top.

It is part of the arrangement in my 8 day chauffeur driven car itinerary. There are very few people visiting this place and you can have the whole fortess in your own.

Updated Aug 12, 2006

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Cave Temple
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Sambawalk 1601 reviews

The cave temple is located at the entrance of the rock fortress near the ticket office. It is locked and the caretaker is willing to show you the way, with a tip expected. The cave temple contains some 13th century frescoes.

Updated Aug 12, 2006

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Transportation  

Getting to Yapahuwa
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hydronetta 903 reviews
happy travellers...

If you're on your own car and river then Yapahuwa makes an easy stop on the way from Colombo to Anuradhapura.
If you're travelling by train then stop at Maho (served by trains from Colombo to Anuradhapura or local trains from Kurunegala) and there hire a tuk-tuk.
If you're using buses, take any bus between Anuradhapura and Kurunegala and get off at Daladagama. Then take a tuk-tuk. Estimated price of a return trip with tuk-tuk plus waiting time should be less than 500 Rs...given price rise after tsunami :-(

Written Oct 12, 2006

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Map of Yapahuwa