Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

About this place

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is a 13th-century stronghold around a huge granite rock rising about 90 m above the plains, between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. A short-lived medieval capital of Sri Lanka, it is famous for its ornamental stairway, one of the finest survivals of the period. In 1272 King Bhuvanekabahu I moved the capital here from Dambadeniya in the face of invasions from South India, bringing the Sacred Tooth Relic with him. He built the palace and fortress in 1273 in the style of Sigiriya. After his death in 1284 the Pandyans invaded and seized the relic, and the site was largely abandoned to Buddhist monks and ascetics. The ornamental stairway of around 100 steps climbs at a steep 70-degree angle, designed to favour the defenders above. Stone lions guard it, and its walls carry fine carvings of dancers and decoration. At the foot lie a fortification with two moats and ramparts and the remains of buildings, while the summit holds the remains of a stupa, a Bodhi tree enclosure and a monks' cave, with wide views over the forest. The fortress lies about 37.1 km from Kurunegala and 56 km from Anuradhapura in a straight line. The climb to the top is steep and calls for sturdy shoes, so start early to beat the heat. At the temple and caves, remove your shoes and cover shoulders and knees, and do not pose with your back to Buddha images.